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Darlene Fr
Known Participant
May 8, 2021
Answered

Quick selection tool not working

  • May 8, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 2128 views

I just started using Elements 2021. The quick selection tool worked fine on the first photo I edited, but after that the normal circular shape of the tool changed into a shape like a cross, and it wouldn't select anything. The size and shape of the tool did not change when I pressed the bracket keys on my keyboard.  I restarted the computer and the tool went back to the normal shape, but when I began to edit a second photo it turned into the cross again. I can't find a way to repair the tool. Please help.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Peru Bob

Turn off your Caps Lock.

3 replies

Greg_S.
Community Expert
Greg_S.Community Expert
Community Expert
May 9, 2021

Darlene, after resetting your preference file, the program is taken back to its out-of-the-box state.  You can always customize your preferences from there.

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Darlene FrAuthor
Known Participant
May 9, 2021

Thanks, Greg! Since I was scared to try it until I heard back from you, I decided last night to try following up on Peru Bob's suggestion about the caps lock. It wasn't on, so I tried turning it on and then off again, and the tool immediately went back to its normal circular shape. Crazy!

 

 

Peru Bob
Community Expert
Peru BobCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
May 8, 2021

Turn off your Caps Lock.

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    Darlene FrAuthor
    Known Participant
    May 9, 2021

    Peru Bob,

    The problem did occur after I had the caps lock on to enter a password for something, but I turned it off. I still can't use the tool.

    Greg_S.
    Community Expert
    Greg_S.Community Expert
    Community Expert
    May 8, 2021

    Try resetting the preferences file. Go to Edit>Preferences>General tab and click the Reset Preferences on next launch button.  Otherwise, go to the Edit>Preferences>Display and Cursors tab.  You will find several options for the way the cursor displays there. 

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      Darlene FrAuthor
      Known Participant
      May 9, 2021

      Greg,

      I was going to reset the preferences file, but a warning came up that said that could not be undone. Does that mean I can't change my preferences back to how I want them after I reset them?

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