Option (Alt) + Click while using the pen tool has become extremely intermittent.

[barrycraig]

My normal workflow while pathing is:

1. Click to drop a point
2. Click and hold to drop a second point and drag the pen to adjust the path to the required curve
3. Without releasing the previous click hold down the option key to split the directional points and pre-ajust the path for the next anchor point.

As of version 21 (Currently have version 21.1.1 installed) step 3 has become extremely intermittent, about 1 in 5 times the option key press is not registered and the points are not split but the entire previous path is adusted instead. I thought it may be my keyboard going so I tried another and still no luck. I have reset the tool and also reset Photoshop preferences but still no luck.

Is anyone else seeing this problem?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I can’t reproduce the issue (21.1 on macOS 10.15.3). 

What is your OS version? 

Do you work with mouse or tablet? 

And to rule out mechanic issues have you tried the other alt-key? 

[JJMack]

Sound like you are using Window WinTab Pen support API.

Here is what I see using Photoshop's Polygonal Lasso tool with my Wacom pen with the bottom pen button set to Alt+Right Click when I randomly move the pen and randomly tap the bottom button.

Adobe Broke Photoshop WinTab support in update 21.1.0 and did not fit WinTab support in update 21.1.1. If you are on Windows and use Photoshop version 21.1.x user Windows INK api.

With 21.1.1 sometime the buttom seem to act only as Right Click not Alt+Right Click the Brush tip dialog will  open the size and hardness of the  brush tip will not change via dragging.  This also happens with WinTab support in CC 2019.  So I can not state its a Adobe or Wacom issue. IMO the issue could be in Adobe or  Wacom or both developers source code.

Adobe Broke Photoshop WinTab support in update 21.1.0 and did not fit WinTab support in update 21.1.1. If you are on Windows and use Photoshop version 21.1.x user Windows INK api.

[sidtoons]

I am not able to use pen tool when I am holding the alt key

[5StarJlmesko]

I'm having the same issue.  Alt Click is not working for the pen tool.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Just to make sure: Are you certain you are hovering the cursor on a Curve Point or on a Bezier Handle? 

[jlmesko]

I have 26 years Photoshop experience. Yes, using the pen tool as always. Works in older versions correctly. Does not work in the newest updates. I'm using a PC with no accessories.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I work on Mac, so a Windows-specific bug would not be reproducable for me. 

Which exact version of Photoshop are you using? 

If you are using the Beta: That’s your choice and you may want to consider using the released version. 

[Vivek Vector & Pixel]

In Beta Version Alt + Click is not working, in normal version its working well

[c.pfaffenbichler]

If you want to avoid »bonus« bugs (additional to the bugs that exist/persist in the released version) don’t use the Beta version. 

[5StarJlmesko]

Is not the idea of a beta to test for bugs? I personally use both versions.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

And therefore any complaints about bugs in a Beta version seem nonsensical here. 

The proper place would be the Forum for the Beta version, wouldn’t it? 

[jlmesko]

This started as users not understanding why alt click wasn't working (not understanding it was a beta bug). Or thinking that the function had been changed to work in a different way - asking for help. Which, I believe, this board is for. Now that the answer has been narrowed down to a beta issue, I will happily report it there. I believe it is ok to ask questions here.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Actually this thread was started back in 2020 and with Photoshop 2021 so it probably was a different issue anyway. 

[default32404098axdd3e]

Photoshop(beta) 25.4: This anchor point is not showing. Plzz Help me

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Beta essentially means: Use it at your own risk because it may contain bugs. 

Just use the released version. 

[pete.e]

Same experience... in 2024... has anyone found a fix?