Use Type Tool Without Fear of Converting Frames
Everyone, sooner or later, finds out that when you click on an empty graphic or unassigned frame with the Type tool, the frame turns into a text frame. The same thing happens if you click with a loaded Place cursor. If that’s what you intended, then great! But if you were actually looking for a new frame, then it’s hassle. It’s not the end of the world; after all, you can always use Undo (or the Object > Content submenu) to change it back. But it can be frustrating. So here’s something to keep in mind: If you click-and-drag (instead of just click) then InDesign creates a new frame instead of filling the frame underneath the cursor.
Also, don’t forget that if you start dragging, then hold down the Option/Alt key, the frame will become centered at the point that you started dragging. (Otherwise, that point becomes one of the corners of the frame.)
[Update: In CS4 and later, InDesign offers an option in the Type pane of the Preferences dialog box labeled “Type Tool Converts Frames to Text Frames.” If you turn that checkbox off, then the Type tool won’t affect empty or graphic frames any longer.] |
Works the same when your cursor has pictures loaded, too. (Prevents underlying empty frame from filling with the picture.)
I’ve almost made it a habit to travel around my document with my left thumb resting just above the command key. As I spend most of my time sitting inside text frames, when I’m moving out of it, I rest my thumb down.
It’s almost subconscious.