Adobe Photoshop is a powerful and versatile tool that graphic designers, photographers, and artists use to create and edit stunning images. However, at times, it can run sluggishly, especially when dealing with large files or complex editing tasks. This can be frustrating and time-consuming. However, you can tweak a few settings to make Photoshop run faster. Let’s explore how.
1. Increase Memory Usage
Photoshop uses RAM (Random Access Memory) to process images. By default, Photoshop utilizes 70% of available RAM. But, you can manually increase this limit to give Photoshop more power. To do this, go to Edit > Preferences > Performance and increase the ‘Memory Usage’ percentage.
Remember, while allocating more RAM to Photoshop can speed up its performance, it can also affect the performance of other software running simultaneously. Therefore, finding a balance is key.
2. Adjust Cache Levels
Cache levels essentially determine how Photoshop stores and accesses image information. The higher the cache level, the slower Photoshop will perform. The default cache level is 4, but lowering it to 1 or 2 can speed up Photoshop, especially when working with small and medium-sized images.
To change cache levels, go to Edit > Preferences > Performance and adjust the ‘Cache Levels’.
3. Use Scratch Disks
A scratch disk is a drive that Photoshop uses for temporary storage when it runs out of RAM. It’s essentially a ‘virtual’ memory. You can set up multiple scratch disks to give Photoshop more memory to work with. Go to Edit > Preferences > Scratch Disks to set this up.
4. Reduce History States
Photoshop allows you to undo/redo multiple editing steps via ‘History States’. However, each state takes up memory. Reducing the number of history states can free up memory and speed up Photoshop. You can do this via Edit > Preferences > Performance and reduce the ‘History States’.
5. Close Unused Windows and Applications
Running other hefty applications or having many windows open in Photoshop can slow it down. Close any unnecessary applications and windows to free up system resources for Photoshop.
By applying the above tips, you can optimize Photoshop’s performance and ensure a smoother, faster workflow. Remember, every system is different, so you might have to experiment a bit to find the optimal settings for your specific setup.
Happy photo editing!
