Free Transform Tool Doesn't Maintain Aspect as Default in 25.0

[isabelried]

Ever since I have been using Photoshop the free transform tool always maintained aspect by default and now since I updated to Photoshop 2024 (version 25.0) it is no longer that way. It is incredibly frustrating as now I have to completely rework my muscle memory. Is there a way to set it as the default? 

[Jeff Arola]

When you go Photoshop 2024>Settings (Preferences)>General do you have Use Legacy Free Transform checked?

If so, uncheck it and see if that makes a difference.

[isabelried]

Yes, I have it unchecked and have tried it checked and it doesn't change anything. 

[Jeff Arola]

What version macOS are you using?

Any specific types of layers or objects or any time you use Free Transform the Maintain apsect ratio is unchecked.

I've tried in Photoshop 2024 (version 25.0) on both macOS Ventura and Monterey and cannot replicate the issue.

For me once enabled, Maintain aspect ratio is always enabled when going to Free Transform or any Transform.

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

Could you please post screenshots with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Options Bar, …) visible? 

Is the »Maintain aspect ratio«-icon checked? 

[Anita23792841wf2b]

That worked for me! Thank you

[Lanliik]

Thank you, you solved my problem too !

[claudieuxx]

I'm having the same problem and the icon it's unchecked every time I'm trying to free transform something. What can we do do have it checked by default? Thanks!

[c.pfaffenbichler]

If you check it that setting should stick. 

Could you please post screenshots with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Options Bar, …) visible? 

[claudieuxx]

Sure. Attached

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Screenshots. 

What happens when you click the icon and confirm the transformation? 

[claudieuxx]

If I click on the checkbox and use the corners to drag, it keeps the aspect ratio. But if I use one of the laterals, it doesn't keep it.

Either way, after I confirm the transformation and try to do a second one after it, the option is unchecked.

Thanks for taking the time to try and help me!

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Have you tried Photoshop > Preferences > General > Use Legacy Free Transform? 

[claudieuxx]

It's checked. But the funny thing is that I don't see any differences with it checked/unchecked.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

You might need to restart Photoshop to make sure the setting is honored … 

[claudieuxx]

Hoooray! Unchecking the Use Legacy Free Transform option and then restarting the app did the trick! Now it remembers the option when free transofrming something. THANK YOU, LIFE SAVER! 🫶