Preview problem: unable to move shapes (annotation) after they've been re-sized

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Level 1

40 points

Preview problem: unable to move shapes (annotation) after they've been re-sized

This is a new problem from what I can tell but if I create a shape via Annotations in Preview, it will create the shape and allow me to move it around the screen unless I try to resize it or if I click away by accident. After that point, the shape can't be selected again nor moved.

If I select and resize, I can still move it around using the cursor keys but not my mouse. And the moment I de-select it, it can't be reselected for any purpose.

I'm running OSX 14.4.1 off a 2020 MacBook Pro 13", M1

MacBook Air 13″, OS X 10.11

Posted on May 17, 2024 1:34 PM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

207,991 points

May 18, 2024 1:20 PM in response to a brody

Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 2

a brody

Level 10

83,315 points

May 18, 2024 1:00 PM in response to Oliver Wang1

Sometimes it is helpful to see if a shape of a difference color can be placed over it to see if the bounds of that shape are visible. If they are, you can usually pick it by its shapes or its inside. If there are other shapes behind it, the computer may be confused what you are trying to pick

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Answer 3

May 18, 2024 1:13 PM in response to Oliver Wang1

Whether I use markup to insert a star shape in a PDF or the Annotation > Rectangle, I can resize and move all around the PDF page using my Apple Magic Mouse II. The hand shape has a narrow selection zone straddling the shape line, or in the case of the star shape, a hidden bounding box. As one reduces the shape's size this becomes more critical.

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