How to Duplicate Objects FAST in InDesign Using Arrow Keys Only

(No Alt/Option Needed)
🎥 Video Tutorial:<

Many users think you must use Alt/Option + Drag to duplicate objects in Adobe InDesign.
But some keyboards and laptops don’t support those keys correctly.
Good news: You can duplicate objects FAST using Arrow Keys only — exactly like shown in the video.

This method is clean, accurate, and extremely quick for creating repeated layouts.

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1. Select the Object

Choose the object you want to duplicate:

• Shape

• Text Frame

• Image Frame

• Grouped items

Use the Selection Tool (V).

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2. Use Arrow Keys to Set the Spacing

Arrow keys help you set the exact gap you want:

• → Right Arrow = Move right

• ← Left Arrow = Move left

• ↑ Up Arrow = Move up

• ↓ Down Arrow = Move down

1 Arrow press = 1pt move
Shift + Arrow = 10pt move

This step is important because InDesign remembers your last movement.

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3. Copy → Paste → Repeat Movement Trick

If you don’t have Alt/Option, use this simple duplication method:

Steps

1. Select the object

2. Press Ctrl + C (Copy)

3. Press Ctrl + V (Paste)

4. Move the pasted object once using Arrow Keys (this sets the spacing)

5. Now press Ctrl + V again
   → The new duplicate will automatically appear with the same spacing

6. Press Ctrl + V repeatedly to create a perfect row of duplicates

Why it works

InDesign memorizes your last arrow-key movement and applies it to every new pasted object.

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4. Create Perfect Horizontal Rows

Example:

• Ctrl + V

• Move 2 steps right using → →

• Press Ctrl + V again

• New object appears exactly 2pt right

• Keep pressing Ctrl + V to build your row

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5. Create Vertical Columns

Same method:

• Ctrl + V

• Press ↓ Arrow to set vertical gap

• Ctrl + V again

• Keep pressing to build a perfect vertical column

Great for:

• Photo grids

• Buttons

• Boxes

• Layout patterns

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6. Arrow Keys = Perfectly Consistent Spacing

Arrow keys give you:

• Exact control

• Cleaner alignment

• No spacing mistakes

• Faster repeated layout building

This is especially useful for designers who need pixel-perfect alignment.

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7. Pro Tip

Once you move the first duplicate using arrow keys to set the gap,
→ You never need to use arrow keys again.
Just press Ctrl + V repeatedly, and InDesign will auto-place every new object with the exact same spacing.

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8. Conclusion

Even without Alt/Option keys, you can still duplicate objects fast, clean, and accurately in Adobe InDesign.

Just follow this formula:

Copy → Paste → Move Once → Paste Again → Paste Again → Paste Again…

Watch the full tutorial here:
👉 https://youtu.be/pmxkikLEstE