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sarahll1066
Participating Frequently
July 31, 2017
Question

Error message when I select Alt-click on the cloning stamp.en I

  • July 31, 2017
  • 9 replies
  • 2191 views

When I use the cloning tool I get error message "could not use the clone stamp because the area to clone has not been defined (alt-click to define a source area)

Yes I'm on the right layer, my alt key works in other situations, I'm holding it down while clicking left on mouse, I've tried it on different images, I've uninstalled and reinstalled, I've tried so many things but it's still not working. HELP me please. I need this for my uni work

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    9 replies

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    Debbie Keller
    Participating Frequently
    August 3, 2017

    Did you update the drivers for the touchpad or the wireless mouse?

    S
    sarahll1066Author
    Participating Frequently
    August 3, 2017

    Is there some way I can remove photoshop all together, every part of it so a reinstall doesn't just find those files?

    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Barb BinderCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 3, 2017

    yes: ​Use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to solve installation problems

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    S
    sarahll1066Author
    Participating Frequently
    August 3, 2017

    I have followed the instructions from CC Cleaner Tool and it's still doing it. Very frustrating

    D
    Debbie Keller
    Participating Frequently
    August 2, 2017

    Are you using a Wacom tablet by any chance?

    S
    sarahll1066Author
    Participating Frequently
    August 3, 2017

    No I'm using the touch pad on my laptop or a wireless mouse, neither of which work

    D
    Debbie Keller
    Participating Frequently
    August 2, 2017

    Can you share the document with us?

    S
    sarahll1066Author
    Participating Frequently
    August 3, 2017

    It happens on all files I try not just this one

    D
    Debbie Keller
    Participating Frequently
    July 31, 2017

    Have you tried closing Photoshop and holding down the following keys on your keyboard while you re-open the program?

    Mac - Command + Option + Shift

    Windows - Control + Alt + Shift

    Keep the keys held down until you see the following:

    Click Yes and then re-open your file and try the Clone tool again.

    Please let me know if this does not work.

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    sarahll1066Author
    Participating Frequently
    July 31, 2017

    For some reason I don't get that message. I have reset the tools though

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 31, 2017

    Hi Sarah

    Can you show a screenshot including your layers panel (with the layer you are using highlighted) and the options bar - with the clone tool selected.

    Dave

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    sarahll1066Author
    Participating Frequently
    July 31, 2017

    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Barb BinderCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 1, 2017

    Even on the second screenshot there should be no issue cloning onto that empty layer (Layer 1)  as you have the clone tool set to "current and below" so you will pick up the image from below. I do this all the time with smart objects in the layer(s) below.

    When you hold the ALT key and click - do you see the cursor change?

    I would try the preference reset suggested by BarbBinder. Given that you are in Photoshop, go to Preferences > General and click Reset Preferences on Quit. Then click OK, close and restart Photoshop

    Dave


    My mistake. I though the message was indicating Sarah could not set a sampling point, not that she couldn't paint because it wasn't set in the previous file. Yes, she should be able to paint on the empty layer over the smart object.

    I've lost the ability to use the alt key for enlarging the brush size and for zoomin

    So Alt+Right mouse drag left/right is no longer working to change the brush size with a painting tool? For the moment, you can tap [ and ] to decrease/increase the brush size. We can come back to this once cloning is working. So, after deleting prefs, is cloning working?

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    Ussnorway7605025
    Ussnorway7605025
    Legend
    July 31, 2017

    moved to Photoshop forum

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    sarahll1066Author
    Participating Frequently
    July 31, 2017

    It's regarding photoshop CC

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    John T SmithCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 31, 2017

    The Lounge Forum is not for technical help, please provide the name of the program you are using so your message may be moved to the correct program forum... A program would be Photoshop or Dreamweaver or Muse or Premiere Pro or ???

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