Disable zooming when drag-copying an object?

[philipking]

Using cmd-opt-drag to copy an object in Illustrator the view almost always zooms out, which means having to waste time zooming in again. I’ve adjusted various preferences to see if it makes any difference but nothing seems to work. What am I doing wrong?

[Monika Gause]

WHich version and which system?

Which tool is selected when you use the shortcut?

Please give us exact steps, so we can try and reproduce it.

[philipking]

Hi Monika, thanks for replying.

I'm using version 22.0.1 on Mac OS v10.13.2, but I've been experiencing this problem for a long time.

This happens with either the Selection Tool or Direct Selection Tool. But it doesn't happen every time, so I'm not sure I can give exact steps. I am dragging an object using cmd-opt-drag to duplicate it or cmd-opt-shift-drag to duplicate while constraining the angle.

I feel like it happens if I pause too long while positioning the dragged object, and I've been playing around trying to get it to happen consistently, but I can't. Seems like there's another factor I'm not taking account of.

[Kris Hunt]

Why are you using the Command key? Option-drag (or Option-Shift-drag to constrain) is all you need to duplicate an object.

[philipking]

Good question! I hadn't checked I was using the right key combination. I'm used to using cmd-opt to drag-copy in other apps and my fingers assumed it was the same in Illustrator. I'll try to re-learn and watch to see whether that's where the problem comes from.

[philipking]

I’ve been careful not to use the cmd key but the effect still occurs.

[Monika Gause]

Are you using the mouse or a trackpad? And if the latter: are you sure there's only one of your fingers on the trackpad?

[philipking]

I usually use a mouse and Wacom tablet, but for drag-copying I use the mouse. I’ll keep an eye on it in case I’m doing something stupid there which causes the problem. Thanks for the suggestion.

[wrensauer]

Hi Philip,

Were you able to figure out what was going on with the zoom issue? Let us know if you need further assistance.

Best,

Wren