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Participant
Aug 12, 2017 9:51 PM UTC
Answered

My Move Tool Will Not Resize My Image Once I Place It.

My move tool will not let me resize my image once I place it. I have the resize box when I 1st input the picture but as soon as I place it the box is gone and I cant get it back. This is a new computer I just got. HP EliteX2 Tablet with keyboard.  Looking for help

    c.pfaffenbichler
    c.pfaffenbichlerCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    Aug 13, 2017 8:29 AM UTC

    Did you previously have the Move Tool set to »Show Transform Controls« (in the Options Bar)?

    11 replies

    Participant
    Sep 1, 2026 2:54 PM UTC

    Why is adobe changing how things work randomly? First it was my eye-dropper tool always placing the selected color into the background color. Now it’s not being able to do basic transformations without ctrl+T! Are you purposely trying to ruin the program’s functionality? 

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    Srishti Bali
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    Sep 1, 2026 3:23 PM UTC

    Hi ​@Kurt_Kindermann7814 

     

    Thanks for reaching out. I’m sorry for the experience. The shortcut for the Transform tool has always been Ctrl + Alt + T. You can find the complete list of Photoshop keyboard shortcuts here:
    https://helpx.adobe.com/in/photoshop/web/get-set-up/preferences-and-settings/keyboard-shortcuts.html

    I’d also be happy to help with the Eyedropper tool issue. Could you share a short screen recording showing the issue and the steps you’re taking when it occurs? That will help us better understand what’s happening.

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    Thanks, Srishti Bali | Community & Engagement Strategist, Digital Imaging | Adobe
    Participant
    Sep 11, 2025 7:29 AM UTC

    I'm having the same problem. I am unable to  resize or scale a layer after placing the embedded file. All I can do is drag the whole image around the screen? Any suggestions

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    Sameer K
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    Sep 11, 2025 9:37 AM UTC

    Hey, @ray_2113. Welcome to the Photoshop Community. You've commented on an ancient thread. Please feel free to start a new conversation. 

     

    For now, select the Move Tool (V) > check the box for 'Show Transform Controls' in the toolbar. 

     

     

    Thanks!
    Sameer K
    (Type '@' and type my name to mention me when you reply)

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    melissapiccone
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Aug 15, 2017 2:25 PM UTC

    This is normal behavior. you need to free transform - cod/control + t.

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    Melissa Piccone | Adobe Trainer | Online Courses Author | Fine Artist
    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Aug 13, 2017 7:16 PM UTC

    This could be caused by a few things.  See screenshot.

    • In your Layers Panel, is the placed image your active layer?
    • Is Show Transform Controls enabled.
    • Is the Move Tool selected?

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    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    Participant
    Jan 19, 2022 6:49 AM UTC

    Thank you, Nancy.

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    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Aug 13, 2017 8:30 AM UTC

    Also you could invoke a Transformation via ctrl-T or Edit > Free Transform.

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    Participant
    Dec 22, 2022 12:23 PM UTC

    THANK YOU DISTINGUISH GENTELMAN, I WAS ABOUT TO GO NUTS LOL

     

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    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    Aug 13, 2017 8:29 AM UTC

    Did you previously have the Move Tool set to »Show Transform Controls« (in the Options Bar)?

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    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Aug 12, 2017 10:15 PM UTC

    Reset your preferences – found under the General tab in Photoshop Preferences

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