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ericv7841367
Participant
February 26, 2020
Answered

Can't Move Object in Illustrator CC2020 Using Mouse on Windows 10

  • February 26, 2020
  • 32 replies
  • 117098 views

I cannot move any items in Illustrator using the mouse to drag the items, I can only move them using the arrow keys. Even if I open up a new document and place in a new object, I cannot open it, so it is not a problem specific to my file. None of my objects are locked. I do not have any hidden dialouges. I've already tried restarting Illustrator, resetting my preferences, etc. None of it works.

 

This has happened several times in the last few months and so I'm wondering if it's a bug?

 

I'm using the latest version of Illustrator as of 2/26/2020: Illustrator 24.02 Using Windows 10.

 

{Renamed by MOD}

    Correct answer Anshul_Saini

    Hi All,

     

    We are sorry for the trouble. I would like to inform you all that a similar issue has been addressed for Mac in Illustrator update along with the latest macOS update, v12.4. I would request you all the update Windows 10 to the latest build and Illustrator to v26.3.1 and share your observation with us. If you are still facing the issue, please share the information asked above. This information will help us investigate the issue further.

     

    Please feel free to reach out. We'd be happy to help.

     

    Thanks & Regards,

    Anshul Saini

     

    #Marking it correct to highlight

    32 replies

    CBiagi
    CBiagi
    Participating Frequently
    September 25, 2025

    I ran into this problem just now, it was after I dragged an image from Photoshop into Illustrator, AI gave me the windows error sound when I tried to select or drag elements. It seems that there was some conflict with Photoshop because the element I had dragged from PS still had the Transform box around it. After restarting both apps, AI returned to normal. I think maybe something got "stuck" between the two programs and Illustrator refused to proceed because it was still waiting for Photoshop? Hope this helps someone with the same issue.

      HARSHIKA_VERMA
      Community Manager
      HARSHIKA_VERMACommunity Manager
      Community Manager
      September 26, 2025

      Thank you for sharing the solution that worked for you. We really appreciate it. Please feel free to post on the community for any issues in the future.

       

      We will try our best to help.

       

      Thanks,

      Harshika

      V
      Vojtěch1
      Participant
      May 13, 2025

      Happened to me too suddenly — solved it by:  save project > quit Illustrator > reopen > working as usual again

      R
      ryle_7336
      Participant
      December 20, 2024

      Happened to me too. I closed down Illustrator, Photoshop and Premiere, then reopened Illustrator and now it works fine. Seems like it's a bug that happens when overwhelmed with too many Adobe applications/ files open.

      S
      Subsurface_Dude
      Participating Frequently
      November 18, 2024

      Where is the clear response and answer to my mouse inability to move Ilustrator objects???.   I tried to restart and that didnt work.  Using Iliststor 2025 on the PC.  Help!!

      Monika Gause
      Community Expert
      Monika GauseCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      November 18, 2024

      And did you try any of the other things?

        Anshul_Saini
        Community Manager
        Anshul_SainiCommunity ManagerCorrect answer
        Community Manager
        May 19, 2022

        Hi All,

         

        We are sorry for the trouble. I would like to inform you all that a similar issue has been addressed for Mac in Illustrator update along with the latest macOS update, v12.4. I would request you all the update Windows 10 to the latest build and Illustrator to v26.3.1 and share your observation with us. If you are still facing the issue, please share the information asked above. This information will help us investigate the issue further.

         

        Please feel free to reach out. We'd be happy to help.

         

        Thanks & Regards,

        Anshul Saini

         

        #Marking it correct to highlight

        stonepier
        stonepier
        Participating Frequently
        August 21, 2022

        This problem has resurfaced in the latet Illustrator update 26.4.1. Try to drag an object with Magic Mouse and it beeps and springs back into place. Move with a trackpad and all goes well. If I nudge and object with an arrow key and drag it works, but that is a hassle when you're trying to option drag and duplicate an object with affecting the initial object.

        Anshul_Saini
        Community Manager
        Anshul_SainiCommunity Manager
        Community Manager
        September 10, 2022

        Hi @stonepier,

         

        We are sorry for the inconvenience caused by this issue and the delayed response. I am glad to inform you that this issue has been addressed in the latest update, v26.5.

        Please update and let us know if the issue persists.

         

        Thanks & Regards,
        Anshul Saini

        M__Smith
        M__Smith
        Participant
        April 20, 2022

        It's many months later and I'm still getting the same issue. Closeing Photoshop seems to fix it...but I often need both applications open. Seriously frustrating.

        Anshul_Saini
        Community Manager
        Anshul_SainiCommunity Manager
        Community Manager
        April 22, 2022

        Hi @M__Smith,

         

        I am really sorry to hear about your experience. This is not an ideal workaround you are using. I would request you to please share a few more details like:

        • The exact version of OS, Ai & PS
        • Does it happen while working on some files or all?
        • Is this happening intermittently/ randomly or consistently?
        • Please share a small screen recording of the issue. It would be really helpful for us.
        • Which mouse are you using, or are you using a trackpad?

         

        We are here to help. We just need more information.

         

        Thanks & Regards,

        Anshul Saini

         

        #Marking it correct to highlight

        I
        InglesaCat
        Participant
        January 6, 2022

        Same here. I've had this issue off and on throughout the years, but now I can't seem to fix it. It's always something lately it seems. I spend more time doing updates and fixes than I do working some days.

          F
          Farhad5E90
          Participant
          August 23, 2021

          Hi there,

          Sorry to hear about your experience. Is it only happening with Illustrator?  its happened when you use photoshop or illustrator are both same time.

          Solution:

          01) Please  save your design and close illustrator and photoshop.Go to run type (%temp%) click ok and delete all temp files.

          02) Please press window key on keyboard and type disk cleanup Go to (C. DRIVE)  And clean your C drive and .

          So your problem isd solved

          Remember

          incase your issue is same so please restart your machine .Thank you

          N
          natasha-edwards
          Participant
          August 5, 2021

          Wow I had this same problem and reading through the thread it sounds like other application dialogue boxes are the issue. For me closing zoom solved it! 

            D
            defaulticlobzgbh4pw
            Participant
            August 3, 2021

            Same issue. Closed photoshop and it all worked. Thanks..:0

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