Skip to main content
dada-auri
Known Participant
May 28, 2018
Answered

Move Tool and Proportionally Resize not Working

  • May 28, 2018
  • 7 replies
  • 33933 views

I downloaded Photohop to a second computer and made sure to copy all the same preferences to keep on working as before. Nevertheless I'm experiences some strange issues.

For example, the move tool doesn't work. Or better, unless I click on the Control T keys (to activate the free transform tool) when I move a layer, the system jumps to a different layer and move that instead.

Also, I cannot change size to obejcts with the free transform tool or with the scale tool. It is like the Shift key doesn't work. True is, the new Logitect keybord is giving me headaches and I'm going to have it changed, but the Shift key works perfectly on any other program, therefore I suppose this has to do with something inside Photoshop.

For the same reason, I cannot use properly the pen tool, since either Shift and Alt and Control don't work either (again, only in Photoshop).

Can anyone help? I feel a little frustrated... Thanks!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer davescm

Try this

Uncheck "Auto-Select" in the options bar for the move tool and check "Show Transform Controls":

Dave

7 replies

Participant
June 5, 2024

This graphic solves the problem, but there is no "show transform controls" interface on my setup in photoshop. Instead, it is buried inside a menu of this toolbar.    I really question why Photoshop jacks with existing settings every time there is an update.... I have to constantly hunt for settings to return the software back to the way my tools were set. I am cool with learning new features, I am just not so happy having to constantly re-learn what the heck happened to my existing tools!  

Thanks for the help...this saved my bacon. I was getting really frustrated not being able to resize a layer.

jane-e
Community Expert
Community Expert
June 5, 2024
quote

there is no "show transform controls" interface on my setup in photoshop. Instead,

By @roberttschaefer

 

You jumped in on a six-year-old thread from 2018. Things have changed and Show Transform Controls is now in the cog menu.

 

If you have a question, please start a new thread.

 

Jane

Participating Frequently
December 20, 2018

I think adobe got sick of NOOBS who resize images and distort the pictures. I think it is a great change. I always use shift to resize images to stay in proportion now i dont have to!!!!  One less repetitive keyboard motion!!!!! Go adobe!!!!

Participant
June 5, 2024

Adobe makes "NOOBS" out of everyone, anytime they update the software. 😉  Not everyone can be as advanced as you are (not being snarky, just pointing out that a lot of folks use photoshop for hobbies and learn little tricks over time!). 

zhein
Participant
December 8, 2018

Press ALT rather than Shift. It works.

pierluigimadonna
Participant
November 8, 2018

Unbelievable! Who [cursing removed] decided to change an universal feature like this!!
CRAZY

dada-auri
dada-auriAuthor
Known Participant
May 28, 2018

Any idea why Shift, Control and Alt don't work, instead?

I still cannot use the transform tool and the pen tool

c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 28, 2018

What have you done for trouble-shooting so far?

Restoring Preferences after making sure all customized presets like Actions, Patterns, Brushes etc. have been saved might be a good starting point:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/basic-trouble-shooting-steps.html

davescm
Community Expert
davescmCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
May 28, 2018

Try this

Uncheck "Auto-Select" in the options bar for the move tool and check "Show Transform Controls":

Dave

michaelc38842350
Participant
October 15, 2018

I have just installed Photoshop CC 20.0 version and transform is not effected by the shift key so transforms cannot be proportional.

Auto select on or off does not help.

Does anyone have suggestions?

Participant
March 15, 2021

Hi

New and enhanced features | Latest release of Photoshop CC

Transform proportionally by default

Photoshop now transforms all layer types (such as pixel layers, type layers, shape layers, bitmaps, Placed Smart Objects) proportionally by default.

When transforming a layer, you no longer need to hold down the Shift key while dragging a corner handle to resize a selected layer to constrain its proportions. Anytime you drag a corner handle during transform and move it, the layer resizes proportionally. Holding down the Shift key now resizes non-proportionally when you drag a corner handle during transform.


THANK YOU!! 

I haven't used Photoshop in a while and so now when I made a new project and was going to resize an image  proportionally - it ditn't work! I've watched so many tutorials on this simple thing, and I realised now that they've all been to old. 

 

 

c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 28, 2018
For example, the move tool doesn't work. Or better, unless I click on the Control T keys (to activate the free transform tool) when I move a layer, the system jumps to a different layer and move that instead.

That sounds nonsensical to me.

What are the exact and complete settings of the Move Tool in the Options Bar on the two computers?

Could you please post a screenshot with the pertinent Panels (Layers, Channels, Options Bar, …) visible?