command + shift to drag not working

[AJ12170409]

Hey all, I was in the middle of formatting a document and ran into an issue with the command + shift function. It acts like you're just clicking command and dragging. The bounding box gets bigger, but the image inside does not. I tried using com + shift + option to see if that function worked, and it doesn't either. What the heck happened?? I tried quitting and reopening, the shift+cont+opt+command when opening trick, the resetting default settings in the general preferences—nothing. Just a completely random event that started happening mid-edit. 

Does anyone know what's happening and what I need to do? Delete the application entirely and redownload maybe? I read that didn't help other people years ago with similar issues... so I want to avoid that if possible if it's not going to work.

[Abhishek Rao · Accepted solution]

Hi @AJ12170409,

Thanks for reaching out. Could you share the details of your macOS version and InDesign version? Also, if possible, please provide a screen recording demonstrating the issue.

I tested Command + Shift + Drag, and it works as expected on my end. Sometimes, macOS accessibility settings or third-party apps (like clipboard managers, key remappers, or screen recording software) can interfere with modifier keys. Try restarting your Mac in Safe Mode and test the shortcut again. Reference:
https://adobe.ly/4hxIdf0

Let me know how it goes!

^

Abhishek

[AJ12170409]

I should have refreshed before I responded. That naturally solved the problem.... haha! Thank you for helping me 🙂

[AJ12170409]

Update: My shift and option buttons don't work for copying an image either.

[Cobovenman]

I have this issue in Indesign 20.0.1 on Macbook Air M2 running OS 15.1.1. I am used to using shift and command key to scale content when dragging, constaining proportions and shift key to snap to horizontal/vertical guides when moving items. Something has changed!

[AJ12170409]

Honestly, restarting my computer and opening InDesign first worked to solve my issue. Have you tried that yet? I think in my case there were some third-party apps interfering with InDesign.

[Cobovenman]

I've updated my apps and restarted and, yes, this issue seems to be resolved - thank you

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Note that your OS is slightly out of date too. The latest is 15.3.1.