Option Bar element (see image) grayed out. Why?

[JimBDuncan]

I don't know what it's called, but the 9-box position tool (circled in red) is permanently grayed out. I rely on it, so this is a problem. And it's something I never experienced until the most recent version of Photoshop. How do I use this tool now?

[Jeff Arola · Accepted solution]

Click on the small box to the left of the Reference Point Location

New and enhanced features | Latest release of Photoshop CC

[JimBDuncan]

I feel stupid, but I'm very grateful. Thank you! And thanks for the link, too. Obviously, I need to read!

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Jeff+Arola  wrote

Click on the small box to the left of the Reference Point Location

New and enhanced features | Latest release of Photoshop CC

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[maxglitz]

Don't feel stupid. Because then I'll have to too. Same problem. Same solution. What I want to know, now in 2025, is how did that little checkbox get turned off to start with. Was it a new, hardly announced default with my last update? Pshop v 20.2 aka Adobe Photoshop 2025. Or did I simply mis-aim when trying to hit that Reference Point Location box? One false move can cost you a whole lot of time. I've been using Photoshop since it's earliest days and STILL....