TechNote (Archived)

Modifier keys don't work (Illustrator, InDesign, or Photoshop CS-CS2 on Mac OS X v10.3.4-v10.4.1)

Issue

When you try to perform a task or use a keyboard shortcut using the Option key, Shift key, or spacebar in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, or Adobe Photoshop, the application doesn't respond.

Solutions

Do one or more of the following solutions:

Solution 1: Install the Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Service Pack 1 (11.1.0).

If you are using Microsoft Entourage as part of Microsoft Office 2004, download and install Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Service Pack 1 (11.1.0). Visit the Microsoft website at www.microsoft.com/downloads/ and search using Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Service Pack 1.

Solution 2: Quit Microsoft Entourage.

Quit Microsoft Entourage before you start Illustrator, InDesign, or Photoshop.

Solution 3: Quit Kanzu Software Image Info.

Quit Kanzu Software Image Info before you start Illustrator, InDesign, or Photoshop.

Solution 4: Start in Safe Boot mode.

Start in Safe Boot mode, and then run Illustrator, InDesign, or Photoshop with no other applications running.

To start in Safe Boot mode:

1. Restart the computer, and hold down the Shift key immediately after you hear the chimes.

2. Release the Shift key when the Apple logo appears. When the computer is in Safe Boot mode, the words Safe Boot appear on the Apple logo.

Starting the system in Safe Boot mode prevents nonessential kernel extensions and third-party startup items from loading.

Background information

Some third-party applications may interfere with the use of modifier keys. By quitting such applications or preventing them from starting, you can avoid this interference.