Can't choose any tools

[Kristine36831451yugd]

I have a pencil tool and a circle with a line through it that shows up randomly. It blocks me from choosing any other tools. I used to be able to close the document and reopen, then I had to do a full system restart, and now...nothing works. Any ideas?? Thank you in advance!

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Which system, which version?

What is it that you want to do when the symbol shows?

The layer is not locked or hidden, right?

[Kristine36831451yugd]

I have solved the problem - sort of. No locked layers, but if I choose a new layer , I get my cursor back. So typically I have 6 art boards per document and only sometimes it seems to lock up with this pen tool issue. As I stated before, when the pen tool and circle with a line pops up, I cannot select any other tools. That stops my workflow in it's tracks. I just thought I'd try a new layer for the second artboard, and voila, my cursor reappears!? Is this possibly a cache issue?

[pixxxelschubser]

Hi @Kristine36831451yugd 

Could you please upload a test file (without confidential data) for testing and link it here and describe the exact steps that lead to the problem? Or, as @Anubhav M has already asked:

Hello @Kristine36831451yugd,

Sorry to hear about your experience …

… If the problem persists, kindly share more details, like the exact workflow details, and a screen recording of the problem (https://adobe.ly/4aXWRIU), so we can investigate this further? …

By @Anubhav M

[Cheval Builders Inc]

There are a few possible solutions you can try:

Check the active layer: Make sure that the active layer in the Layers panel is set to the Artwork layer rather than the Text layer. This simple adjustment has solved the problem for some users.

Restart Illustrator: If you haven't already, try closing and reopening Illustrator. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve unexpected issues.

Create a new layer: If the problem persists, try creating a new layer and deleting any other layers that may be causing conflicts. This can help reset the workspace and potentially resolve the issue.

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Kristine36831451yugd,

Sorry to hear about your experience. I hope the suggestions shared by Monika and Cheval helped resolve the problem. If not, kindly check if Illustrator behaves this way with other files. If yes, try running Illustrator under Safe Mode (Windows / macOS) to see if it helps.

If the problem persists, kindly share more details, like the exact workflow details, and a screen recording of the problem (https://adobe.ly/4aXWRIU), so we can investigate this further?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,

Anubhav

[pixxxelschubser · Accepted solution]

@Kristine36831451yugd I have the same question as Monika: Is the active layer visible and not locked?

Please show a screenshot of your layers panel. 

@Cheval Builders Inc 

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