Inconsistency in Bounding Box UI between Base Contents and Comments/Links/Fields on Hidden Layers

[rakunavi]

Hello all,

I have noticed a consistent UI layout issue when selecting multiple objects across visible and hidden layers.

Depending on the object type (Base Contents vs. Comments/Links/Form Fields), the master bounding box (manipulator frame) behaves differently, creating a confusing and error-prone user experience.

Steps to Reproduce & Observed Behavior

• I prepared a document with 4 objects (A, B, C, D) across 2 layers:

• Object A & B: on Layer 1 (Turned OFF / Hidden)
• Object C & D: on Layer 2 (Turned ON / Visible)

• sample.pdf

• In the sample file, a raster image the same size as the page is placed in the background of each page to make it easy to identify objects A through D. Please note that these raster images are different from the objects targeted by the operations on each page.

Case of "Base Contents" (via Content Pane / Edit Objects Mode):

1. When selecting all 4 base contents (A, B, C, D) from the pane, individual selection frames are shown for all objects.
2. The master bounding box correctly expands to enclose all 4 objects (A, B, C, D), regardless of layer visibility.
   
   
   • basecontents_1.png
3. Moving or resizing this box scales all objects together. This behavior is highly intuitive and expected.
   
   
   • basecontents_2.png

Case of "Comments", "Link Annotations", or "Form Fields" (via their respective Panes):

1. When selecting all 4 elements (A, B, C, D) from the pane, individual selection frames are shown for all 4 objects.
2. However, the master bounding box only encloses the visible objects (C and D). It completely ignores the coordinates of the hidden objects (A and B) in its size calculation.
   
   
   • comments_1.png
3. Despite the master bounding box being small (only enclosing C and D), performing a move or resize operation still affects all 4 objects, including the hidden objects (A and B).
   
   
   • comments_2.png

Conclusion / Suggestion
The current behavior for Comments, Links, and Form Fields creates a severe visual mismatch. Since the system clearly detects the coordinates of the hidden objects (as proven by their individual frames), the behavior should be unified with the Base Contents.

The master bounding box should always expand to enclose all selected objects, regardless of whether their layers are currently visible or not. This will prevent users from accidentally distorting hidden objects when manipulating the visible frame.

Please see the attached video for details.

• Animation.gif

Hoping that the above information will be of some help to you.
Thank you for your hard work on this great software.

Best regards,
rakunavi

- PDF-XChange Editor PRO Version: 11.0.1
- OS Version: Windows 11 Pro / Home 25H2 Build 26200.8875
- PC Model: GMKtec Nucbox M7 Pro with HUION Kamvas Pro 19 / Lenovo IdeaPad C340-15IWL

[Daniel - PDF-XChange]

Hello, rakunavi

Thank you for the report. I have reproduced this issue and am passing it along currently.

Kind regards,