Symbol Tools Aren't Working

[MEILI5FDE]

My symbol tools suddenly stopped working. The symbol sprayer still works but none of the tools to adjust the symbols will do anything. I can't find any information on how to fix them. I've tried closing and reopening the program and resetting Illustrator preferences. Any suggestions?

[michelew83603738]

What OS and version of CC are you using? Is everything else working correctly? I would restart the computer and if all else fails, since you have reset preferences, try reinstalling.

[MEILI5FDE]

Windows 10 and the next to latest version of CC. I haven't gotten around to updating yet but I'll try that next. I'm reinstalling as we speak. I've already tried restarting the computer but no go.

[Monika Gause]

When adjusting the symbol instances with the symbol tools you have to select the respective symbol in the symbol panel.

Can you please describe exactly what you are doing? Are you using a mouse or a graphic tablet?

[MEILI5FDE]

I'm using a mouse. I'm just doing basic stuff with the symbols. I spray then switch to either the symbol resizer or the symbol rotation tool, so the symbol remains selected in the symbol panel. After that, nothing happens. I click on the symbols or alt+click on them and nothing. The arrow doesn't show up for the rotation and there is no circle showing the size of influence of the tool I'm using. I've tried the bracket keys to resize and nothing happens there either. I've tried other tools and none of them work either. I've also tried editing the tool options for the sprayer but it doesn't make a difference. Nothing seems to work no matter what.

[Monika Gause]

Can you please show a screenshot that also includes the layers panel with the symbol group visible in it?

[MEILI5FDE]

Here it is. The symbols are the swirls that are selected.

[Monika Gause]

Thank you.

Do you click and drag on the symbols?

[MEILI5FDE]

Yep. Nothing happens.

[Monika Gause]

I suppose you already tried rebooting the computer and resetting the preferences (this will erase all your settings). Since you are not working in Symbol sets, but with single placed symbols: why don't you just use transform tools? or the bounding box? Or for random edits: Object > Transform > Transform each

You could contact Customer Care so they can take a look at it.

[navid307465494ap5 · Accepted solution]

I had your problem too. 

I opened a new document and tried the tools again. They worked!

[MEILI5FDE]

That's what I ended up doing. I created what I needed in another document and then imported them into the original one.

[michaelg61294644]

I tried that too, but it stopped working again almost immediately.

[Anubhav M]

Hello @michaelg61294644,

I'm sorry to hear about your experience, Would you mind sharing more details, like the OS/Illustrator version and a screen recording of your exact workflow and the problem, so I can better assist you?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

[Srishti Bali]

Hi @michaelg61294644 

We're still waiting for your response on this issue. Please update the discussion to let us know if it has been resolved or if you still need assistance.

Regards,

Srishti

[Elena36098815l2w9]

I have had the same problem for months. The spray can for symbols works, but the other tools  "do not exist" anymore, there is not even the small arrow in the bottom right of the tool. If I open the tool options, I can switch between the tools, but the moment I press ok, it just gives me just the normal spray can.

i'm on Mac Sonoma 14.6.1, AI 29.1

[Monika Gause]

Thpose are just the settings for the tools. What happens when you go to View > Toolbars > Advanced?