Double click to isolate works with USB but not Bluetooth mouse

[bmacgreg]

Hi,

I see several posts about double click to isolate not working, but my problem is a little more specific - it works with my USB mouse (mice, actually), but not with a Bluetooth one. The layers panel across the top of the page only shows up after double-clicking with a USB mouse.

I otherwise prefer the Bluetooth mouse, the others are a bit old and creaky, but as is it's useless for Illustrator..

Illustrator 2025 (29.1), MacOS 12.7.6 (newest possible for this machine). Of suggestions seen so far, I don't have Magnet installed (whatever that may be), and the double-click speed is already set to maximum.

Thanks,

Barbara

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @bmacgreg,

Thanks for sharing the details, and I totally get how frustrating this must be, especially when you prefer using your Bluetooth mouse! The fact that it works perfectly with USB mice but not with the Bluetooth one points to a potential issue with the mouse's settings or its interaction with Illustrator.

Would you mind trying the below: 

1. Go to System Preferences > Mouse on your Mac and ensure the double-click speed is appropriately set (even though you’ve already tried adjusting this). Sometimes, resetting it and testing again can help.

2. If your Bluetooth mouse has companion software or drivers, ensure they’re up to date. Manufacturers often release updates to fix compatibility issues.

3. If possible, test another Bluetooth mouse to see if the issue persists. This can help identify if the problem is specific to your current mouse.

4. Reset Illustrator Preferences: You can reset preferences by holding Cmd + Option + Shift when launching Illustrator. This can resolve unexpected behavior without affecting your files. Reference: How to set preferences in Illustrator

Hope this helps you get back to a seamless workflow with your preferred mouse! Let me know how it goes or if you need more assistance. 

Best,
Abhishek Rao

[bmacgreg]

Dear Abishek,

I don’t have another magic mouse handy to test, but no luck with the other suggestions. I’ll check my laptop later to see if there’s the same problem, but I mostly don’t use that for graphics.

Thanks anyway,

Barbara

[Anubhav M]

Hello @bmacgreg,

Thanks for the confirmation. Would you mind confirming the Bluetooth mouse make/model and if it uses a companion app for managing settings? If yes, try removing and reinstalling the app to see if it helps.

Also, try installing an older version of Illustrator (https://adobe.ly/3PckrZM) and share your observations.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

[bmacgreg]

Hi,

Here’s the answer to the easy part, anyway - it’s an Apple mouse, model A1657, uses just the system software - I didn’t install anything new.

No time to try an older version now, maybe tomorrow.

Barbara

[creative explorer]

@bmacgreg I tried on my students new laptop (M4) (I was marking their assignments) last week, and honestly, I suck at using the trackpad, so I used my Apple Magic Mouse and bluetooth. And it worked fine on theirs. I do this all the time. Mine is the same model as yours too! 

[bmacgreg · Accepted solution]

Lucky you! Still no joy here.

Tried the laptop, found double click to isolate doesn’t work there with either trackpad or magic mouse. Double-click speed set to maximum. That one is a 16” 2019 MacBook Pro, OS Sequoia 15.2, Illustrator 29.1, same magic mouse as before. It is unfortunately too modern for my USB mice, so I don’t know about those. Not really critical since I rarely use it with Illustrator.

I might just try buying a newer, non-arthritic USB mouse for the desktop machine, but any other ideas? Would prefer not to add to the e-clutter around here.

[Anubhav M]

Hello @bmacgreg,

Would you mind confirming if Illustrator continues to behave this way when using a different input device/mouse. Also, try running Illustrator under a different administrator account (Windows / macOS) and share your observations.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

[bmacgreg]

Hi,

I caved in and got a new Logitech mouse, which so far is working beautifully. Whatever the problem is, it seems to be specific to the Magic Mouse. May it rest in peace. Well, for most things it’s still better than the elderly wired mice.

Thanks for taking the time to think about it.

Barbara

[creative explorer]

@bmacgreg I got this based on a student recommendation. I tried it on her Mac M4, and it was quite ergonmonic. It can be used either bluetooth or USB. I bought this for my wife, one less thing to deal with her workstation and USB ports. I like the 'bumble bee,' colors from Transformers movies, but, my wife gave me the 'look,' and I ended up getting her the black color mouse! It's quiet, and the battery lasts a long time. She doesn't turn it off, she leaves it on. I think she has only had to charge it once since November 13th! 

[bmacgreg]

Hi,

See other reply - it’s the spending season, right? I bought a new Logitech mouse, and things are back to normal. Knock on wood.

Barbara

[Anubhav M]

Hello @bmacgreg,

I'm glad to hear the problem was resolved. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need assistance. We're happy to help.

Anubhav