Photoshop 2026’s “modern UI” (Spectrum) regression strips basic focus behaviors: no auto-focus on open, no value pre-selection on click, broken tab order, undo swallowed by unfocused elements.
Key Takeaways
Seven documented focus failures in the new Canvas Size dialog alone: first field not focused on open, values not pre-selected on click, hover/focus state mismatch, backspace triggers modal then drops focus.
Tab order now routes through unit dropdowns (e.g., “Pixels” menu) between Width and Height, breaking the keyboard shortcut flow power users rely on daily.
Photoshop ignores macOS system “Keyboard navigation” preference and is internally inconsistent: Anchor is unreachable via Tab regardless of that setting.
The “modern user interface” toggle exists in preferences but creates anxiety: opting out risks missing future improvements while the new path is demonstrably worse.
Author proposes concrete fixes that solve root causes: inline tooltip errors instead of modals, math expression input (e.g., 660*2), sticky options like “Use Legacy.”
Hacker News Comment Review
Minimal discussion; commenters noted a mystery pixel artifact in a screenshot (possibly a hidden checkbox) and flagged general value for UX designers, but no technical depth emerged.
Notable Comments
@voidUpdate: Spotted the pixel artifact the author flagged – “looks like the very top of another, secret checkbox. Mystery checkbox!”
