Create tool presets

Last updated on Oct 28, 2025

Learn how to create custom tool presets in Adobe Photoshop to save specific settings for quick reuse across projects.

Tool presets in Photoshop allow you to save and quickly access your preferred settings for various tools, such as brushes and selection tools. Presets help you to maintain consistent workflows and promptly access your customized tools.

Select a tool and set the options you want to save as a tool preset in the Options bar.

Select Window > Tool Presets to display the Tool Presets panel.

Tip

You can also select the Tool Presets dropdown menu next to the tool at the upper-left of the Options bar.

Select Create New Tool Preset  icon.

Tool Presets panel displays the New Tool Preset dialog box for creating presets.
Use tool presets in Photoshop to save your favorite settings, quickly apply them, and streamline your workflow.

Enter a name for the tool preset and select OK. Your new preset appears in the Tool Presets panel.

Select a preset to apply the saved settings to the selected tool quickly.

Customize tool presets

Select menu in the upper-right of the Tool Presets panel.

To customize the list of presets, select one of the following options:

  • Show All Tool Presets: View all loaded presets.
  • Sort by Tool: Group presets by tool type.
  • Show Current Tool Presets: Display only presets for the active tool.
  • Text OnlySmall List, or Large List: Choose how presets appear visually.