Lefthand toolbar isn't staying to the front/ on top in Illustrator 2024 on macOS Sonoma beta 14.1

[Garry Bradley]

I don't know if anyone else is experiencing this with Illustrator 2024, and I'm running MacOS Sonoma 14.1 Public Beta. 

The main toolbar on the left hand of the screen is not allowing me to select any tools. Instead it goes straight to the desktop as if it's not there. I can't select the toolbar to drag it to another location but every other palette remains selectable as you would expect.

Now I know public betas can be troublesome but for it to affect just one palette within Illustrator? I'm not sure if it's an Apple problem. This also happens in Illustrator 2023 and I've attached a .mov to show you.

Is it just me?

[Larry G. Schneider]

It seems AI isn't ready for Sonoma. You may need to drop back to the previous OS.

[Garry Bradley]

Thanks Larry but I'll stick with Sonoma, I like to solve the problems and it'll probably help others.
I found a way round it in that I turned Application Frame on, moved the toolbar to the right, then turned Application Frame off again. I work with Application Frame off all the time but this solves the tools problem for now. Strangely it just don't function correctly in it's default location.

[Larry G. Schneider]

Thanks for reporting back. It will help others.

[marke71705691]

Great solution. You are a life saver!

[Anshul_Saini]

Hi @Garry Bradley,

Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. I understand that you're experiencing a problem with the main toolbar on the left-hand side of Illustrator 2024 when using MacOS Sonoma 14.1 Public Beta. Your detailed description is greatly appreciated.

From what you've described, it seems that Illustrator might be facing compatibility issues with the Sonoma Public Beta or your specific setup. Since you mentioned it also happens in Illustrator 2023, it could be related to the beta OS.

To help us investigate further and provide you with a solution, could you please share the following information:

• Details about any external monitors, including their make, model, and resolution, if you're using any. Also, let us know how they are connected (HDMI, DisplayPort, Type-C, etc.).

• Your Mac's system details, including the specific model and version.

• The exact build number of the Sonoma Public Beta you are using.

With this information, we'll be better equipped to assist you in resolving the issue. Thank you for your cooperation, and I hope we can find a solution that works for your setup.

Best regards,

Anshul Saini

[Garry Bradley]

Hi Anshul

This also happens with the toolbar on the left in Photoshop 2024 but not InDesign 2024.

Here's my Mac Spec and attached monitors which are attached to two of the 4 Thunderbolt USB-C ports on the back.

The smaller 2nd monitor is an old Formac Pronitron LCD which works perfectly fine on everything else. Unplugging it and just using the main monitor doesn't solve it either.

Here's the Sonama beta version

 

 

[Anshul_Saini]

Thank you for sharing your Mac specifications and monitor setup, @Garry Bradley. It's unusual that you're experiencing this issue in both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop but not in InDesign.

As you mentioned, you're using the Sonoma beta version of macOS, which could potentially be a factor in the problem you're facing. Beta versions of operating systems may have compatibility issues with certain applications. Since I couldn't replicate the issue on multiple machines running on the GA version of Sonoma, it might be specific to your setup.

Posting your issue in the Photoshop community might be a good idea. This way, you can check if others are facing similar problems and potentially find a solution. Or rollback to the GA version of Sonoma. If the problem is significantly affecting your workflow, consider reverting to a stable macOS version until the issue is resolved in future beta updates.

I hope one of these steps helps you resolve the problem. If the issue continues, it's essential to report it to both Apple and other Adobe communities to ensure they're aware of the problem.

Best,

Anshul Saini

[marke71705691]

I am experieincing this same issue with Illustraitor 2024 and the official release of macOS Sonoma. Here are my details:

Apple M1 Max:

Chipset Model: Apple M1 Max
Type: GPU
Bus: Built-In
Total Number of Cores: 32
Vendor: Apple (0x106b)
Metal Support: Metal 3
Displays:
Studio Display:
Display Type: Retina LCD
Resolution: 5120 x 2880 Retina
Display Serial Number: WWJCR4Q41L
Display Firmware Version: Version 17.0 (Build 21A329)
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Automatically Adjust Brightness: Yes
Color LCD:
Display Type: Built-in Liquid Retina XDR Display
Resolution: 3456 x 2234 Retina
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Automatically Adjust Brightness: Yes
Connection Type: Internal

System Software Overview:

System Version: macOS 14.1 (23B74)
Kernel Version: Darwin 23.1.0
Boot Volume: Macintosh HD
Boot Mode: Normal
Computer Name: MacBook Pro (2)
User Name: Mark Eagleton (marke)
Secure Virtual Memory: Enabled
System Integrity Protection: Enabled
Time since boot: 11 minutes, 4 seconds

[Anshul_Saini · Accepted solution]

Hi @marke71705691, @Garry Bradley,

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,
Anshul

[Garry Bradley]

Thanks Anshul, yes that's done the trick

[marke71705691]

Confirmed. This is working for me. Thanks Anshul!

[nikkis5401374]

Hi @Anshul_Saini I'm having the same issue and it has not been resolved with Sonoma update. Here's whats happening for me; when the application frame is on, there are no issues. However i prefer to work with it off for many reasons. When the applicaion frame is off, its like the pallets are only recognisable if they are floating, if they are anchored to either the left or right, and sometimes to each other, then Illustrator does not see them and when i try and select a tool it just clicks through to whatever is behind. I'm ok for the moment as i've woked out to keep the pallets floating, but it was frustrating and i do like to have them anchored to the edges to make the most of my screen realestate. Thanks for the help here.