## Inspect a selected object

Select one layout object before opening Inspector to begin examining that
object immediately. An Object Inspector window follows later selection changes
by default, so you can compare objects as you work through a layout.

![Human Anna selected in the Visual Components layout with Object Inspector showing Object hierarchy and Property container results](https://inspector.4111778.xyz/assets/captures/inspect-selection-human-app.png)

## Before you start

Open a layout and select an object in the 3D view or another Visual Components
view that supports selection. Use a single selection when you open Inspector.

## Steps

1. Select the layout object you want to examine.
2. [Open Inspector](https://inspector.4111778.xyz/docs/getting-started/open-inspector/).
3. Find the Object Inspector window and review the information that applies to
   the selected object.
4. Select a different object in the layout to inspect that active selection.

## Result

The Object Inspector window begins with the object that was selected when you
opened it. It updates to inspect the current selection while automatic
selection inspection remains enabled.

## Hold an inspection reference

Clear **Follow selection** when you need to keep the current inspected object
visible while selecting other objects in the layout. Use the magnifying-glass
button to inspect the current VC selection when you are ready to switch the
reference, or use the history controls to return to an earlier inspected
object.

See [Compare inspected objects](https://inspector.4111778.xyz/docs/workflows/compare-inspected-objects/) for
the complete investigation sequence.

## Related tasks

See [Object Inspector overview](https://inspector.4111778.xyz/docs/overview/inspector/) to continue your
investigation. See [Choose Inspector tools](https://inspector.4111778.xyz/docs/overview/safety/) to decide
whether a gadget, Search, or Search & Replace is appropriate.