Switching between windows requires an extra tap, which is obviously unnecessary.

[markw]

That sounds very strange
It makes no difference for me whether I have Reference images loaded or not. Nor should it make a difference for you!
Do you see this problem when using a specific reference image or is it happening with any reference image?
If you start a new document with different reference images dose it still happen to you?

[cinematik]

That sounds very strange
It makes no difference for me whether I have Reference images loaded or not. Nor should it make a difference for you!
Do you see this problem when using a specific reference image or is it happening with any reference image?
If you start a new document with different reference images dose it still happen to you?

note, the ref image can be in Ar document but hided and in that case the issue doesn't exist
when the ref img is shown the issue is present

it doesn't depend of file type - I used jpg and png and doesn't depend of ref img file size

what are the chances it's an ultimately win issue

[markw]

...what are the chances it's an ultimately win issue

Yes that is a possibly
As I can’t replicate the problem on my Mac, ideally some other Windows user/s would join in here with what they are seeing given the conditions outlined by you above, which might help narrow down whether it is a general Windows only bug or something more specific to your system.

[Enug]

Yes, I have to click before I can make a mark on the 2nd instance of AR6 which is open - only if a reference is showing. I don't see it as a problem. I am on Windows.

[cinematik]

I don't see it as a problem. I am on Windows.

on Mac it seems to be more logical

in case the second document contains your palette it turns into hundreds of extra cliks

[Enug]

Perhaps I should have said that I personally don't see it as a problem because I don't paint that way i.e. with two instances of AR open.

[cinematik]

as it turned out it happense in the same opened instance of AR

when different instances opened there is no such issue, but it this case every instance have their own independent color picker data

so I consider it as a pure bug