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thisisirrational
thisisirrational
Inspiring
November 8, 2024
Answered

tool not working

  • November 8, 2024
  • 4 replies
  • 7487 views

using Photoshop Elements 2024 on Windows 10.  Clone tool is not working, started yesterday. I get a message that says the opperation could not be compleated because no pixels were selected. tells me to alt click on source. I HAVE been doing that! repeatly. also, in addition to the message box coming up, I get my computers , I don't know what it's called - the area that tells a person what is on thier computer so something could be selected.  It comes up too at the same time. I am wondering if Adobe is doing this delibertly to get me to purchase the 2025 version of Elements?  ( I have gone to Preferences and clicked on reset at next launch. ) problem continues. 

Correct answer thisisirrational

well, I changed browzers and this time was able to download PE 2024. It has taken three hours to install. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I signed in with my serial number and tried to work on a picture trying the clone tool. It gave me nothing but a tiny cross hair and resizing it did not change anything except it did bring up the very same message box telling me the opperation could not be performed because no pixels were selected and to ALT click and select a source! I am sending a screenshot from the time after the new download and install.


Please Read! hello, everybody! to those who have been following this thread, I have something important to say.  I continued having the same problem even after I uninstalled PE and download and re-installed PE 2024. BUT.... the problem has been resolved. It's all most funny but really not! In frustratingly  fooling around I discovered that if I held down the Windows and ALT keys at the same time, I was able to use the clone tool. THEN, I noticed that on my keyboard, the light at the top was Green. Now, on my keyboard there is a slot with a light. For use with Windows it is to be BLUE and for use with a Mac the light is to be GREEN! I read the words under the light and it said to hit the FN and PD keys for Windows and to use the Fn and PU keys for Mac. WELL, since the light on the keyboard was Green----I switched it to Blue.... and problem is solved. I now am able to use the clone tool and it works fine. Now, how did this problem start? I have three little kittens who love to lay on my keyboard and delight on walking on the keyboard....well, there you have it.

4 replies

A
AWAIS288663960ehc
Participating Frequently
April 2, 2025

It sounds like a frustrating issue, especially since you’ve already tried resetting preferences and using the clone tool correctly. This likely isn’t a forced upgrade tactic (Adobe has subtler ways to nudge us). A few steps to try:
Check for Updates – Ensure both Photoshop Elements and Windows 10 are fully updated.
Repair Installation – Use Adobe’s Creative Cloud app to repair the installation.
Disable Conflicting Processes – Temporarily close background apps that might interfere.

If all else fails, a clean reinstall often works wonders. And remember, if troubleshooting software were a class, a CGPA calculator would be essential for grading your patience! Let us know how it goes.

B
billmccauley
New Participant
May 18, 2025

I have used PS Elements for more than ten years and always found it stable. Until I installed 2024. So far, this is the only intractable problem I've had with it. But it isn't a minor bug than one can just work around. The clone tool is at the center of photo editing. I stumbled across a solution that worked until I closed the ap and opened it again. I downloaded GIMP and used it to make the clone fixes. However, working back and forth in two aps while photo editing is a pain in the neck. If I can't make PS Elements behave I'll probably spend more time using GIMP. Might be worth making a permanent workflow change.

A
AWAIS288663960ehc
Participating Frequently
April 2, 2025

Ah, the clone tool’s gone rogue, maybe it’s protesting for better working conditions? Jokes aside, this sounds like a glitch, not an Adobe conspiracy (though their timing is suspicious). Try resetting preferences and checking for Windows updates; sometimes they bicker like siblings. If that doesn’t work, a reinstall might be the pixel-perfect fix.

And hey, if troubleshooting software were a college course, you’d need a CGPA calculator to salvage your sanity. Hang in there!

V
vivek_3321
New Participant
March 11, 2025

tool arent work

Glenn 8675309
Glenn 8675309
Brainiac
March 11, 2025

What tools?  Are you talking about wrenchs and hammers,  or are you talking about dodge and burn tools found in Photoshop Elements?

hatstead
hatstead
Inspiring
November 8, 2024

That message comes up when you are on a blank layer or an adjustment layer. Are you sure that the active layer is one with pixels on it for the source point.?   Also, on the clone tool's option bar, check the box "sample all layers." 

If all this fails, consider uninstalling/reinstalling the program. Be sure that you sign out via the help menu before uninstalling.

    thisisirrational
    thisisirrationalAuthor
    Inspiring
    November 8, 2024

    I am not on a blank or adjustment layer but a singel layer flattened image. I have "all layers" checked. if I uninstal and reinstal, how am I going to do that without paying for the software all over again? It's really bad that this program  becomes inoperable with less than a year of ownership!

    hatstead
    hatstead
    Inspiring
    November 9, 2024

    I found the dots and clicked on reset tool. that did not help. next, I clicked on reset all tools and that did not help. Next, I clicked on reset preferences on next launch and that did not resolve the problem. I am sending another screenshot, at least I hope it is a screenshot as two of the methods for getting a screenshot did not work.


    I have been following this thread right along. Going back to your initial post, you imply that the malfunction of the clone stamp tool is a recent development. Please repeat the maneuver again using the other ALT key on the keyboard (there are 2 next to the space bar on mine.)  Are the mouse & keyboard plugged in to the computer, or is there a wireless connection?

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