Fix Select Objects Tool Not Selecting Shapes and Ink in Word
Question details
The user is unable to select shapes and ink objects simultaneously using the Select Objects tool.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to select multiple objects (shapes and ink) together in a Word document for bulk editing, moving, or grouping.
- Observed behavior
- The Select Objects tool fails to highlight or capture both shapes and ink at the same time, often ignoring elements depending on their layout layer or the Office version in use.
Verify your Microsoft Office version, as older builds may have inherent bugs with the Select Objects tool. Updating to Office 2021 or Microsoft 365 can automatically resolve basic object selection inconsistencies.
Adjust Object Text Wrapping to the Drawing Layer
The Select Objects tool only recognizes elements that are placed within the drawing layer. Changing the text wrapping of your objects makes them selectable.
By default, some inserted objects are placed 'In line with text', which tells Word to treat them like standard text characters. To select multiple objects at once, they must all be converted to floating objects.
Click on the shape or ink object in your Word document that you are struggling to select.
Right-click the object and hover your cursor over the 'Wrap Text' option in the context menu.
Choose any option other than 'In line with text' (such as 'In Front of Text' or 'Behind Text').
Repeat this for all affected shapes and ink elements, then drag your Select Objects tool over them again to confirm they can now be selected together.
Select Multiple Objects via the Selection Pane
If the drag-to-select method fails due to version quirks, manually targeting specific shapes and ink objects from the built-in Selection Pane is an effective workaround.
Manage Document Objects Easily with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter frustrating glitches with the Select Objects tool or complex layers in Microsoft Word, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with a familiar interface, allowing you to edit text, shapes, and graphic layouts without the usual hassle.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
- 2. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document containing the shapes and ink.
- 3. Edit shapes and elements: Use the built-in selection tools to effortlessly manage, group, or modify your document elements without compatibility hiccups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I select shapes and ink at the same time?
This typically happens because the objects are on different layout layers. If one object's text wrapping is set to 'In line with text,' Word treats it as a text character rather than a drawing object, preventing the Select Objects tool from capturing it alongside floating shapes.
How do I group selected shapes and ink in Word?
Once you have successfully selected multiple objects using the Selection Pane or Select Objects tool, right-click one of the highlighted items, hover over 'Group,' and select 'Group.' This combines them into a single movable graphic.
Does the Microsoft Office version affect the Select Objects tool?
Yes. Some older versions of Microsoft Word have known glitches regarding selecting digital ink alongside standard shapes. Updating to newer versions like Office 2021 or Microsoft 365 often resolves these specific object selection issues.
