InDesign 2019 Keyboard shortcuts not working

Writing to say this is STILL an issue in March 2021. I have to restart my iMac several times throughout the day just to maintain InDesign's shortcut functionality, but the fix is only temporary. What Foggy1989 described in their post is exactly the issues I'm facing.

I have the latest macOS, everything is updated, I've tried reinstalling InDesign, reinstalling CC, deleting preferences, removing browser extensions, all of it. 

To be honest, none of us should have to jump through all of these hoops just to restore InDesign's core functionality. Why hasnt a patch or update been released in the two years since this thread was created to fix this problem? Why are other applications and 3rd party programs interfering with Adobe's functionality in the first place?? 

Hi jessl21666485,

I'm on Windows 10 and I see the same thing:

After starting up InDesign I cannot open a document with Ctrl+o or doing a new document with Ctrl+n .

No big issue for me.

I am using a customized workspace where I start InDesign with a blank window.

If I click into the blank part one time InDesign's keyboard shortcuts are working again.

A question of where the focus of the app is after start-up.

Can see this behavior for a couple of versions now.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

So I've been having the same issue for months (tried all the usual fixes), just upgraded to 15.0.2... and it still happens. I'm on OSX 10.14.5.

This is what's consistent for me (seems to have to do with the application frame):

• On first launch, every time, I cannot use cmd +O or +N to open or create a new document. 
• If I use the File menu to open or create a new file first, then all my shortcuts work fine after that (doesn't matter whether I keep that file open or not, it just wants me to use the menu to do it first time).
• If I launch by opening an INDD file from Finder, keyboard shortcuts work straightaway.
• On first launch, if I turn the application frame (under Window) off and on again, then keyboard shortcuts work straightaway.
• If I turn off the application frame, relaunch ID, then keyboard shortcuts will work fine straightaway.
• If I turn on the application frame after launching, they will work that time, but won't work the next time I relaunch.

Not sure if this helps anyone.

I keep having this issue everytime i open InDesign.... Like many other bugs from Adobe, They won't do anything to fix them.

They want our monthly subscription, force their products and cloud down our throats all the time but they won't fix anything.

We are the paying peasant and they are the masters.

Adobe just don't care and i'm looking forward to a proper alternative.

This happens to me too, using 15.0.1, when I minimize my Indesign, and then go back to it, none of my shortcut keys work unless i type some or change text first.

Me too. ESC key does not go back to Selection tool when using Type tool.

Mac OS 10.14.4; InDesign v. 15.0.1

Hi creativered,

what's your exact version of InDesign CC 2019?

from an end user - with Mac OS Mojave installed, Adobe 2019 InDesign: 

Hello,

For some reason my shortcut keys are not working in InDesign. Specifically these are the ones with issues:

> hold down spacebar to use the hand tool (using the selection tool)

> duplicate as dragging artwork (option + selection tool + command) and duplicate as dragging in alignment (option + shift + selection tool)

> moving artwork while in alignment (shift + selection tool)

> scaling proportionally from one edge (shift + selection tool, dragging the corner of the transform box)

> scaling proportionally from the center (shift + option + selection tool, dragging the corner of the transform box)

It essentially seems like option and shift are just not working!

This came abruptly. One day last week it simply didn't work. I do not install updates automatically but I do install fonts, so perhaps it is a font issue? Trashing my preferences did not help.

My personal computer does have the shortcut keys working so I'm OK for now, but would really prefer to use the school's computer for work."

The only difference between her personal laptop and her work one is that her personal one has the Mac OS version prior to Mojave installed.  The end user uninstalled InDesign2019, reinstalled it to see if that would resolve the issue.  Still does not work.

I sometimes get this problem but it is due to me accidentally changing my keyboards language (I have nordic keyboard so I accidentally change it to english.)

Or if it stops working I go to check from Edit -> Keyboard shortcuts    What default shortcuts I have in use.

I hope these helps.

FlameTechIT  wrote I have a potentially similar issue with InDesign CC 2019 (v14.0.1) on Windows 10. Occasionally when I first open ID, none of the keyboard commands work. For example, the selection tool is currently in use, so I'll press "T" to to use the text tool, but nothing happens. The workaround I found to alleviate this is to click into any text box on the properties bar and then hit the escape key until I lose focus of that item. The tools are once again responsive to the keyboard, at least until I close and restart ID. I don't recall having this issue until the past few months. [ branched from Illustrator 2019 shortcuts stop working  by moderator ]

Hi,

I can see this as well. Always.

After launching InDesign I first have to give it focus so that InDesign is activated.

I always do this with a click to the gray area of the application window ( I am using a custom workspace, that will show up after starting InDesign ).

Regards,
Uwe