Office Settings & Configuration

How to View Hidden Objects in Microsoft Publisher Using the Selection Pane

Phi Hung Vo Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to locate and manage hidden, overlapping, or difficult-to-click objects on a page within Microsoft Publisher.

How to View Hidden Objects in Microsoft Publisher Using the Selection Pane

Product: Microsoft Publisher
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Organizing page layouts and selecting elements that are hidden behind others or too small to click directly with the mouse.
Observed behavior: Objects on the page are obscured by other elements, making it impossible to select or edit them directly from the document canvas.

Before you start

Ensure your Microsoft Publisher document is open and navigate to the specific page containing the missing or overlapping objects you need to manage.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Selection Pane to Find and Select Hidden Objects

The Selection Pane provides a comprehensive list of all objects on the current page, allowing you to easily select, hide, show, or reorder items even if they are completely covered.

Microsoft Publisher includes a built-in Selection Pane that acts as a layer manager. This tool is essential when dealing with complex layouts involving multiple images, text boxes, and shapes that overlap.

Navigate to the Home Tab

Look at the main ribbon at the top of the Microsoft Publisher window and click on the Home tab.

Open the Selection Pane

In the Editing group on the far right of the ribbon, click the 'Select' dropdown menu and choose 'Selection Pane' from the list.

Manage Object Visibility and Selection

A pane will appear on the right side of your screen. Click the name of any object in the list to select it on the canvas, or click the eye icon next to an object's name to temporarily hide it so you can work on the items underneath.

Use the Selection Pane to Find and Select Hidden Objects

Renaming Objects for Clarity: To make managing complex layouts easier, you can click on the object names in the Selection Pane to rename them (e.g., 'Background Image' or 'Main Headline').

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If you are frustrated with complex layering in Microsoft Publisher, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free, and intuitive platform with excellent compatibility for creating beautiful documents, flyers, and newsletters.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free suite to your device.
2. Choose a Layout Template: Open WPS Writer and browse the extensive template library to instantly start your design.
3. Manage Objects Easily: Use the Selection Pane in WPS Writer (Home > Select > Selection Pane) to easily select, hide, or arrange layout elements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I select an object that is completely hidden behind a larger image?

Yes. By opening the Selection Pane, you can see a list of all objects regardless of their position. Simply click the name of the hidden object in the pane to select it, or click the eye icon of the larger image to temporarily hide it.

How do I change the stacking order of overlapping objects?

Once the Selection Pane is open, click to select an object in the list, then use the up and down arrows located at the top of the pane to move the object forward or backward in the stacking order.

Why can't I find the Selection Pane in my version of Publisher?

The Selection Pane is available in Microsoft Publisher 2010 and later versions. Make sure you are looking under the Home tab in the Editing group. If you are using a very old version, this feature may not be supported.

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