• Reduce the Cache Levels

  • Choose Photoshop → Preferences → Performance.
  • Enter a value of 1 in the Cache Levels text box.

  • Reduce Amount of History States

  • Choose Photoshop → Preferences → Performance.
  • Enter a lower value in the History States text box.

  • Reduce the Size of Palette Thumbnails

  • Select “panel options” from a palette menu.
  • Select the smallest thumbnail size or “None”.

Restarting Photoshop is the best way to insure that all the settings have taken affect. These tips are consistent with CS4. I can not guarantee that they’ll work in previous versions of Photoshop.

Photoshop CS4 Icon

We designers are always looking for ways to improve the performance of Photoshop. Here’s a compiled list of the best tips found on the internet for optimizing the overall performance of this application.

  • Disable Font Preview

  • Choose Photoshop → Preferences → Type.
  • Deselect Font Preview Size.

  • Disable Image Previews

  • Choose Photoshop → Preferences → File Handling.
  • Select “Never Save” from the Image Previews menu.

  • Disable Export Clipboard

  • Choose Photoshop → Preferences → General.
  • Deselect Export Clipboard.

You can find a complete list of tips on how to optimize Photoshop for Mac and PC on the Adobe site.

If you have a tip to add to the list, please it.