There are various ways to select an object placed in the layout. When you look at it, a selected object can be seen to have eight squares called "handles" marking its outline. Where multiple objects are selected, one of the objects will have handles of a different color. This object is known as the reference object, and is used as a model in certain graphical actions (alignment, size modifications, etc.).
If you double-click an object, the Object properties dialog box will open, enabling you to modify and enhance its characteristics.
Each object has its own context-sensitive menu. You must first select the object before being able to access its context-sensitive menu.