"Select Fully Enclosed Objects Only" Mode
Subject: Addition of a selection toggle to include only objects entirely within the marquee area.
Problem Statement:
Currently, InDesign’s selection tool (Marquee Selection) selects any object that the selection frame touches (Crossing Selection). In complex layouts with large background elements or overlapping frames, this behavior forces users to constantly lock layers or manually deselect unwanted items, significantly slowing down the workflow.
Proposed Solution:
Introduce a toggle (e.g., in the Control Panel or Preferences) or a modifier key (e.g., holding Alt while dragging) that changes the selection logic. When active, only objects situated 100% inside the marquee rectangle will be selected.
Key Benefits:
Precision: Easier selection of small elements placed on top of large background frames.
Efficiency: Eliminates the need for repetitive "Lock/Unlock" or "Shift-Click to deselect" actions.
Consistency: Aligns InDesign’s functionality with other professional CAD and vector software (like Illustrator’s "Object Selection by Path Only" or AutoCAD’s Window Selection).
Implementation Suggestion:
A new icon in the Control/Properties Panel for "Enclosed Selection Mode".
An option in Preferences > Selection and Anchor Display.