How to Clear Photoshop Cache and Boost Your Editing Speed

Ever feel like Photoshop is running a bit sluggish? Does it take longer than usual to open files or perform edits? If so, there’s a good chance your Photoshop cache is overflowing. In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll explore how to clear Photoshop cache on both Mac and Windows computers. We’ll also delve into the benefits of this simple yet effective maintenance task.

I can’t emphaise enough how important this tip is to learn right at the beginning of your Photoshop journey, especially if you don’t have a powerful computer. So let’s dive in.

Why Should You Clear Your Photoshop Cache?

The Photoshop cache is a collection of temporary files that stores information about your recent edits, filters, and previews. While this cache helps Photoshop run faster by providing quicker access to frequently used data, it can become cluttered over time.

This clutter can lead to performance issues like slowdowns, lag, and even crashes. Clearing your Photoshop cache regularly is like cleaning out your attic – it frees up valuable space and improves overall performance.

How to Clear Photoshop Cache on a Mac

Clearing the cache in Photoshop on a Mac is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Open Photoshop.
Navigate to the Edit menu at the top of the screen.
Select Purge. This option might be hidden under a submenu depending on your Photoshop version.
A pop-up window will appear with various cache options: Clipboard, Histories, and Video Cache. You can choose to clear all caches by selecting “All” or choose specific caches you want to delete.

Tip: For a more thorough cleanup, consider quitting Photoshop and then deleting temporary files located in the /tmp folder. Look for folders named “Photoshop Temp” followed by a string of numbers and delete any files within them. Remember to empty your Trash bin afterward.

How to Clear Photoshop Cache on a Windows PC

The process for clearing the Photoshop cache on Windows is equally straightforward. Follow these steps:

Launch Photoshop.
Click on the Edit menu in the top menu bar.
Select Purge. Similar to the Mac version, you might need to find it within a submenu.
The purge window will display options for Clipboard, Histories, and Video Cache. Choose “All” to clear the entire cache, or select specific options as needed.

Bonus Tip: If Photoshop is running so slowly that you can’t even open it to access the purge menu, there’s a handy trick. While launching Photoshop, hold down Ctrl + Alt (on your keyboard) simultaneously. This shortcut should open the scratch disk preferences window, allowing you to add a new drive or delete temporary files to free up space.

The Benefits of Regularly Clean

There are several compelling reasons to make clearing your Photoshop cache a regular part of your editing routine. Here are some of the key advantages:

Improved Performance: A cluttered cache can significantly slow down Photoshop. By clearing it, you’ll free up valuable system resources, leading to faster loading times, smoother editing experiences, and fewer lags.
Enhanced Stability: A bloated cache can sometimes cause crashes and unexpected behaviour. Regularly purging the cache helps to maintain stability and prevent these frustrating issues.
Frees Up Disk Space: The cache can accumulate a surprising amount of data over time. Clearing it helps reclaim valuable storage space on your computer’s hard drive.
Boosts Efficiency: A clean cache allows Photoshop to function at its optimal level, saving you precious time and allowing you to focus on your creative workflow.

In Conclusion

Clearing your Photoshop cache is a simple yet powerful way to optimize your editing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding photographer, this quick and easy maintenance task can significantly improve Photoshop’s performance and stability.

So next time your edits feel sluggish, remember this handy guide and take a few minutes to clear your Photoshop cache. You’ll be surprised at the difference it makes!