You select an object to modify it. Flash provides a variety of methods for making selections. Selecting lines and filled shapes is different than selecting groups, instances, and type.
Flash displays selected lines and filled shapes differently than selected instances and groups. Selected fills and lines are cross-hatched. Selected groups and symbols are enclosed in a bounding box. You select objects with the arrow and lasso tools.
To add to a selection:
Hold down the Shift key while making additional selections. For information on turning this feature on and off, see Setting preferences.
To select everything on every layer of the scene.
Choose Edit > Select All, or press Control+A (Windows) or Command+A (Macintosh). Select All doesn't select objects on locked or hidden layers.
To deselect everything on every layer.
Choose Edit > Deselect All, or press Control+Shift+A (Windows) or Command+Shift+A (Macintosh).
To select everything on one layer between keyframes:
Click a frame in the Timeline. See also Using the Timeline.
To prevent a group or symbol from being selected and accidently changed.
Select it and choose Modify > Arrange > Lock. Choose Modify > Arrange > Unlock All to unlock all locked groups and symbols.