Problems with selecting a Path / Direct Selection - Illustrator 29.4

[JthreeConcepts]

So I've been using Illustrator for over 22 years now, and only remember having this issue once before.

I've checked the forums, Google, and I found one person with this issue 5 years ago, but there was no solution found. I haven't been able to find someone with this exact issue yet. So either I'm searching for the wrong thing, or?

So I'm trying to select an object, and no matter what, Illustrator will select an object behind it unless I'm zoomed in very close to said object, for example:

 

I'm trying to select that shape inside the red circle, (that grey shape with a black outline). And no matter where I click on the outline or the shape directly... it selects the complex pattern behind it (which is actually multiple shapes behind it)

So no matter where I click on that grey shape, it tries to select the pattern below it.

All objects are unlocked, on the same layer, and in the same group.

It doesn't just do it for the pattern, it does it with a ton of other objects too. This is across multiple files saved on different versions of Illustrator.

I've tried changing the selection tolerance, object highlighting, I turned "Snap to point" off (on or off didn't help)
These are my current selection and anchor point settings, but I've tried almost every one of these, and I still have the same issue. I've even had object highlighting on, click on the object it has highlighted... and it still selects the object below.

Another example below, no matter where I click on that grey shape, it always selects that patern underneath, this is changing my selection tolerance all the way up to 5px, and no difference.

 

It's gotten to the point where it has drastically effected my workflow and efficiency having to zoom in so close everytime I want to select a simple shape.

Please help

[Ton Frederiks]

@JthreeConcepts I am using Illustrator 29.4 on Mac and I see also the selection of objects below another object.

If I use the Direct Selection Tool (A) and click inside a shape that has similar repeating circles (like in your example) below it it select a circle instead of the shape I click one. It does not select the whole group, just one circle.

The same file works fine in an older (2024) version of Illustrator, it highlights the circles below the shape, but does not select them when clicked.

You may want to report it here:

https://illustrator.uservoice.com

[Pariah Burke]

You're not in Draw Behind mode, are you?

Also, make sure Illustrator isn't thinking you're holding down the CMD/CTRL button, which, when held, selects objects behind what you're clicking on. It's a relatively common occurance that CMD/CTRL gets stuck for Illustrator or other applications. You can try selecting an object and, without pressing CMD/CTRL, press the C and then V on your keyboard. If it copies and pastes, Illustrator thinks you're holding the modifier. Try tapping it a few times, or restart your computer.

[Ton Frederiks]

It is an easy to reproduce bug.

[JthreeConcepts]

Thanks for this little video to show the problem first hand!

[Pariah Burke]

Hi, @Ton Frederiks 

I must be doing something differently. How am I not able to reproduce that behavior in AI 2025 29.3.1 Mac? Is it a Windows-only issue (I can test there, too, if you like)?

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/789cvakm2o0cm3nghhi8s/ai-selection-test.mp4?rlkey=17nwops1538an2g9bd0...

Or am I missing something entirely?

[Ton Frederiks]

Hi @Pariah Burke I think it is a 29.4 Mac issue, cannot verify Windows.

[Pariah Burke]

Sounds like it. See my below reply to OP.

So, to fix the bug, rollback to Illustrator 29.3.

[Ton Frederiks]

I would not call that fixing the bug, it is more like avoiding the bug 🙂

[Pariah Burke]

Semantics, 😀, but, yeah. I mean, it's not like we can fix the bug anyway. We just have to work around it.

[JthreeConcepts]

I'm on Windows 11, so def a Windows issue too.
Thanks for the effort on trying to figure this out!

[Anubhav M]

Hello everyone,

I have escalated this with the product team, and they are currently investigating it. For now, please try reverting to an earlier version of Illustrator (https://adobe.ly/3RBZhoO) as Ton suggested, and let us know if it helps.

Additionally, kindly upvote the UserVoice for this
(https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/601447/suggestions/49702187)
(https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/601447/suggestions/49716602) and add your comments there.

Doing this will help us prioritize this request, and you will be notified of any updates.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need assistance. We'd be happy to help.
Anubhav

[JthreeConcepts]

Great suggestions, but draw behind mode wasn't enabled, and exiting out didn't help either or restarting my system.
I'm open to anything though so keep em coming!

[Pariah Burke]

I just re-read. Tom is on 29.4. I'm on 29.3.1. Maybe the new version of Illustrator is when the bug appeared. What version are you on, @JthreeConcepts ? If it's 29.4, try rolling back.

FWIW, I've learned over and over again since October to keep every Adobe 2025 app one dot-version back if I have actual work to do or am teaching that Adobe application within the next month (I'm teaching Infographic Design with Illustrator this week, so... I'll update in a few weeks). In only update with the latest patch if I'm working on a new book or article.

[JthreeConcepts]

Yeah looks like I'll have to roll back for now then.
And I'm on Windows 11, I should have mentioned that in the original post, my miss.
Thanks for all the effort!

[Egor Chistyakov]

I can cofirm this happening with bothe the GA and Beta builds.

The issue is now reported at UserVoice: http://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/601447/suggestions/49716602

The workaround is to disable the 'Highlight anchors on mouse over' in Preferences > Selection & Anchor Display — or downgrade, until the team hopefully fix this.

Thanks for raising this up!

[JthreeConcepts]

Thanks for this.
'Highlight anchors on mouse over' didn't fix it for me, so I'll roll back versions for now.
Appreciate all the effort on this.

[DruHTX]

This only started happening after the MAc 29.4  update.  The video explains all

[Monika Gause]

Show Edges is turned on?

[DruHTX]

Show edges is on.  That's why the blue outline shows on the shape....  if it helps this seems to be document-specific, or maybe group specific....

[Anubhav M]

Hello @DruHTX,

Could you try copying the content from the file you're having trouble with to a new one to see if the problem persists?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

[DruHTX]

Great minds think alike. I made the video after moving that working file
to a new document, and, the weirdness still exists. If it wouldn't prevent
me from editing the shapes, there wouldn't be a real concern.

[Jacob Bugge]

DruHTX,

Did you try moving only some of the artwork at a time, starting with different parts, maybe down to just one object, until you (hopefully) succeed in getting a working partial document, then add other parts until you reach the limit of what can be rescued?

[DruHTX]

While that could possibly work, I have already moved this to a new illustrator document.  

I was hoping to focus on this new selection tool mystery as shown in the video, the small white boxes appearing above the anchor points. But the object isn't actually selected, so no editing.  

Here's more information to add to this mystery:  the Curvature tool functions normally on the same objects.  BUT not the Scissor tools, they generate errors like cutting the path in wrong spot, it can be on a line segment or anchor  point, both will create these errors.  

Adding more mysteries:  Objects made with the line and arc tools CAN be moved around with the Direct Select tool without the whole fake box issue, those objects are behaving normal.

Hoping that knowing those details is going to create a light bulb over someone, and they'll recommend changing just one setting, and it solves the problem forever.  Like a Very Special episode of Blossom, only on NBC,

[Anubhav M]

Hello @DruHTX,

We are seeing multiple reports of this. I have escalated this with the product team, and they are currently investigating it. For now, please try reverting to an earlier version of Illustrator (https://adobe.ly/3RBZhoO), and let us know if it helps.

Additionally, kindly upvote the UserVoice for this
(https://adobe.ly/4i31fcV)
(https://adobe.ly/422sW0z) and add your comments there.

Doing this will help us prioritize this request, and you will be notified of any updates.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need assistance. We'd be happy to help.
Anubhav