Skip to main content
F
FeedbackCommunityMember
Inspiring
October 16, 2018
Open for Voting

P: Can we please have a left hand mode?

  • October 16, 2018
  • 15 replies
  • 1866 views

If you really want to LIBERATE our creativity, ACCELERATE our work and DRIVE new mediums, then liberate all left handed people from the weight of finding extra solutions to navigate and work fluently in your apps. Thanks! 
Yes, I'm also saying this because Photoshop for Ipad looks such a Right handed app. So please have mercy on us left handed people!!

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    15 replies

    D
    duncandraw
    Participant
    February 4, 2026

    I arrange my desktop apps, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, with all the toolbars nested on the right side of the screen and the taskbar along the top. I use a Wacom Cintiq, and this helps prevent my hand from blocking my view of brush settings, selected layers, and other information I reference while working with a stylus on the screen. It significantly reduces the number of times I move my hand to see around it.

    The iPad apps would greatly benefit from the ability to arrange the UI like this, all to one side. It’s a big ergonomic improvement that Cintiq users have preferred for a long time.


    P.S. I’m left-handed and I know right-handed people that do the same thing, nesting everything to the left side instead.

      N
      nicoboss76
      Participating Frequently
      April 30, 2022

      Hi is there any plan for a way to personalize the photoshop iPad interface.

      right now the tools are great for right handed person but not so practical for left handed.

      just on example is the color switch button that allow right handed people to quickly switch color while brushing at the tap of that button without having to interrupt the focus on the pen.

      impossible to do as left handed -- unless one's willing to cross arms.


      the way the pallets are separated on left and right of screen are optimized for right handed people. There should be a way to shift that easily no?

        S
        seanwickett
        Inspiring
        March 8, 2020
        The biggest issue I face is PS’s right handed bias in the brush tool. Select a legacy brush, in particular an erodible pencil, because you can see clearly the outline of the pencil shape. Holding it with your left hand you see a pencil shape. This indicates you are using the side of your pencil. Hold it with your right hand and you’ll see you’re using the point.
        This behaviour continues with modern brushes that have directional control settings applied, like many of Kyle’s amazing brushes. Some brushes never looked correct to me when using my left hand but when a draw an arc with my right hand, I can see the intent of the brush. I don’t know if Kyle is left or right handed but I have noticed the differences in drawing with either hand.
          M
          mariah1902
          Participant
          March 8, 2020
          Though I am not left handed but I really feel the need of this. Many left handed people use Photo shop on I pad and face this issue. There are some app who are clever enough to make a version or give an option so that left handed people can work easily. Please kindly think about this matter. 
            F
            FeedbackCommunityMemberAuthor
            Inspiring
            March 7, 2020
            you guys know that you can go into edit, then keyboard shortcuts in photoshop. i changed control z to ctrl /. it takes a bit getting used to but its less frustrating then reaching across the keyboard. 
            F
            FeedbackCommunityMemberAuthor
            Inspiring
            July 25, 2019
            This is exactly why I sold my Cintiq. I was an early adopter in 2006, but only used it for about 8 months before getting incredibly frustrated and returning to regular intuos.  Its an interface issue that affects not only Photoshop, but Windows as an operating system.  Wish these companies would get some lefties on their dev teams!  Virtually all drop down menus are designed for right handers.  The only company I've seen genuinely address this issue is Autodesk.  Menus in Maya are offset slightly to the right so they don't pop up under your hand, and of course the Marking Menu system is great for both leftys and rightys.
              T
              Test Screen Name
              Legend
              June 2, 2019

              I haven't looked into the details. It doesn't seem at all impossible that a public beta would have restrictions. Apple's do. But anyway, if there is no reply, perhaps there are some restrictions we cannot be aware of.

              You can be sure that, if there are no restrictions, the online press will be full of reviews and discussions. I haven't looked.

              JohanElzenga
              Community Expert
              JohanElzengaCommunity Expert
              Community Expert
              June 3, 2019

              6:07Photoshop for iPad hands-on: an exclusive look

              As you can see in this video, Photoshop for iPad has palettes on both sides of the screen. That would make a 'left handed version' not very logical.

              -- Johan W. Elzenga
              B
              björnt62373758
              Participant
              June 3, 2019

              Yes it would as the tool palet that is default on the left hand side are tools you click on once like crop or clone stamp and then use them on the image. But when using curves on the right hand side as you are pulling the curves with your left hand it will cover the image so you don´t see the adjustments as you do them.

              If you are on the beta program try and work with the left hand and you will see by your self.

                T
                Test Screen Name
                Legend
                June 2, 2019

                It’s worth mentioning, and I can say this because I am NOT in the beta, that people on beta programs usually have to sign non disclosure agreements, with heavy penalties for telling anyone anything, even the fact that they are in the program ...! And this is a pretty visible place to go breaking agreements...

                JohanElzenga
                Community Expert
                JohanElzengaCommunity Expert
                Community Expert
                June 2, 2019

                https://forums.adobe.com/people/Test+Screen+Name  wrote

                It’s worth mentioning, and I can say this because I am NOT in the beta, that people on beta programs usually have to sign non disclosure agreements, with heavy penalties for telling anyone anything, even the fact that they are in the program ...! And this is a pretty visible place to go breaking agreements...

                There is a public beta, or at least a call to apply for it. A public beta obviously has no NDA restrictions.

                -- Johan W. Elzenga
                efficient_hands0D4B
                efficient_hands0D4B
                Participant
                April 12, 2019


                add an option to flip all scroll bars to the left side for left handed people using a cintiq tablet. its super awkward currently to scroll. 3d coat has implemented this , here's hoping photoshop can too
                  F
                  FeedbackCommunityMemberAuthor
                  Inspiring
                  April 12, 2019


                  Some selections are pointing in the opposite directions (example) going to Layer>new layer fill the options are pointing left instead of right where it should be.
                  Show more replies
                  Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
                  Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices