Quick answer
🔄 Need to reset Photoshop preferences? Two methods available: use Photoshop's built-in reset option or keyboard shortcut method. Both restore default settings but will also reset custom shortcuts and workspaces.
⚠️ Important: Resetting preferences will also reset:
Color settings
Custom keyboard shortcuts
Custom workspaces
⚠️Create a backup of these first if you want to keep them!⚠️
💾 Backup Your Customizations
Save these items before resetting if you want to keep them:
Custom keyboard shortcuts
Personal workspaces
Color settings and profiles
Any custom tool presets
💡 When to Reset Preferences
Shortcuts not working in Astropad Studio
Photoshop behaving unexpectedly
Interface elements missing or corrupted
Performance issues that other fixes haven't resolved
Starting fresh after major Photoshop updates
Method 1: Reset via Photoshop Settings (CC Only)
⚙️ Using Built-in Reset Option
Step 1: Open Preferences
Windows: Edit menu → Preferences → General
Mac: Photoshop CC menu → Preferences → General
Step 2: Enable Reset Option
Find "Reset Preferences On Quit" option
Click to select it
Step 3: Confirm Reset
Click "OK" when prompted to confirm
Small popup will ask for confirmation
Step 4: Restart Photoshop
Windows: File → Exit
Mac: Photoshop → Quit Photoshop CC
Reopen Photoshop to apply default preferences
Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut Method (All Versions)
⌨️ Universal Reset Method
Works with all Photoshop versions including CC:
Step 1: Quit Photoshop
Windows: File menu → Exit
Mac: Photoshop menu → Quit Photoshop
Step 2: Launch with Keyboard Shortcut Hold these keys while opening Photoshop:
Windows: Shift + Ctrl + Alt
Mac: Shift + Command + Option
Step 3: Confirm Deletion
Message appears asking to delete Adobe Photoshop Settings file
Click "Yes" to confirm
Photoshop opens with default preferences restored
