Curved lines can't Move with Text in Pages

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Level 1

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Curved lines can't Move with Text in Pages

I'm trying have a graphic element move with text in a Pages document (and I'm not using page layout). This is discussed a bit on in a previous post, with useful detail from Barry, but it's closed for replies.

The new bit of info I have to add to that discussion is that the elements of my graphic element that can't Move with Text are the curved lines. See the graphic below.

All of the elements except the lines labeled MC and AC will accept the Move with Text setting. In the case of those two curved lines, the choice between Stay on Page and Move with Text (in the Formatting sidebar's Arrange pane) are greyed out.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 13.4

Posted on Sep 28, 2024 10:03 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

VikingOSX

Community+ 2024

Level 10

116,789 points

Sep 28, 2024 2:12 PM in response to econupmac

Ok. I have just created a replica of your image using Pages v14.2 shape tool elements, selected all content of it, and using the Arrange menu, I grouped it. Placed in a body of text, it forces Object Placement > Stay on Page. You cannot change that.

However, if you select the grouped artwork and copy it to the clipboard, then launch Preview and use File menu > New From Clipboard… you get a transparent PNG image that can be saved to the Desktop.

When that transparent PNG is dropped into paragraphs of text, Object Placement has now changed to Move with Text and one can configure Text Wrap as appropriate. If you plan to flow text around that object, it would be better to use white-filled backgrounds in the individual shapes.

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Answer 2

Sep 28, 2024 12:58 PM in response to econupmac

Drag your mouse in a larger virtual box around this entire composite of content which will select all of it. Then Arrange panel > Group. Now, you have a composite object based on its Text Wrap setting that will move in its entirety with the surrounding text.

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Answer 3

econupmac Author

Level 1

15 points

Sep 28, 2024 1:06 PM in response to VikingOSX

Thanks for this quick and clear answer, VikingOSX. Unfortunately what I see is that if a grouped set of objects contains any object that can’t use the Move with Text setting, then the grouped set won’t be able to use it, either.

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Answer 4

econupmac Author

Level 1

15 points

Sep 28, 2024 2:42 PM in response to VikingOSX

Nice work VikingOSX, by both replicating the issue and solving it. I mean, I wish I didn’t have to leave Pages to do it, and I’ll need a place to store this graphic in case I want to later modify it, but this solution will make editing the document easier with the (pasted image version) moving with the text. And of course, it’s not like anyone but Apple can address the non-functionality!

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