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canaytr
canaytr
Participating Frequently
February 24, 2026
Question

character window gets blocked by other windows

  • February 24, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 27 views

character window in illustrator gets blocked by other expanded windows.
 

In illustrator, I keep an expanded panel on the far right (for properties, character, align, etc.) and collapsed panel(s) to the left of it (for color, layers, glyphs, etc.).

The problem is:
If I have a window expanded on the 'collapsed panel', like 'layers' for instance, and I want to use the 'font family' drop down menu in the character window on the expanded panel, the fonts window opens up BEHIND the layers window so I cannot see them. I have to exit out of the character window, collapse the layers window and re-enter the character window. VERY frustrating and time consuming.

Solution:
When user clicks on the "Set the font family" drop down menu, it should be layered above all windows/panels since that becomes the "active" window.

    3 replies

    HARSHIKA_VERMA
    Community Manager
    HARSHIKA_VERMACommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    February 25, 2026

    Hi canaytr,

    Thank you for sharing the requested info. In addition to what is already asked by the expert, would you mind telling us if you observed the same thing with any other Adobe apps, like InDesign, Photoshop?

    We will try our best to help.

     

    Thanks,

    Harshika

    canaytr
    canaytrAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    February 25, 2026

    Hi Harshika,

    The problem seems to be an Adobe AI issue only! I tried it in indd and psd and they work fine; the character window is displayed above the other open windows when clicked.

    Thank you!
    canay.

    B
    Community Expert
    Bobby HendersonCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 25, 2026

    Have you tried resetting the workspace? The command is under the Window menu and in the Workspace flyout menu.

      canaytr
      canaytrAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      February 25, 2026

      I reset all preferences. And tried different workspaces, still the same :(

      Anubhav M
      Community Manager
      Anubhav MCommunity Manager
      Community Manager
      February 24, 2026

      Hello ​@canaytr 

       

      I’m sorry to hear about your experience. Would you mind trying to reset Illustrator's preferences as described in this article (https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/kb/troubleshoot-preference-issues.html) and checking if it helps?

       

      Disclaimer: Please note that resetting preferences will remove all the custom settings, and Illustrator will launch with default settings. You can also save a backup of the folders if you want. The location is mentioned in the article.

      If the problem persists, kindly confirm the version of the OS/Illustrator installed, so we can better assist you.


      Looking forward to hearing from you.
      Anubhav

        canaytr
        canaytrAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        February 24, 2026

        Thank you very much for reply.

        I just reset the preferences and restarted illustrator but the problem persists.

        Adobe AI 30.1
        Mac OS Tahoe 26.2 (Mac Studio) 

          Anubhav M
          Community Manager
          Anubhav MCommunity Manager
          Community Manager
          February 24, 2026

          Thanks for confirming. Could you try updating to Illustrator v30.2.1 and see if that helps?

          Also, try running Illustrator under a different administrator account (macOS) and share your observations.
           

          Looking forward to hearing from you.
          Anubhav

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