Photoshop is a widely used software utilized by both professionals and hobbyists for diverse design purposes. However, like any software, it may experience occasional crashes. This can be troublesome and may lead to hours of work being lost. This blog post offers several steps to avoid crashing and maintain an uninterrupted workflow in Photoshop.
1. Update your software
The first thing you should do is ensure that your Photoshop and other Adobe software are up to date. Adobe frequently releases updates to fix bugs, including those that cause crashes. You can check for updates by going to Help > Updates in Photoshop.
2. Increase your RAM allowance
Photoshop can consume a significant amount of memory, especially when working with large files. If Photoshop doesn’t have enough memory, it might crash. You can increase the amount of RAM Photoshop is allowed to use by going to Edit > Preferences > Performance. Here, you can increase the percentage of RAM usage under Memory Usage.
3. Free up computer space
If your computer is running low on space, Photoshop might not have enough room to operate efficiently. Try deleting unnecessary files or using a disk cleanup software to free up some space. Also, it’s good practice to keep at least 10-15% of your hard drive free for Photoshop to use.
4. Adjust your GPU settings
Photoshop utilizes the GPU to accelerate many of its features. If the GPU is not performing correctly, it can lead to crashes. You can adjust the GPU settings by going to Edit > Preferences > Performance, and under the Graphics Processor Settings, uncheck the Use Graphics Processor option.
5. Reset Photoshop’s preferences
Corrupted preferences can frequently cause Photoshop to crash. You can reset Photoshop’s preferences by holding down Ctrl + Alt + Shift (Windows) or Command + Option + Shift (Mac) immediately after launching Photoshop. You will then be prompted to delete the settings file.
// Windows Ctrl + Alt + Shift // Mac Command + Option + Shift
When the prompt appears, click Yes to delete the settings file.
6. Reinstall Photoshop
If all else fails, you may need to reinstall Photoshop. Before doing so, be sure to back up any custom settings or brushes to avoid losing them.
In conclusion, while Photoshop is a fantastic tool, it can sometimes crash due to various factors. By following these steps, you can mitigate the risk of crashes and ensure that your workflow is not interrupted. Remember to always save your work regularly to avoid losing progress in the event of a crash.
