I cannot select an object

[Michael Pollard]

I have several objects that I can see, but I cannot select them.

I found what layer they are on by turning individual layers on and off.
Drawing Explorer / Protect Document has everything unchecked. I set "Select
shapes partially within area" in case they were part of a group. The mouse
pointer acts as if they aren't even there, and clicking does nothing. I have
the SIze & Position window open, so I can tell if something's selected even
if the indicators are turned off. For what it's worth, the diagram is a
floorplan imported from AutoCAD (created by someone else).

Without being able to select the items, I cannot open their shapesheets for
more details.

Any ideas?

 

[Mark Nelson [MS]]

Most likely the shapes are on a background page. Go to File > Page Setup >
Page Properties and see if your page has a background.

--
Mark Nelson
Office Graphics - Visio
Microsoft Corporation

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[Michael Pollard]

"Background: None"
Found the problem though, based on something I wandered across yesterday
looking for a different (but similar) problem.

The objects became visible as part of one layer, but selectable as part of
another layer. The ShapeSheet shows them as only members of the one (second)
layer.

Anyway, I showed the second (normally hidden) layer, selected the objects,
and unselected and reselected the layer, and they beca,e "proper" members of
the layer. They were also previously black, rather than layer-colored.

Speculated cause: Maybe they are group objects, with some part being on the
front layer and at least the "first" object being on the selected layer.
Since the "first" object is the only one whose properties show in the layer
properties (and the ShapeSheet), the other layer membership was effectively
hidden, but it caused the object to be visible with the other layer anyway.
Since the primary group member was the only selectable one, the group could
not be selected when the primary layer was not visible. For what it's worth,
I ungrouped one and all the members were on the front layer. (The individual
objects on the front layer and the group object itself on the second layer?)

Anyway, it was confusing, but it's corrected now. Maybe it should be
reported as a bug.

 

[Al Edlund]

I've seen that also. When I now drop a shape that I know will require layers
I cycle through the group shape and reconfigure it.
al