Rotate, Scale, Shear, Free Transform Tools in Adobe InDesign

The Free Transform Tool

The Free Transform Tool is a multi-functional tool

Image by J. Bear

To rotate an object:

1. Select the object with the Free Transform Tool.
2. Move your cursor away from the object's bounding box and a curved double arrow icon will appear.
3. Click you mouse button and drag the cursor to rotate your object.

To rotate your object in multiples of 45%, hold down shift as you drag.

To scale an object:

1. Select the object with the Free Transform Tool.
2. Move your mouse cursor onto the handles of the object's bounding box.
3. Drag your mouse cursor to scale your item.

To shear an object:

1. Select the object with the Free Transform Tool.
2. Move your mouse cursor onto the handles of the object's bounding box.
3. Start dragging your mouse cursor and then press Ctrl+Alt (Windows) or Command+Option (Macintosh).

   Your object will start skewing. Make sure you start dragging before you press Control+Alt or Command+Option

• The Rotate Tool
• The Scale Tool
• The Shear Tool
• The Free Transform Tool