Free transform tool anchor points look different when I want to rotate or zoom in & out

Forum|Forum|19 hours ago
February 8, 2026
3 replies
38 views

Hi everyone, I am trying to figure out why my free transform tool has these bizarre scaling handles that do not transform in the traditional way. Thank you!

Doug A Roberts

Community Expert

I have experienced this before -- it may be related to Illustrator erroneously using UI elements from the Touch workspace:

Don’t display Touch workspace styled handles for Free Transform when Ai doesn’t use it – Adobe Illustrator

S

Sterben_KAuthor

Participating Frequently

Thank you for your guidance, but it appears this issue cannot be resolved at this time. My pc is not connected to any touch device or tablet.

Doug A Roberts

Community Expert

Yes, it’s something the Illustrator team needs to isolate and resolve.

Monika Gause

Community Expert

What are they doing instead of transforming?

S

Sterben_KAuthor

Participating Frequently

They still do the same thing, but I prefer the original.

Ton Frederiks

Community Expert

What version do you have? Is it the desktop or iPad version?

S

Sterben_KAuthor

Participating Frequently

Desktop illustrator v29.8.1(64-bit)

Ton Frederiks

Community Expert

Mine is Mac 29.8.4 (as well as the latest), does not have those.

Can you show your Preferences General?

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