Skip to main content
M
meganmooch
Participant
December 16, 2016
Answered

Modifier keys (alt/option/shift) not working

  • December 16, 2016
  • 3 replies
  • 6688 views

I use Photoshop CS6 on an iMac 27inch running Sierra 10.12.2 with a 13HD Cintiq with the driver completely updated to version 6.3.19-6. Recently I tried to fix a problem when using photoshop in full screen and my cursor would suddenly draw a few millimetres above my pen tip. The only things I changed was unchecking the Graphics Processor. It worked and I could use the cursor in full screen but I couldn't use the scrubby zoom which I love. I rechecked the box and restarted photoshop along with installing the newest driver for my Cintiq. I tried going back to drawing only to find I couldn't use the quick modifier key to swap to the eyedropper while using brush (alt/option). It DOES work as long as the cintiq pen isn't the one using the tool. My mouse works fine, but as soon as I hover the pen over the display, the tool immediately changes back to the brush. The same thing happens for the zoom: holding the alt key changes it to zoom out except when the pen is there.

I have uninstalled the cintiq driver, installed an older driver, installed the newer one again. I have reset the photoshop settings using alt+command+shift while opening, I have checked for updates on photoshop and my mac. I have unchecked and checked the graphics processor again, restarted photoshop AND my mac several times NOTHING IS WORKING. I have also tried closing every program running in the background as I know some people have had luck with closing FireFox to solve the issue. As well I have the white window workaround installed.

If anyone has ANY other ideas I would really appreciate it, these tools make photoshop so much easier to use. Thanks.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer DarcieF

UPDATE: After troubleshooting back and forth I finally figured it out is the Wacom Driver. I went back a version on my driver and all is working just fine again!

Find your > Drivers

3 replies

T
Triple 9 Nickel
Known Participant
December 24, 2016

Agreed with DarcieF and confirmed after speaking with Wacom. It's definitely the Wacom driver that's problematic. Follow these instructions and install the old driver... now my SHIFT/OPT/CMD keys are working properly again and I can use Lightroom and PS like the good old days.

They say the new driver 6.3.19-9 has fixed the issues, but apparently so many people are downloading that it crashed the Wacom server. 15-3 works relatively error-free.

Disconnect the tablet from the computer

Open your Applications folder and locate any Tablet or Wacom Tablet folders you have

Use the Utility in each of these folders and click ‘Remove’ under ‘Tablet Software’

Once the software is removed, restart the computer

Once this is complete, download and install the 6.3.15 driver from:

http://cdn.wacom.com/u/productsupport/drivers/mac/professional/WacomTablet_6.3.15-3.dmg

D
Damion
Participant
July 3, 2017

Yes! It was the wacom drivers. Rolled back, works.

This was an weird bug to track down, thanks for the post.

D
DarcieF
Participant
December 23, 2016

This problem is happening to me too. Through research I have learned it is a common Sierra bug for modifier keys to stop working with the recent OS updates. This is a huge pain and very disruptive to work flows. My plan is to call Apple and see what they can do because the typical reset PRAM, first-aid, delete .plist type efforts do nothing to help. The only thing I have been able to do is set the buttons on my Wacom pen to Command and Option yet this is still not right. So frustrating.

D
DarcieFCorrect answer
Participant
December 23, 2016

UPDATE: After troubleshooting back and forth I finally figured it out is the Wacom Driver. I went back a version on my driver and all is working just fine again!

Find your > Drivers

    C
    crystinal79681538
    Participant
    May 31, 2017

    I went back a version in my drivers and it worked as well!! Thank you so much for posting this!

    M
    meganmoochAuthor
    Participant
    December 19, 2016

    Update: My wacom pen has the 2 buttons that right click and double click, the right click is not working either but the double click does.

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices