Working with the layout tools

For each type of object you work with in Layout mode, you use the layout tools in the status toolbar.

Layout tools in Windows

Layout tools in macOS

Tool^*	Tool name	Related topic
	Selection tool	Editing objects, layout parts, and the layout background
	Text tool	Adding text to a layout
	Merge Field tool	Placing merge fields on a layout
	Layout Calculation tool	Inserting layout calculations onto a layout
	Line tool
	Rectangle tool
	Rounded Rectangle tool
	Oval tool
	Edit Box tool	Placing and removing fields on a layout
	Drop-down List tool	Placing and removing fields on a layout
	Pop-up Menu tool	Placing and removing fields on a layout
	Checkbox Set tool	Placing and removing fields on a layout
	Radio Button Set tool	Placing and removing fields on a layout
	Drop-down Calendar tool	Placing and removing fields on a layout
	Concealed Edit Box tool	Placing and removing fields on a layout
	Button tool	Defining or changing a button
	Popover Button tool	Adding a popover
	Button Bar tool	Defining or changing a button bar
	Tab Control tool	Adding a tab control
	Slide Control tool	Adding a slide control
	Portal tool	Creating portals to display related records
	Chart tool	Creating charts from data
	Web Viewer tool	Working with web viewers on layouts
	Field tool	Placing and removing fields on a layout
	Part tool	Adding a layout part
	Format Painter tool	Copying formatting attributes in layouts

* When two icons are shown for the same tool, the first icon is for Windows and the second is for macOS.

As you are designing a layout, you can work with a tool once, use it repeatedly, or switch between the tool last used and the Selection tool.

To work with layout tools:

To	Do this
Use a tool once	Click a tool to select it.
Keep a tool selected, or locked	Double-click a tool. Note You can specify a setting to keep layout tools locked. See Changing schema settings.
Switch between the tool last used and the Selection tool	Press Ctrl+Enter or Enter on the numeric keypad (Windows) or press Enter (macOS).
Select a tool that includes an arrow	Windows: Click the arrow to display additional tools, then choose the tool you want. macOS: Click and hold the tool to display additional tools, then choose the tool you want.
Create an object that is constrained to a certain angle or shape (for example, draw a circle with the Oval tool, or create a square tab control)	Select the tool, and press Ctrl (Windows) or Option (macOS) as you create the object on the layout.
Create a horizontal or vertical line	Select the line tool, and press Shift as you draw the line on the layout.