Cannot close Preview windows with Command+W

[samackin]

I just noticed this issue where when I try to close a preview window with my usual Command+W.

Photo Mechanic version 2025.6, build 8612 (1de1b5e)

[ahoward]

We're aware of the issue and looking into it. For now, the Escape key still works to close the Preview window, as does double-clicking the main image in the Preview window.

[samackin]

We're aware of the issue and looking into it. For now, the Escape key still works to close the Preview window, as does double-clicking the main image in the Preview window.

Ok great. And thanks for reminding me of the other options to close the preview window. I'm just so accustomed to close the window using that key combination so it's a reflex of sorts.

[1234]

What happened to Command-W since I got your update? Today I’m going crazy trying to use the shortcut Command-W. I now have to use Command-Shift-W to close the screen! Why, why, why?! Okay, I’ll spend an hour looking through internet blogs for an answer and eventually figure it out, but what a pain in the a$%!

P.S. I’m still the biggest fan of Photo Mechanic. I might even be your longest-running user—since the very beginning! I remember talking to the programmer back in the ’90s about fixes and how he was thinking of dropping the whole program to do something else. Well I'm glade he didn't give up and become a Lobster Fisherman like he was considering!

[Kevin M. Cox]

This killed me last night.

I know keyboard shortcut customization has been highly requested, but I just want it to work like it always has. I have no desire to customize any shortcuts and just want "old school PM shortcuts."

"Restore defaults" definitely did not accomplish that.

Hopefully there is a way to make everyone happy.

[Simon Jacobs]

Driving me mad! Really slows down the workflow!

Surely this must be q quick fix??

[Kirk Baker]

I've been working many hours over this weekend to solve these issues for you all.  We will likely have a new build this week that addresses them.

-Kirk

[Kirk Baker]

This build should solve the Command-W issue (and a number of others reported on other Support board posts):

https://www.camerabits.com/download/PhotoMechanicR8620_cbcf1462.dmg

It is not time-limited in any way and will likely be deployed tomorrow.  But if any of you can download and try it to see if it's working for you, I'd appreciate your time and feedback.

-Kirk

[tmronin]

installed Photo Mechanic version 2025.6, build 8620 (cbcf1462) - downloaded from the link above 15min ago on my MacBook and cmd-W still does not close preview windows. 

15+ years using Photo Mechanic and now one of the main keyboard shortcuts has been changed?  I close previews often during an editing/sorting session via the keyboard than closing catalog tabs, which happens at the end of a session, if at all...interesting UI design.

[ahoward]

15+ years using Photo Mechanic and now one of the main keyboard shortcuts has been changed?

Obviously we did not intend to disrupt workflows and stray from a convention that is used by nearly every application on your computer. It was missed in testing.

I just tested Command-W in build 8622 and it worked for me. I also started from the build where it was broken and then updated to the build where it was fixed in case there was a problem with the preferences from the older and it still worked for me after that.

What does the shortcut for 'Close Preview Window' and 'Close Preview Window {alternate}' look like for you on build 8622?

[tmronin]

still says "shift-cmd-w"
the updater in the help menu says I'm up to date

[Kirk Baker]

Look in the Preview section of the Keyboard Shortcuts.  There should be a Command-W entry for closing the Preview window.

-Kirk

[tmronin]

found it and yes, it shows that the alt command is cmd-w, but when I hit cmd-w, I get the error sound and the preview does not close.  I have to use shift-cmd-w.  Am I missing something? 

even tried to change it

[Kirk Baker]

Try using the Reset Shortcut to Default button on the Close Preview Window (alternate) item.  It will allow it to return to Command-W.  Then it should work.

In the next update, we'll be changing the shortcut for the Close Window menu item in the File menu dynamically to reflect the applicable shortcut when the keyboard focus changes between the Contact Sheet window and the Preview window.

-Kirk