> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.synaps.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.synaps.app/drafting/select-move-and-duplicate-shapes.md).

# Select, move and duplicate shapes

Select a wall or shape, move it with the mouse or exact inputs, duplicate it, and recover with Undo.

Use **Select** to choose what you want to change, then move it or make a copy. The same starting steps work for a wall, a drawing shape or a placed asset.

## Select the right content

1. Press **V** for **Select**.
2. Click the shape. Check its selection outline before changing it.
3. To add or remove another shape, hold **Shift** and click it.

Other selection gestures:

* Drag on empty canvas for a marquee selection.
* Double-click a group to work inside it; press **Esc** to leave the group.
* Click a paper's header to select the paper.

## Move a shape or wall

1. Select the content and press **M**.
2. Click a **base point**: a reference point for the move.
3. Move the pointer to preview the displacement.
4. Click the destination to place the content.

You should see the selected content at its new position. If you activated Move before selecting anything, select the shapes and press **Enter** before choosing the base point.

### Move by an exact distance

After setting the base point, use **L** for distance and **A** for direction in degrees. Enter one or both, then press **Enter** to place the move. A field you leave unset follows the pointer.

For a 1 m move to the right, enter **L = 1** when the displayed length unit is m, or **L = 1000** when it is mm, and **A = 0°**.

To change a wall's thickness or an opening's size, use its properties; moving an item changes its position. After moving a wall, inspect its junctions and hosted openings. [Dimensions and leaders](/drafting/add-dimensions-and-annotations.md) do not follow moved geometry automatically.

## Make a duplicate

1. Press **V** and select the whole shape or shapes.
2. Press **Cmd/Ctrl+D**.
3. Inspect the duplicate, then use **Move** to position it.

### Place several copies

1. Select the content, then find **Copy** in command search (**Cmd/Ctrl+K**).
2. Click a base point.
3. Click each destination to place a copy.
4. Press **Esc** to finish.

## Cancel, undo or remove

| What you want                         | Action                                   |
| ------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Cancel a move before placing it       | **Esc** while the move preview is active |
| Reverse a completed move or duplicate | **Cmd/Ctrl+Z**                           |
| Restore an undone action              | **Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+Z**                     |
| Remove selected whole shapes          | **Delete** or **Backspace**              |

These steps concern whole shapes. With an image-region selection active, editing keys can act on pixels; return to Select and check the whole-item selection first.

## If the shape will not move

Check editing access, the selected item and whether it or its containing group/layer is locked. Use the [Layers panel](/drafting/the-layers-panel.md) to inspect the relevant content. If you are inside a group, press **Esc** to step out before selecting another item.

## Related guides

[Group shapes](/drafting/group-shapes.md) when you want several items to move together.