/t5/after-effects-discussions/left-click-stuck/td-p/14814289Aug 21, 2024
Aug 21, 2024
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Hello all. I've been running into an issue where when I left click on anything (property, layer, effect, etc.) the left click seems to get stuck in the click state, therefore dragging whatever I grabbed indefinitely. The only way to release it is if I left click on a separate Ae panel (i.e. from Composition to Project panel). Super frustrating and slowing down my workflow. It happens in all projects, but only happens in Ae. No other software is effected. So far I've tried:
resetting all preferences (including going back to the default preferences, multiple times)
restarting the machine (both a general restart and a complete shutdown)
starting Ae in safe mode
migrating previous verions preferences
using different mice
Any thoughts? And of course I have multiple plugins from reputable developers, and not anything that stands out as super recent that may be causing this issue. I'm going to go through those next.
Just reporting back. Unfortunately disabling the plugins did not help. The stuck left click persists with all 3rd party plugins, and also all Effects, disabled. Thanks for the suggestion though.
Hello again. Thank you for those suggestions! Unfortunately neither one made a difference. I am working with two monitors, disconnected one with no change. I'm using a wireless Logitech MX Master 3S, have been for the last 2 years with no issues. I did try a separate, wired, mouse with no change, and I'm up to date on both the mouse and Ae.
Also, for good measure I started a completely new project with on asset and one Comp. No other effects or plugins added, and still at the stuck click issue.
Thanks again for the suggestions! Please keep them coming. Hopefully we can figure this out.
I did some testing. I was able to replicate a similar behavior. Everytime, I press the Left and right click very quickly (first left click and then right click), it behaves the same as you described. However, it starts happening in the Layer panel only. Once it starts happening and I click on the Project panel or Timeline, the behavior repeats. Please confirm if it starts from the Layer panel and if pressing both the clicks does this. Looking forward to your response.
Hello, and thanks again for the continued suggestions. In response to your lateset suggestions, it only happens for me with a left click and drag, never with a right click in any situation. A few more details for your review:
I did update to Ae Version 24.6.1 (Build 2) and there's no change.
I did a little more investigating with peripherals, external monitors, and docs with no change. I did this because I have two workspaces set up. One for just my laptop when working remote, and one for working in the office with two monitors. The behavior seemed to include the Effects & Presets Panel while working in the laptop workspace (just the laptop, no peripherals). But when working with two monitors, while connected to my OWC Thunderbolt Pro Dock, it did not effect the Effects & Presets Panel.
It seems to only originate at the Project Panel for me. Here are three scenarios that creates the behavior.
Within the Project Panel
Left click and grab a layer (regardless of type).
Move the selected layer to another location within the Project Panel.
Select another layer within the Timeline or Composition window and the click state is stuck and will not release unless a right click is initiated or an attempt is made to click on another panel.
Moving from the Project Panel to the Timeline.
Left click and grab a layer.
Drag the selected layer to the Timeline.
While working with two monitors, if I release the left click and promptly click on the Effects and Presets Panel the click state is released.
If I instead click on the layer I just moved to the Timeline, the click state sticks and will not release until a right click is initiated or another panel is selected.
Moving from the Project Panel to the Composition window.
Similar steps as for the Timeline. If I click and drag the layer from the Project Panel to the Composition window and release the left click, then promptly click on that same layer in the Timeline to adjust it's postion, the left click state is stuck and won't release until a right click is initiated or another panel is selected.
I hope this isn't too much information. Thank you again for the help. I hope we can figure this out.
Would it be helpful if I uploaded a short video of the behavior?
Having the same issues, also MBP M1 Max and Logitech Master 3 mouse, click in project windown and seems to latch onto the item I've clicked on and then follows anywhere the cursor moves.
I'm having the same problem with a MacBook Pro M4 Max on MacOS 15.7.1 After Effects 25.5.0. My mouse is an Apple Magic Mouse (lightning cable version) and I also use the touch interface on a Wacom Tablet. I sometimes use an Apple track pad. All three create the same problem. In my case I haven't found anything consistent that creates the problem other than clicking and dragging while using After Effects. I also am unable to get it to release without restarting the computer. At times this makes After Effects completely unusable because of how much it slows me down. Sometimes I use AE for a half hour or so before the clicking and dragging problem presents. Then I restart, launch After Effects, and get the problem within minutes and have to restart again. Extremely frustrating. Would love a solution to keep it from happening or get it to release once it gets stuck. Thank you!
I believe this is an issue with the Logitech drivers for macOS. Try switching to a different input device for a few days and you'll likely notice the issue goes away. Then when you switch back, sticky mouse clicks return.
/t5/after-effects-discussions/left-click-stuck/m-p/15577618#M269770Nov 04, 2025
Nov 04, 2025
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Since it only happens in After Effects a plugin or small bug may be causing it. Try removing all plugins and open After Effects again. Check if the mouse works normally. Also look for software updates. If nothing helps uninstall and install After Effects again to fix the problem.
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