Adobe · Platform not recorded
Reset Photoshop Preferences or the Workspace
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
For workspace layout issues, choose a Photoshop workspace and reset that workspace. For broader preference issues, use Adobe's documented preferences reset only after carefully noting settings you need to restore.
Prepare and identify the exact scope
Save all open documents and capture the current workspace, shortcuts, presets, plug-in setup, scratch disks, color settings, and performance preferences. Decide whether only panels moved or Photoshop behavior is broadly corrupted.
Identify the scope
Decide whether the issue is limited to panel layout or requires a broader Photoshop preferences reset.
Reset the workspace when appropriate
Choose the relevant workspace and use its available reset option for the panel layout.
Reset preferences only when needed
Use Adobe's documented preferences-reset procedure and restore any settings you recorded.
Verify the supported result
After resetting the workspace, verify panels, tools, menu commands, and document tabs before resetting preferences. After a preference reset, restart Photoshop and retest the original symptom with a simple document.
Understand limits and consequences
A workspace reset mainly restores panel layout; resetting preferences affects many application settings and can require reconfiguration. Neither action repairs a damaged document or guarantees a third-party plug-in will work.
Use the safest supported follow-up
Use Window > Workspace and reset the named workspace for layout issues. Use Adobe's documented preference reset only for broader problems, keeping any backup preference folder until the repair is confirmed.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the issue continues in a fresh workspace and preferences, test without third-party plug-ins using Adobe's supported method and record the Photoshop version and symptom. Do not delete presets, actions, brushes, or colour profiles without backups.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Platform not recorded.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.