Quick way to anchor images?

[MarieMeyer]

I have a document with several dozen images in it. They are all in exactly the right place - but they are all unanchored. Now I need to make some text edits, and before I do, I have to anchor all these images to the line of text before them. Is there a quick way to do that?

[Jeff Witchel, ACI · Accepted solution]

1. Select the object you wish to Anchor with the Selection tool.
2. Then click on the mysterious blue square to the upper right of the object
3. And drag to an insertion point in your text.

This will make the object into an Anchored object position in it's original position.

See screenshot below.

[MarieMeyer]

Previously mysterious blue square!!!

Thanks so much.

[Jeff Witchel, ACI]

You're quite welcome!

[MarieMeyer]

What is its official name, the mysterious blue box?

[Steve Werner]

It's officially the Anchored Object Control. You can turn it off and on by choosing View > Extras > Show/Hide Anchored Object Control.

Incidentally, it's not always blue. That's only because the default layer color of Layer 1 is blue. If you have a different layer color the selection color and the Anchored Object Control take on that color as shown below:

[Jeff Witchel, ACI]

Good point Steve!

[MarieMeyer]

Jeff, another question about the MBB, if I may: what controls whether a newly-placed image is automatically anchored or not?

[Scott Citron]

When you choose File > Place with your text cursor (Type Tool) inserted within existing text, the placed object (e.g., image or graphic) will automatically be anchored (inline). Conversely, if you choose File > Place with your text cursor or any other tool not inserted into existing text, the placed object will be unanchored. Try it yourself to see.

[Jeff Witchel, ACI]

Hi Marie,

Not sure I understand.

Objects are never Anchored automatically.

If, however, you Place an image into a previously Anchored Graphic Frame, this content will be part of an object that is still Anchored.

Not sure if this answers your question.

Best,

Jeff

[MarieMeyer]

Thanks for that Steve! And thank you Jeff - it will still be the MBB to me.

[Laubender]

Hi Marie,

also note if you want to un-anchor an anchored object with Cut/Paste In Place the pasted object will not be pasted in the same position as it was when anchored! Not so when using the menu command to un-anchor it.

Regards,
Uwe

[Jeff Witchel, ACI]

After reading Scotts answer, I think I understand your question. In other words, read Scott's answer.