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To reset Photoshop’s desktop workspace, choose Window > Workspace > Reset > Essentials (Default). You can also select Essentials from the workspace switcher. If you want to reset a different saved layout, restore every preset workspace, fix missing tools, or reset Photoshop on the web, use the separate option for that task.

Reset the desktop workspace to Essentials

  1. Open the Choose a workspace dropdown in Photoshop’s Application bar.
  2. Select Essentials to switch to the default workspace.
  3. To restore Essentials’ default panel arrangement, choose Window > Workspace > Reset > Essentials (Default).

Adobe identifies Essentials as the default desktop workspace. Switching to it selects that workspace; the reset command restores its default arrangement. See Adobe’s Restore workspaces in Photoshop instructions, updated February 23, 2026.

Reset one saved workspace or all presets

Restore one workspace

Open the workspace dropdown and choose Reset <Workspace Name> for the workspace you want to restore. This resets that layout without requiring you to reset other saved workspaces.

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Restore all preset workspaces

To return Photoshop’s preset workspaces, such as Essentials and Photography, to their original layouts:

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  1. On Windows, choose Edit > Preferences > Workspace. On macOS, choose Photoshop > Settings > Workspace.
  2. Select Restore Default Workspaces.

Custom workspaces can include panel locations, keyboard shortcuts, and menus. If you want to keep a custom arrangement, reset only the workspace that needs fixing rather than restoring all preset workspaces. Adobe explains custom workspaces in Restore workspaces in Photoshop and Save custom workspaces in Photoshop.

Restore missing toolbar tools

If panels look right but tools are missing, restore the toolbar separately: choose Edit > Toolbar > Restore Defaults. You can also choose Window > Workspace > Essentials (Default) or reset Essentials. If a tool was moved to Extra Tools, open the toolbar dialog to move it back. Adobe’s instructions are in Tools missing from toolbar in Photoshop on desktop (updated October 4, 2026) and Customize toolbar in Photoshop.

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Reset the interface in Photoshop on the web

In Photoshop on the web, open App settings and select Reset interface to default. This is the web app’s interface reset, not the desktop workspace menu. Adobe documents the option in App settings and preferences in Photoshop on the web, updated July 7, 2026.

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When to reset Photoshop preferences instead

A workspace reset changes the layout; a preference reset is broader and can affect settings for display, file saving, and performance. Use it only if the problem goes beyond the workspace. Adobe recommends backing up customized preferences first so you can restore them if needed.

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You can reset preferences through Photoshop’s Preferences or Settings, or hold Alt + Ctrl + Shift (Windows) or Option + Command + Shift (macOS) while launching Photoshop, then accept the prompt. Follow Adobe’s Reset preferences in Photoshop guidance, updated February 23, 2026.

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