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MEILI5FDE
Inspiring
Dec 20, 2022 7:15 PM UTC
Answered

Symbol Tools Aren't Working

My symbol tools suddenly stopped working. The symbol sprayer still works but none of the tools to adjust the symbols will do anything. I can't find any information on how to fix them. I've tried closing and reopening the program and resetting Illustrator preferences. Any suggestions?

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    navid307465494ap5Correct answer
    Participant
    Jun 27, 2023 12:18 PM UTC

    I had your problem too. 

    I opened a new document and tried the tools again. They worked!

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    16 replies

    Elena36098815l2w9
    Participant
    Dec 9, 2024 3:01 PM UTC

    I have had the same problem for months. The spray can for symbols works, but the other tools  "do not exist" anymore, there is not even the small arrow in the bottom right of the tool. If I open the tool options, I can switch between the tools, but the moment I press ok, it just gives me just the normal spray can.

     

     

    i'm on Mac Sonoma 14.6.1, AI 29.1

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    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    Dec 9, 2024 4:31 PM UTC

    Thpose are just the settings for the tools. What happens when you go to View > Toolbars > Advanced?

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    navid307465494ap5Correct answer
    Participant
    Jun 27, 2023 12:18 PM UTC

    I had your problem too. 

    I opened a new document and tried the tools again. They worked!

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    MEILI5FDEAuthor
    Inspiring
    Jun 29, 2023 5:40 PM UTC

    That's what I ended up doing. I created what I needed in another document and then imported them into the original one.

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    michelew83603738
    Community Expert
    michelew83603738Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Dec 20, 2022 7:25 PM UTC

    What OS and version of CC are you using? Is everything else working correctly? I would restart the computer and if all else fails, since you have reset preferences, try reinstalling.

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    MEILI5FDEAuthor
    Inspiring
    Dec 20, 2022 7:31 PM UTC

    Windows 10 and the next to latest version of CC. I haven't gotten around to updating yet but I'll try that next. I'm reinstalling as we speak. I've already tried restarting the computer but no go.

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    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    Dec 20, 2022 7:34 PM UTC

    When adjusting the symbol instances with the symbol tools you have to select the respective symbol in the symbol panel.

     

    Can you please describe exactly what you are doing? Are you using a mouse or a graphic tablet?

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