How to Anchor Objects in InDesign

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Last Updated: July 23, 2024

Anchoring an object, such as a photo or other graphic element, to a specific line or block of text allows the anchored object to flow with the text as it is moved. Knowing how to anchor objects in InDesign, a popular desktop publishing program that allows users to create print documents in a variety of sizes and formats, provides you with the flexibility to move text without having to replace or manually move associated graphics each time the text is moved.

Steps

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Follow the on-screen instructions for installing InDesign on your computer and restart your computer if necessary.
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If you do not have an existing InDesign document to work in, create a new document by selecting File>New>Document and specifying the settings for your new document.
5
Navigate to the text frame to which you would like to anchor an object.
- If your document does not already contain text, you can type text directly into your document by first creating a text frame with your Type tool, which is located in the InDesign Tools palette. With your Type tool still selected, click within the text frame and begin typing your text. If your text already exists in a word processing document, select File>Place, navigate to the file you wish to import and double click the file name. A loaded cursor will appear. Move your mouse to the location where you want your text to appear and click to place the text.

Method 1

Method 1 of 1:

Create an Anchored Object from a Placeholder Frame

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1
Use your Type tool to position an insertion point for your anchored object.

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Question

How do I remove the anchor from an object?

Community Answer

Select the frame, right-click on the anchor icon on the top of the frame then select Anchor Object > Release. That's it.

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How can I remove an anchor object?

Community Answer

Select the object and hit the "Delete" or "Backspace" key. Alternatively, right-click on the object and select "Delete" from the drop-down menu.

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Anchored objects may be either in line, above line or in a custom position. Inline anchored objects are aligned with the baseline of the insertion point. Above line anchored objects are anchored above the insertion point and are aligned left, center, right, toward spine or away from spine. The position of anchored objects may also be customized by specifying a position for your object in the Anchored Object Options dialog box.

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To release an anchored object, select Object>Anchored Object>Release from the Control panel.

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