On a Windows PC, go up to the File menu in the Menu Bar along the top of the screen and choose Exit. Let's look at how to reset the Photoshop Preferences using a method that works with all versions of Photoshop. How To Reset Photoshop Preferences (All Versions) Step 1: Quit Photoshop If you want to keep these items, make sure you've saved them (using their respective dialog boxes) before you continue.

You'll also reset your color settings as well as any custom keyboard shortcuts or workspaces you've created. This is lesson 8 of 8 in Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Photoshop.ĭownload this tutorial as a print-ready PDF! A Word Of Cautionīefore we begin, note that resetting Photoshop's Preferences file will reset more than just the preferences. Then, as if that way isn't easy enough, we'll look at an even easier way to reset the Preferences file using a brand new option in Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud). We'll start with the original way that works with any version of Photoshop. In fact, as of Photoshop CC 2015, there's two easy ways to do it. Luckily, there's an easy way to reset Photoshop's preferences back to their defaults. If that file happens to be your Preferences file, then that's when Photoshop starts acting up. Unfortunately, each time we re-write a file, there's a chance that something will go wrong. Each time we close out of Photoshop, the Preferences file is re-written. We looked at some of the more important options in the previous tutorial in this series, Essential Photoshop Preferences For Beginners. There's general display and interface settings, tool settings, file handling and saving options, type settings, scratch disk settings, plugin options, and more.

The Preferences file is where Photoshop stores many of its performance settings. It means that the Preferences file has been damaged and the information inside of it is messed up. I don't mean it's been accepting bribes from shady business associates (or at least, we haven't found anyone willing to talk). Is your copy of Photoshop acting strange? Panels or menu items disappearing? Tools misbehaving? Chances are, the problem is that your Photoshop Preferences file has become corrupted.

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