• Global community
    • Language:
      • Deutsch
      • English
      • Español
      • Français
      • Português
  • 日本語コミュニティ
    Dedicated community for Japanese speakers
  • 한국 커뮤니티
    Dedicated community for Korean speakers
Exit
0

Accessibility for the 'Single-Handed' User

Community Beginner ,
Feb 02, 2025 Feb 02, 2025

Copy link to clipboard

Copied

I am posting this comment on the PhotoShop Discussion Forum, but it could equally well belong to any other Adobe Creative app's Forum.

I have been a committed user of a wide range of Adobe apps for decades. Throughout all that time, I have been consistently frustrated by Adobe's insistence on complicated key-mouse combinations. I am one of the rare breed of literally 'single-handed' users in that my left hand is of little reliable use.

Attempting esoteric combinations such as clicking on something while simultaneously pressing the Crtl and Shift keys, for example, is something I can only do clumsilily, unreliably, and with a certain amount of discomfort.

I am all too aware that manufacturers only pay lip-service at best to accessibility issues, and then only when legislation requires them to do something. There are simply too many forms and degrees of 'disability' to cater for them all.  The cost would become prohibitive.

However, for desktop or web-based software applications solutions to very specific (and uncommon) issues like mine can have wider benefits for all users. The search for a solution can encourage or even force a much needed rethink of the User Interface in general. Aren't weird combinations like I have described just a bit obscure for most users, even fully ambidextrous ones?

A solution to my problem, as just one example, might be to have a 'mode' toggle somewhere easily visible, which, when pressed with the mouse would have the same effect as the Ctrl+Shift key combination.

These are just a few of my thoughts. I would be interested in those of others, especially from within Adobe or from fellow users who face similar challenges.

Nico Aspinall
Idea No status
TOPICS
macOS , Web , Windows

Views

127

Translate

Translate

Report

Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting. Learn more
community guidelines
5 Comments
Community Expert ,
Feb 02, 2025 Feb 02, 2025

Copy link to clipboard

Copied

I understand it's a real problem, and I haven't looked closely at this.

 

But you can use Photoshop without any keyboard shortcuts. There is a menu item for everything.

 

Another thing you could do is use a programmable mouse. The most common shortcuts can be assigned to mouse buttons. My own Logitech mouse has no less than 10 buttons, and all can be programmed.

 

 

Votes

Translate

Translate

Report

Report
Community Expert ,
Feb 02, 2025 Feb 02, 2025

Copy link to clipboard

Copied

 

quote

Attempting esoteric combinations such as clicking on something while simultaneously pressing the Crtl and Shift keys, for example, is something I can only do clumsilily, unreliably, and with a certain amount of discomfort.

By Exertive

 

 

For macOS here are some sites for accessibility. I have not tested them.

https://support.apple.com/en-bn/guide/mac-help/mchlc74c1c9f/mac

https://support.apple.com/accessibility

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-keyboard-settings-for-accessibility-mchlae61a6de/15.... 

 

If you turn on Sticky Keys, for instance, you can press a set of modifier keys one at a time in sequence, instead of all at once. For example, enter the key combination Option-Command-F5 by pressing each key in sequence.

 

Jane

 

Votes

Translate

Translate

Report

Report
New Here ,
Feb 02, 2025 Feb 02, 2025

Copy link to clipboard

Copied

You bring up a really important point about accessibility in Adobe apps. Complex key-mouse combos can be frustrating, not just for users with physical challenges but for anyone who prefers a more intuitive workflow. A mode toggle like you suggested would be a simple yet effective solution, making shortcuts more accessible without overhauling the UI.

It’s true that companies often only address accessibility when required, but small changes like this could benefit everyone. Have you considered submitting a feature request? If enough users push for it, Adobe might take notice. Thanks for sharing—this is exactly the kind of discussion that sparks change!

 

Votes

Translate

Translate

Report

Report
Community Expert ,
Feb 02, 2025 Feb 02, 2025

Copy link to clipboard

Copied

 

zain_5858 wrote: Have you considered submitting a feature request?

 

 

The OP put this post in Ideas, so it is already a feature request. Click the Upvote button to the left of the first post to let the program developers know you support it.

 

Jane

Votes

Translate

Translate

Report

Report
Community Expert ,
Feb 18, 2025 Feb 18, 2025

Copy link to clipboard

Copied

LATEST

There was a modifiers panel with buttons you could click to have shift, alt and Ctrl, but it was removed. I championed to have it on Mac for accessibility purposes, but...

Votes

Translate

Translate

Report

Report