Select objects

Last updated on 11 May 2026

Learn how to select objects in Adobe Illustrator to move, edit, or transform them effectively.

You can select and transform objects in Illustrator using different selection tools. Use the Selection tool to work with entire objects, the Direct Selection tool to adjust parts of objects, and the Group Selection tool to select objects within groups, such as selecting a single item inside a grouped design.

Learn how to use the Selection tool, Direct Selection tool, and Group Selection tool in Adobe Illustrator, and understand the key differences between them.

Select and move objects using the Selection tool

Choose the Selection tool.

Select an object on your artboard or draw a marquee over multiple objects on the artboard to select them.

Drag a bounding box handle to scale the object.

Move the pointer outside a corner handle, and drag to rotate the object.

Adjust parts of objects with the Direct Selection tool

Choose the Direct Selection   tool. 

Click an anchor point or path segment.

Drag to adjust the selected point or segment.

Select objects within groups with the Group Selection tool

Choose the Group Selection   tool. 

Click an object within a group.

Click again to select additional grouped objects.

Drag to move the selected objects.