Unable to Edit or Copy Text in Source Code View of Editor (OJS 3.5.0.2)

Hello PKP Team,

I am experiencing a specific issue with text editing and copy–paste functionality in the Source Code view of the editor in OJS version 3.5.0.2.

Problem Description

When switching to the Source Code / HTML view of any text field (e.g., Abstract, Description, or other rich-text fields), I am unable to:

  • Select text properly

  • Copy text (Ctrl+C)

  • Paste text (Ctrl+V)

  • Edit or modify existing HTML content reliably

In some cases, the cursor becomes unresponsive or the content appears locked, making it impossible to work with the source code.

Steps to Reproduce

  1. Log in to OJS 3.5.0.2

  2. Open any submission

  3. Click on any rich-text field (Abstract, Description, etc.)

  4. Switch to Source Code / HTML view

  5. Try to select, edit, copy, or paste text

Expected Behavior

The Source Code editor should allow normal:

  • Text selection

  • Copy–paste operations

  • Editing of HTML/source content

Actual Behavior

  • Text cannot be reliably selected

  • Copy–paste does not work or partially works

  • Editing source code becomes difficult or impossible

This significantly affects editorial and production workflows.

Environment Details

  • OJS Version: 3.5.0.2

  • Browser(s): Chrome / Firefox / Edge (issue occurs in all)

  • Operating System: Windows 10

  • User Role: Editor / Journal Manager

Additional Information

  • Browser cache and cookies cleared

  • No recent plugin or theme changes

  • Issue persists across multiple user accounts

  • Issue occurs only in Source Code view, not always in WYSIWYG mode

Request for Guidance

Kindly let me know:

  • If this is a known bug in OJS 3.5.0.2

  • Any recommended workaround

Thank you for your support.

Kind regards,

A fix is coming in 3.5.0-3. There were a few issues around TinyMCE options when there were panels.

Here was the bug that was fixed and will be released in 3.5.0-3 : TinyMCE modal-based controls are not clickable · Issue #11693 · pkp/pkp-lib · GitHub