Use the Selection tool to select the frame containing the image to crop.
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Crop objects
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to adjust image visibility and composition using frames in Adobe InDesign while preserving the original graphic content.
Frame-based cropping allows you to hide portions of images and create custom-shaped graphics without permanently removing content. Instead of deleting image areas, cropping masks parts of the graphic within a frame, allowing hidden portions to remain available for adjustment or restoration at any time.
Crop by resizing the frame
Drag any handle on the frame's bounding box inward to hide portions of the content.
Hold Shift while dragging a corner handle to maintain the frame's original proportions.
Select Ctrl + 0 (Windows) or Cmd + 0 (macOS) to fit the page in the window.
Reposition content within the frame
Select the Direct Selection tool.
Select the image inside the frame by selecting the graphic content.
Drag the image to reposition it within the frame, revealing different portions of the content.
Hold Shift while dragging to constrain movement to horizontal or vertical directions.
Create shaped crops with custom frames
Create a shape using a frame tool, such as the Ellipse Frame tool or Polygon Frame tool, available by selecting and holding the Rectangle Frame tool.
Select File > Place.
Select your image file, then select Open.
Select the custom frame, then place the image so it automatically conforms to the frame shape.
Use the Direct Selection tool to reposition the image within the shaped frame.
For complex shapes, create a path with the Pen tool first, then place an image into that path to create organic or custom-shaped crops.
Reset frame-content relationship
Select the frame using the Selection tool.
Select Object > Fitting, then choose the fitting option that best matches your layout needs.
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