Expert: Amy - 2/23/2009

Question
I used to be able to hold down space bar to get the hand tool, but now it says I can only use H to use hand tool.  It won't let me change it to spacebar in the keyboard shortcuts.

Answer
Brianne, thanks so much for following up with me. Firefox is interfering with Adobe's keyboard shortcuts, interesting! I have not experienced that myself but now I will be able to suggest that to anyone else experiencing the hand tool losing function. I am glad you fixed it.

Thanks again
Amy


Hi Brianne,

Try deleting the Adobe Illustrator preferences. I copied these instructions from the web but they look correct. I think this will solve your problem.

-Amy

1. If Illustrator CS3 is running, quit the program.

WINDOWS
2. Locate the AIPrefs and the AIWSPrefs file in the Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator CS3 Settings folder. The AIWSPrefs file is located in the Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator CS3 Settings\Workspaces folder.

Note: You may have to click on the View tab in the Folder Options dialog box from the Control panel to show hidden files to locate this preference. Check the radio button to the left of Show hidden files and folders.

or MAC
The Adobe Illustrator Prefs file is in the Users/username/Library/Preferences/Adobe Illustrator CS3 Settings folder. The AIWSPrefs file is located in the Users/username/Library/Preferences/Adobe Illustrator CS3 Settings/Workspaces folder.

3. Delete the AIPrefs (Windows) or Adobe Illustrator Prefs (Mac OS) file and the AIWSPrefs file.

4. Launch Illustrator again. The application will create a new set of preferences files with the original default settings.