Photoshop Hand Tool Stuck — Cannot Switch Back to Pen Tool

Some Gaomon tablet users—particularly those using the GAOMON driver version 14.1.5 for macOS—may encounter a problem where Photoshop becomes stuck on the Hand Tool. This typically happens when a tablet button is assigned to the Space key.

Symptoms

• Pressing a button mapped to Space switches to the Hand Tool
• Releasing the button does not return to the Pen Tool
• Selecting another tool manually does nothing
• The issue may appear randomly but persist once triggered

Why This Happens

Across both operating systems, the root causes are similar:

• Stuck modifier key signals (Space key remains "pressed")
• Driver conflicts between multiple tablet brands.
• Outdated or corrupted GAOMON drivers
• OS‑level input bugs (more common on macOS 14.1.5)

Updating or reinstalling the driver typically resolves the issue.

Step‑by‑Step Fix (macOS + Windows)

Below is a unified troubleshooting guide with OS‑specific steps included.

1. Uninstall All Existing Tablet Drivers (Most Common Fix)
   Conflicting drivers often cause Photoshop to stay stuck on the Hand Tool.
   • Uninstall GAOMON drivers
   • Also uninstall tablet drivers from other brands
   • Restart your computer afterward
2. Close Drawing Apps and Antivirus Tools
   Open apps or antivirus software can block driver components during installation.
   • Quit Photoshop, Illustrator, Krita, etc.
   • Temporarily turn off antivirus or security tools
   • Ensure no tablet-related background apps are running
3. Install the Latest GAOMON Driver (macOS)
   macOS users running older drivers (especially 14.1.5) may experience stuck modifier keys.
   Download GAOMON macOS Driver Version 14.2.7 or the latest version.
   • Unzip the installer before running
   • Install using an administrator account
   • Do not change the installation path
   • Approve all macOS security prompts in System Settings → Privacy & Security
4. Install the Latest GAOMON Driver (Windows)
   Windows users may experience stuck Space key signals due to corrupted drivers.
   GAOMON Windows Driver Download Page
   • Uninstall the old driver first.
   • Restart Windows
   • Install the new driver as administrator
   • Keep the default installation directory
   • After installation, reconnect your tablet
5. Reset Photoshop Modifier Keys
   Photoshop may retain a stuck Space key state even after the driver is fixed.
   Photoshop → Edit → Keyboard Shortcuts
   • Reset shortcuts to default
   • Test switching tools again
   • If still stuck, restart Photoshop
6. Check Windows Sticky Keys (Windows Only)
   Windows may latch modifier keys if Sticky Keys is enabled.
   Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard
   • Turn off Sticky Keys
   • Turn off Filter Keys
   • Turn off Toggle Keys
7. Grant macOS Input Permissions (macOS Only)
   macOS may block driver input events if permissions are missing.
   System Settings → Privacy & Security → Input Monitoring
   • Add GAOMON driver to the list
   • Add Photoshop to the list
   • Restart macOS afterward

Need More Help?

If the issue persists after following the steps above, contact the GAOMON Support Team for personalized assistance.