InDesign CC Shift Key not working

[J_Prinz]

Normally I'd just hold the shift key down to resize an image or object in InDesign CC to constrain its proportions. Lately when I try to resize an image, the shift key doesn't do anything anymore. It no longer holds the proportions of the image box. Is there a way to fix this problem or is there a new tool that replaces the hot key shortcut? Transform > Scale is taking way too much time to resize an image to the proper size I need it to be.

Any and all help is very appreciated.

-Jon

[casey_brock]

YESSS. Thank you. You are my hero for the day!!!

[jaclyna71644200]

Holy cow- That worked!

[Therese C]

after the latest update was installed, i cannot size things proportionately either. as mentioned, it's as if the shift key is not working. i did not do anything differently, or change any settings. it just started happening after the update. very frustrating!!!

[lennartk502178]

Have the exact same problem. Just installed indesign 2015 on a brand new imac (never used on anything and with no webroot or other applications installed). Indesign downloaded from creative cloud, and the shift/command key doesn´t work at all. Turning on or off smart grid didn´t make any difference. Bit at loss here..

[Steve Werner]

It is almost certain that there is some conflicting utility, extension, or browser plug-in that is "grabbing" the use of the Shift key.

In recent time, browser plug-ins or extensions are probably the most likely.

Try rebooting, and don't launch (with startup programs or manually) any other application. Try to see if the problem re-occurs.

If it still does, create a new user and try InDesign in the new user to eliminate corruption or startup software in your normal user.

[Pat481]

Yes, but IMO this is still an adobe bug. It doesn't occur in any other non adobe apps, is a common occurrence, can be triggered by secure input which is a pretty common situation . I've read that adobe uses an outdated method of checking modifier keys. I feel like just because an external app is involved in the equation doesn't mean that it isn't a bug with CC.

[Thijs de Leeuw]

I quit all open programs except Indesign (Safari, Chrome, messages and Franz) and everything worked as normal again. CC2015.2 release.

Didn't had to restart Indesign or reopen any documents (heavy ones).

I don't run any virusscanners.

[florianh32030115]

Thanks! I tried quitting Safari, which immediately solved the issue.

[Steve Werner]

That probably means that one of the extensions/plug-ins you use with Safari is interfering. You just need to figure out which one.

[NildeR]

@florianh32030115

Same here but this is on Adobe - I have no extensions on Safari!

#fixitnow

[carolb77886673]

Same here.  I have a new MacBook, and the shift key doesn't work when resizing proportionally.  I've been going to Object>Fitting>FillFrame Proportionally when I have an object in a frame to resize.

[juarthy · Accepted solution]

Hello Carol, I posted a fix that worked for me perfectly, it was webroot virus scanning software. I turned it off, and the problem disappeared. I only run it at night, when I’m not working. An apple tech told me virus scan software can interfere with key commands.

Not sure if this is your issue, but hope it helps. My macbook pro was fine, the software wasn’t installed on it, it was the mac pro with the virus scanning software that had the issue.

Good luck

[carolb77886673]

Yep! That was my issue. Many thanks!

[s_travers]

I had the same problem and I just uninstalled webroot and everything works just fine again. Thanks for the tip!

[kgbnam]

I have had this problem come up from time to time. Just came up today. All i needed to do was go to Apple menu/Force Quit/Relaunch Finder and shift key is working again.

Hope this helps.

[carolb77886673]

Thank you for your help with this. In my case, it turns out that it was my

Webroot software that was creating the keyboard problems. I will keep your

email though in case I have additional problems.

thanks

[jj-jordan]

In my case it was Chrome what caused problems. One particular website took control over my InDesign. After closing it everything is back to normal: shift, alt and spacebar. I'm on Adobe CC. Mac OS Maverick. What curious: while shift / alt / spacebar hasn't been responding in InDesign - everything was perfect in Photoshop.

[phillyjim]

Closing Chrome fixed the issue for me as well. Thx

[jfeez]

YES! This is the only thing that worked for me. Jesus Christ. My modifier keys weren't working for InDesign (but they were fine in Illustrator and Photoshop). I tried resetting prefs, reinstalling, I don't have any anti-virus software, but I closed Chrome and closed InDesign, then opened InDesign, and it worked. I have no idea what it is, but definitely try closing all your other apps. What a ridiculous problem.  

[Pat481]

We know what the problem is, Indesign doesn't know how to detect modifier keys while secure input is on on the mac. not sure if adobe wants to fix it though.

[Steve Werner]

Applications that lock out keyboard shortcuts (some password software) must be turned off when using InDesign. It's not InDesign's fault, nor is it for it to fix. Use good password software which allows you to turn off that useless feature. I have no problem in 1Password, for example.

[Pat481]

We'll have to agree to disagree on that, I believe it is Adobe's responsibility, but yes - if an app uses secure input incorrectly probably a good sign that you should look elsewhere (with the exception of Safari and Chrome of course). Check browser plugins for said security apps as well, sometimes it's just the plugins that need to be turned off, not the app itself.

[lonniusmax-UBm3qS]

Same here. Have had similar issues with Chrome and Safari "commandeering" the modifier keys. Usually quitting/restarting them will release the keys.

[sbernstn]

11/15/2015 10:56 AM CST

Tried restarting program, restarting computer, trashing preferences, etc.

Shift / constrain function still disabled.

Illustrator CC, Windows 7 professional.

[amyodonnell]

Select the tool that is not constrained by holding down Shift, then under the Windows menu choose Tool Presets. In the dialogue box for Tool Presets click on the lines in the upper right corner, then select Reset Tool, or Reset All Tools. Your tool(s) will return to their default behavior of being constrained by holding down Shift.