Select Photoshop > Preferences > Performance (macOS) or Edit > Preferences > Performance (Windows).
Last updated on
Oct 4, 2026
Learn how to adjust memory, GPU, cache, and history settings to match your system resources and workflow needs in Photoshop.
Optimizing performance preferences helps Photoshop run efficiently by controlling how the application uses your system's memory, graphics processor, cache, and other resources.
Configure these settings when Photoshop runs slower than expected, when working with large or complex files, or when running multiple memory-intensive applications simultaneously. The optimal configuration depends on your system specifications, document types, and workflow patterns. These settings work in conjunction with scratch disk preferences to maximize performance.
Performance settings affect both application responsiveness and system stability. Monitor the Efficiency indicator as you evaluate whether your configuration changes improve performance. Access this indicator by selecting the pop-up menu at the bottom of any document window and choosing Efficiency. Values consistently above 95% indicate optimal performance.
Administrator access to modify Photoshop preferences.
Knowledge of your system's total RAM.
Information about your graphics card model (if adjusting GPU settings).
Access Performance preferences
The Performance preferences dialog displays your system resources and provides controls for memory allocation, graphics processor settings, cache optimization, and history states.
Adjust memory allocation
In the Memory Usage section, review the Available RAM value and the Ideal Range recommendation for your system.
Drag the Let Photoshop Use slider or enter a value directly in the text field to adjust memory allocation.
Select OK to save your changes.
Restart Photoshop for the new memory allocation to take effect.
Note
Photoshop uses 70% of available RAM by default. Avoid allocating more than 85% of your system memory, as this can affect overall system performance and stability by leaving insufficient memory for your operating system and other applications.
Increasing memory allocation improves performance when working with large files. If you run multiple memory-intensive applications, decrease the allocation to prevent system instability. Adjust in 5% increments and monitor the Efficiency indicator to find your optimal setting.
Configure graphics processor settings
In the Graphics Processor Settings section, confirm that your graphics card appears under Detected Graphics Processor.
Select the Use Graphics Processor checkbox to enable GPU acceleration.
Select Advanced Settings to access additional GPU options.
Configure settings such as GPU-Accelerated Compositing, OpenCL acceleration, or display options as needed.
Select OK to close the Advanced Settings dialog.
Note
If the Use Graphics Processor checkbox is grayed out, your graphics card may not meet Photoshop's requirements. If the checkbox becomes unchecked after a crash, Photoshop may have detected a graphics driver issue. Update your graphics driver before re-enabling GPU acceleration.
Graphics processor acceleration improves Photoshop's responsiveness for screen redraws, supported effects, and features like Blur Gallery and Smart Sharpen. Advanced Settings include options for 30-bit display support and guide anti-aliasing. Leave these at default values unless you experience specific display or performance issues.
Optimize cache settings
In the History & Cache section, select a cache preset based on your typical workflow: Tiny for small documents with many layers, Default/Photos for medium-sized documents, or Big/Huge for large documents or panoramas.
For custom control, adjust the Cache Levels slider (range: 1-8).
Adjust the Cache Tile Size if working with particularly large or small documents.
Cache settings determine how Photoshop stores and retrieves image data during operations. Higher cache levels (4-8) improve redraw performance for large, complex images but use more memory. Lower cache levels (1-2) work better for documents smaller than 1 megapixel with 50 or more layers. Larger tile sizes speed up complex operations like sharpening filters, while smaller tile sizes improve responsiveness for operations like brush strokes.
Set history states
In the History & Cache section, enter a value in the History States field.
Balance your need for multiple undo levels against available memory.
The default value is 50 history states with a maximum of 1,000. Each history state consumes memory based on the scope of the operation. Operations that modify many pixels, such as filters applied to entire images, consume more memory per history state than small localized edits. Lower values (20-30) conserve memory, while higher values provide more undo flexibility.
Enable multithreaded compositing
In the Performance preferences dialog, select the Multithreaded Compositing checkbox to enable this feature.
Select OK to save all performance preference changes.
This setting allows Photoshop to use multiple CPU cores when calculating how layers combine to create your final image. The change takes effect immediately without restarting Photoshop. It improves performance when working with documents containing multiple layers, especially when applying blending modes, opacity changes, or layer effects.
After configuring performance preferences, work with your typical documents and monitor the Efficiency indicator to verify improvements. If performance issues persist, consider adjusting scratch disk preferences or reviewing your hardware specifications against Photoshop's system requirements.
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