draw and sketch tool in preview no longer works

I want to say that it's been since the last upgrade in Ventura my draw and sketch tools can be selected but they don't do anything.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.6

Posted on Nov 29, 2023 11:32 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 29, 2023 1:57 PM

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.


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 29, 2023 1:57 PM in response to crtvdsn

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.


Nov 29, 2023 11:44 AM in response to crtvdsn

crtvdsn wrote:

I want to say that it's been since the last upgrade in Ventura my draw and sketch tools can be selected but they don't do anything.


Never heard this issue before.


You can reinstall the macOS on top of your existing macOS to refresh all baked in applications.


reinstall macOS

Recovery (both M1/M2 and Intel) — How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support


Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus

all known to cause issues on the macOS



The current stable release of Ventura is macOS 13.6.2

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support



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draw and sketch tool in preview no longer works

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