Dragging files on there Desktop in MacOS 27

Your description identifies a specific change: since updating to macOS 27, files displayed from a Desktop Stack do not consistently drag into an open application such as Safari.

Apple's macOS 27 documentation confirms that Desktop Stacks can be expanded to display their individual files. 

It does not indicate that macOS 27 intentionally changed the ability to drag those files to another application.

A useful way to narrow this down is to test the same screenshot using different methods. 

First, wait until the screenshot has finished saving and is fully visible in the Screenshots Stack. 

When the problem occurs, try dragging it from the expanded Stack to another location on the Desktop. 

Then temporarily turn off Stacks with View > Use Stacks and try dragging the screenshot directly from the Desktop into Safari. 

You can also open the Desktop in a Finder window and drag the same file into Safari.

If the problem persists, restart the Mac and repeat the tests. 

If dragging from a Finder window works consistently while dragging from the expanded Stack does not, that would provide useful information about where the problem may be occurring.

I would leave more extensive troubleshooting, such as deleting Finder preference files, until these basic tests have been completed. 

At this point, there is not enough evidence to identify the behaviour as a confirmed macOS 27 bug or regression.

Apple's documentation for Desktop Stacks is here:

Get to know your desktop, menu bar, and Dock — Apple Support

Restarting the Finder app is the quickest way to fix intermittent drag-and-drop issues with Desktop Stacks on your Mac. Operating system updates can sometimes cause temporary visual or layer glitches where open stack elements do not properly register trackpad click-and-drag gestures. 

Thank you for your reply!

I spent a lot of time last night trouble-shooting the problem, including trying the advice you outlined but nothing has worked.

I've come to the conclusion that Stacks are (and have been even prior to MacOS 27) the issue.

I've very reluctantly had to turn off Stacks and start changing my workflow and the way I use the desktop.

I like to have current files on my desktop during specific projects, so that they are easily at hand and not forgotten. Stacks made that easier to manage in the past although I've always found opening and closing stacks to be very sticky - and now, the issue of not being able to drag individual files fluently from a stack into an open app makes my workflow impossible.

Stacks is a feature that needs a complete rework

Thank you again for your reply

Pete

Gekkko wrote:

I use Stacks on Desktop in MacOS 27 and now cannot move files from the desktop to an open app

An example is, when I'm making a social media post, I often take a screenshot which is loaded into a Screenshots stack. I can then typically drag the screenshot directly into a new post I'm writing using Safari on a social media site.

This no longer works consistently - files on the desktop within a stack do not consistently drag

To be proactive you can file a bug report / submit your feedback here: Feedback - macOS - Apple

I would do what works, don't use the "screenshot stacks" if it is not performing how you wish it did.

I never had an issue with have screenshots located directly saved on the Desktop

ref:Take screenshots or screen recordings on Mac - Apple Support

Thank you for your reply!

Desktop Stacks has had issues since before the latest MacOS update. Specifically, it has always been quite difficult to open and close Stacks. With the MacOS 27 update the ability to drag individual files inside a stack stopped working - and that has completely fouled up my workflow.

I spent alot of time last night systematically going through a series of tests and remedies such as you suggested but in the end nothing worked and I came to the conclusion that I will need to abandon using Desktop Stacks and find alternative ways to manage files on my desktop and, adjust my workflow

I've turned off Desktop Stacks completely - I believe Stacks needs a total rework.

Notwithstanding, it was wonderful to be able to post here and receive some responses! I appreciate your suggestions and help - thank you!

Pete

Thank you for your reply

I will take your advice and submit a formal bug report as suggested.

To be honest, even dragging files placed directly on the Desktop with Stacks turned off is also a problem that has arisen since MacOS27 - and such a basic action being knocked out so easily is becoming annoying!

Thank you again for your reply!

Pete