Alt key not subtracting from selection (Windows)

[Adriaan_S]

It used to be that when you work with a selection tool (all of them), that Shift modifies it to add to the selection and Alt subtracts from it. This was with CS6 and LR6 installed. Two days ago I subscribed to cc and installed the lastest Photoshop cc 2020 and LR cc versions. I did the updates that presented themselves a few minutes ago so it's all up to date. The problem I have (already before this update) is that in Photoshop the Alt key no longer subtracts from a selection -- it changes to a double arrow that copies the selected area. How do I get the orignal behavior back? There is a button I can click to subtract from the selection but Alt was a lot easier and quicker. I am using Windows 10.

thanks, Adriaan

[Akash Sharma]

Hi there,

Sorry that the ALT key is not working as expected and not subtracting from a selection after you've updated to Photoshop 2020.

Could you please try resetting the preferences of Photoshop and let us know if it helps?
To restore preferences quickly using a keyboard shortcut: Press and hold Alt+Control+Shift (Windows) or Option+Command+Shift (Mac OS) as you start Photoshop. You are prompted to delete the current settings. The new preferences files are created the next time you start Photoshop.

Also, make sure that you back up all your custom presets, brushes & actions before restoring Photoshop's preferences. https://helpx.adobe.com/in/photoshop/using/preset-migration.html

Thanks,

Akash

[Adriaan_S]

Thank you for the suggestion. However, Alt-Ctrl-Shift does not delete the current settings, it gives the message "Skip loading optional and third-party plug-ins?" Anyway, something strange is going on. This AM the first thing I got was a Windows message to restart for an update. After this, I no longer have the issue (at least, so far)?? For good measure, I did the "Reset Preferences on Quit".

Thanks, Adriaan

[jane-e]

Hi

The way it should work is Alt+Drag removes from a selection if you have a Selection tool. The same shortcut of Alt+Drag will copy if you have the Move tool.

• Confirm that you have a Selection tool
• Check to see if Control is being pressed accidentally (the shortcut for the Move tool)
• Try resetting your tools by right-clicking the tool in the options bar (not Tools panel) and choosing Reset All Tools.

If none of this works, you will have to reset Preferences after backing up items you have created, such as Actions, Swatches, etc., by going to Preferences > General > Reset Preferences on Quit.

Jane

[Adriaan_S · Accepted solution]

As I mentioned above, the problem went away - then it came back just now. I did some more searching and it appears that the problem is with my keyboard (purchased very recently: Logitech K540): pressing the right Alt-Key sends the signal that the Alt key and Ctrl keys were both pressed. I confirmed this using a keyboard tester web site (https://www.keyboardtester.com/tester.html). I found a solution here: https://superuser.com/questions/956049/control-key-acts-as-if-it-is-stuck-periodically/1243900. Thus, it appears to be a Windows 10 rather than a Photoshop issue. The solution is simple enough once you know it.

Thanks to all those who responded!

Adriaan

[jane-e]

Thank you for posting the solution, and I'm glad it's working for you now. I've marked your solution "correct".

~ Jane