Keyboard Increment field in Preferences no longer gets focused when dialog opens, new Search field does
Unrequested extra Search function in the Preferences window in update 29.7
I (and many others) were eagerly awaiting the update because the jumping fonts were a nightmare on the production floor! But who asked for an extra search function in the preferences window? Now I have to press Tab 4 times before I can quickly adjust my Keyboard Increment. As an artworker, I use this function about 10 times a day, so that's an extra 40 times pressing Tab (approximately 800 times a month)... why, why, why?

Reported as fully fixed in general 29.8 build.
If it’s still broken for you — please comment.
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Darren McIndoe commented
I always used to use CMD-K as it was to change keyboard increment.
Just CMD-K, type, Return.
Now I have to press CMD-K, tabx4, type, Returnx2 - such a faff!
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Joost Egelie commented
The solution with the Properties panel is not an improvement: when opening that panel, one STILL has to navigate focus towards the keyboard increment field. What's worse: this can only be done by handling the mouse. Tabbing your way to that field can't be done since [TAB] is the main interface's keyboard shortcut for hiding/unhiding the tool panels.
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石川将也(masaya ishikawa) commented
Adobe Illustrator until version 29.71 used to focus on the key input field of the settings menu when settings are open (CMD + K / CTRL + K ).
This enabled users to quickly change the input amount of arrow key and very convenient to move / place objects when designing.
I have been using this function for my design for over 20 years and I am definitely not the only designer.
Since 29.71 the cursor is focused on search settings form and it needs a click or pressing the tab bar 4 times to reach the key input amount field.
This completely broke my workflow.
I sincerely ask you to bring the function back or set a new shortcut key (CMD+OPTION+K or something) that opens the setting window focused on the key input field. -
Tiago Claro commented
There's no problem in have a box for search preferences.
But for my workflow, keyboard increment is crucial to input perfect dimension size! I have my automations ctrl+k then put the dimension ride away! Please fix this.
And the dimensions units are allways changing! Arggggh c'mon guys!
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Leonardo Nascimento commented
Hi.
If you enable the selection tool (V) and there´s nothing selected, the same field will appear on the Properties panel.
Since they implemented this, I have never needed to open the Preferences panel to change it anymore. -
Todd Penix commented
Quickly and easily changing keyboard increments is critical is my design, layout and proofing process. The new search field is fine just don't make it the default highlight field when the preference window is opened. How about just moving it to the bottom? Sounds like a pretty simple fix to me.
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Camille Doany commented
Egor... so you removed this feature? .Does this mean that I can update my illustrator again? this "feature" had ruined illustrator for me...
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Joost Egelie commented
Since the new update to 29.7.1 the cursor doesn't default to the field Keyboard Increment when pressing [CMD]-K or [CTRL]-K in order to open the preferences dialog. Now it defaults to the (new) search field.
It hinders flow: typically I use to alter the keyboard increment to different values often on the fly when designing, now an extra grab to the mouse is needed, or tabbing my way through a lot of other fields before I can land focus on the Keyboard Increment field...
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Volf commented
Fabrice, i can do with keyboard but i putting twice
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Fabrice commented
Indeed, it's a real hassle to get to the increment box. And in addition when we are there, after putting our value, we can't even do ok on the keyboard, we have to do it with the mouse or stylus!!!
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Tinflex Ecuador commented
The idea to include "Search Preferences" its ok, but not when you press command+k, cause we need press command+k and immediatly type keyboard increment, not type "search preference, if you what to "search preferences" try to add some button or something like that, its critical?? Yu are resting us production time, come on guys...
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Camille Doany commented
I nested this under performance because it affects MY performance. It's really part of preferences.
As a user, I use CMD+K constantly to change the increments of moving objects with the keyboard arrows. Now the cmd+K defaults to a search field instead meaning that I am forced manually switch to the increments field to change it. I literally use the cmd+k more than 30-40 times per hour... Please add the option of leaving cmd+k the way it was before this last update, as this is slowing me down far more than you can imagine. -
gdmr0300 commented
29.7.1において、環境設定内の検索が可能になりました。
検索自体は便利ですが、キー入力を使用して調整することが多いため、環境設定を開いた際にカーソルが検索欄にいると不便です。
以前と同じように、キー入力の数値欄にカーソルが来るようにしてほしいです。 -
artes3 elloPrint commented
Na versão anterior do Illustrator, um novo campo chamado "Preferências de Pesquisa" foi introduzido nas Preferências (Command-K), passando a ser selecionado automaticamente — substituindo o tradicional campo "Incremento de Teclado", que por anos foi o padrão. Essa alteração tem causado bastante frustração entre os usuários mais experientes, acostumados com o comportamento anterior do software.
Além disso, esta versão do Illustrator muda constantemente as unidades de mm para pontos após inserir um novo valor no incremento do teclado.
Essa versão está um lixo. -
Jamie commented
@ George - I have noticed this, but haven't had time to actually work out what is going on.
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George commented
Another paradox is that this version of Illustrator constantly changes the units from px to points after entering an new value in keyboard increment. Does it happen to anybody else?
New idea from comment
This comment was upgraded into a new idea: Illustrator 29.7.1 changes units to points and resets other values after changing Keyboard Increment value when Search field has text in it -
L Coyle commented
I use the keyboard shortcut Command/Ctrl + K constantly to change the keyboard increment. I teach this to my students - PLEASE change it back ASAP. Thank you for focusing on this Egor!
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Scott Ritchings commented
Woo hoo! Thanks for listening and responding!
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Scott Ritchings commented
Someone on another thread mentioned the keyboard increment is there in the Properties window you can leave open on the side bar, but it's still not as fast as a quick CMD+K/type in your value/hit enter combo.
Change it back Adobe!
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Casey commented
I change increments frequently – this new change is very annoying, I didn't even realise there was never a search bar before.