Illustrator and Photoshop free-form (without Application Frame) user interface bug

[WKSG]

Hi all,

I've just updated the latest version of illustrator 2024 (v28.0) and Photoshop 2024 (25.1.0) on my mac running MacOS  Sonoma 14.1.

I'm having issues with the workspace. When I click on and tools on the tool bar section (Illustrator and Photopshop) the apps will switch and go to the desktop. I'm running without the Application Frame option as I prefer the free-form user interface and I'm very used to it (without Application Frame). 

Now I have to on the Application Frame in order for everything to work and its very inconvenient for my workflow. Please advise and help. Can anyone replicate the problem or am I the only one having this issue? Thank you.

[Monika Gause]

You're not the only one - there are already a couple of threads. You could search for a bug report on Uservoice https://illustrator.uservoice.com or for a thread in this forum and then add your cote on Uservoice. And subscribe to the thread in the forum, so you get notified when there's some development.

[WKSG]

Thank you. I'll check it out.

[Michael Pabst]

Same here. Same configuration.

[birscherl]

Same here. With 14.0 everything worked fine.

[vdS creatie]

Same problem with me too. Even turning off the application frame or application bar does not work. See screenshot.

[birscherl]

You have either to turn *on* application frame constantly

or

– turn on application frame
– detach tools window and move a small distance away from the edge
– turn off application frame

Done.

Some works here with Photoshop.

[vdS creatie]

Thanks for thinking with me! Even this solution does not work . Tried everything. Even in Photoshop with application frame on or off, the same problem remains. 

[vdS creatie]

Still installed Adobe Illustrator 2023 but the same problem there too. You can use Photoshop Beta though where the problem is not there (haven't updated the previous version yet)

[vdS creatie]

Photoshop Beta still problems too 😞

[Anshul_Saini]

Hi @WKSG @vdS creatie @birscherl @Michael Pabst,

I apologize for the inconvenience you're facing with Illustrator's behavior on macOS 14.1. It appears that this issue is related to changes in the macOS update.

We are aware of this problem, and a bug has been logged with Apple. Our team is actively working with them on resolving it.

In the meantime, a potential workaround is to enable the application frame, or you can try the suggestion shared by @birscherl.

However, I understand that this might not be an ideal solution.

Additionally, you can upvote this issue on UserVoice (https://adobe.ly/47gDidc) to receive updates on its status and any potential fixes.

We appreciate your patience as we work to address this problem. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please feel free to ask. Thank you for your understanding.

Best,
Anshul Saini

[WKSG]

Update: After updating MacOS 14.1.1 (23B81), the issue has been rectified. Now free-form user-interface is usable again. 

[Anubhav M · Accepted solution]

Hello everyone,

We're pleased to inform you that the issue has been resolved with the recent macOS update 14.1.1. Please ensure that you've updated your operating system (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201541) and share your feedback with us.

Thanks,
Anubhav

[birscherl]

With 14.1.1, everything works fine here in AI and PS, on both Intel iMac and Mac Studio M1.

[vdS creatie]

Again, everything works fine after this iOS update 14.1.1 om  a MacBook Pro 🙂 Thank you for your support!

[emly34979826kwcw]

While not ideal, you can enable the Application Frame temporarily to regain functionality. Go to Window > Application Frame and check the box to enable it. This will bring back the traditional window borders but might affect your workflow.

Remember to switch back to the free-form UI (uncheck Application Frame) if the bug gets fixed in future updates.