Are keyboard shortcuts not working in Photoshop? If so, then this article will guide you to fix it. Adobe Photoshop is a powerful computer software developed by Adobe for extensive raster image editing, general graphics design, and digital art. As it is not an easy-to-use software, it requires learning how to navigate and use different tools on it.
Among the things that can make Adobe easier to use and speed up your workflow are the Adobe keyboard shortcuts, as they give access to specific tools on the program quickly. Unfortunately for some Photoshop users, these keyboard shortcuts are not working, slowing down their work rate and making the software difficult to use. If you are also experiencing this same problem, we have several fixes you should use.
Why don’t my keyboard shortcuts work in Photoshop?
Various factors could be responsible for keyboard shortcuts not working in the Photoshop software on your PC. Mostly, when you have Sticky Keys enabled, the Shift and Ctrl keys might not work as they are supposed to, resulting in the keyboard shortcuts not working in the Adobe Photoshop software. If the keyboard shortcuts are only working sometimes, this may be caused by conflicts with other program applications that interfere with Photoshop’s operation.
Other factors that should be suspected when the keyboard shortcuts are not working in Photoshop include compromised Photoshop preferences files, outdated software versions, and conflicting workspace settings.
Fix Keyboard Shortcuts not working in Photoshop
To help you enjoy seamless operation, we have highlighted and discussed different proven fixes to fix the keyboard shortcuts that are not working in the Adobe Photoshop software on your PC, as shown below—however, endeavor to implement all of them until the problem has been entirely resolved.
1. Change Windows Keyboard Settings
2. Disable Sticky Keys
3. Reset Photoshop Preferences
4. Reset Photoshop Workspace
5. Perform Clean Boot Operation
6. Install Photoshop Updates
1] Change Windows Keyboard Settings
If the keyboard shortcuts in the Photoshop software on your PC suddenly stop, the first solution you should try is to change the keyboard language preference to another option. This will reset keyboard settings on your PC and consequently fix the problem. Follow the steps outlined below:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Windows Settings window.
- Navigate to Time & Language > Language.
- Change your preferred typing language to another one. If you have English (United States) selected, you can change to English (United Kingdom).
- Restart your PC and try using the keyboard shortcuts again in Photoshop.
2] Disable Sticky Keys
We have stated earlier that Sticky Keys is a Windows accessibility feature that can cause the keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop to not work when it is activated. Follow the steps outlined below to disable Sticky Keys on your PC:
For Windows 10 users
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Windows Settings, then navigate to Ease of Access.
- On the left panel, under the Interaction section, click on Keyboard.
- Turn off the toggle under Use Sticky Keys.
For Windows 11 users
- Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard > Sticky Keys.
- Turn off the toggle in front of Sticky Keys.
Restart your PC and try using the keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop now.
3] Reset Photoshop Preferences
Resetting preferences in Photoshop means that all custom settings will not be saved, and the settings will be restored to default. Ensure that you save or note any custom configuration you use. However, this has been confirmed to solve the problem when the keyboard shortcuts are not working in Photoshop. Follow the steps below to perform it:
- Close the Photoshop software completely.
- While relaunching the software, hold down Ctrl + Alt + Shift on your keyboard.
- Click on Yes from the dialog box that appears to delete the Photoshop settings file.
This should fix the problem, and the keyboard shortcuts should now be working.
4] Reset Photoshop Workspace
Another working solution is to reset the workspace settings in your Photoshop to get the keyboard shortcuts working again. Follow the steps outlined below:
- Open Photoshop on your PC and navigate to Window > Workspace > Reset {Current Workspace, e.g Essentials (Default)}
- Restart Photoshop and try using any of the keyboard shortcuts to confirm that it is now operational.
5] Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State
If the keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop are still not working, then the problem may be caused by a conflicting running program. To figure out the program that may be responsible, you must troubleshoot in clean boot state.
6] Install Photoshop Updates
You can also install the latest Photoshop updates on your PC to fix the keyboard shortcuts that are not working. Follow the steps outlined below:
- Open the Photoshop software on your PC and navigate to Help in the menu bar, then click on Updates.
- Download and install any available update, and restart your PC afterward.
Fixing the keyboard shortcuts that are not working in Photoshop on your PC may require that you carry out all the fixes explained in this article until the problem is completely resolved. Change your Windows keyboard settings a few times, and if the problem persists, go on to disable sticky keys and then the other solutions. We hope that you finally get your keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop working again. Good luck.
Read: Photoshop running slow on Windows PC
Why isn’t Photoshop letting me type?
This is likely because your preferences prevent the Photoshop text tool from working. To fix this, you should reset your preferences in the General settings on Photoshop.
Why can’t I edit the text in Photoshop?
This may be because of the preferences and also the layer status. If it’s locked, you will not be able to edit it. Therefore, ensure that the layer is unlocked when you want to edit.
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