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Participant
August 12, 2017
Answered

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

  • August 12, 2017
  • 11 replies
  • 57396 views

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

    Correct answer c.pfaffenbichler

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

    11 replies

    Participant
    September 1, 2026

    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? 

    Srishti Bali
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    September 1, 2026

    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.

    Thanks, Srishti Bali | Community & Engagement Strategist, Digital Imaging | Adobe
    Participant
    September 11, 2025

    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

    Sameer K
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    September 11, 2025

    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)

    melissapiccone
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 15, 2017

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

    Melissa Piccone | Adobe Trainer | Online Courses Author | Fine Artist
    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 13, 2017

    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?

    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    Participant
    January 19, 2022

    Thank you, Nancy.

    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 13, 2017

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

    Participant
    December 22, 2022

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

     

    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    August 13, 2017

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

    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 12, 2017

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