Subliminal spatial cues capture attention and strengthen between-object link

► We hypothesize subliminal spatial cues trigger vision-for-action (dorsal) pathway. ► Subliminal cues favor between-object shift and strengthens between-object link. ► We obtain opposite result patterns with subliminal and suprathreshold cues. ► Results confirm our consciousness-dependent shifting hypothesis. ► Results dispute the spreading hypothesis of object-based attention.