How To Clear Scratch Disk Photoshop

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Adobe Photoshop is a powerful software tool, widely used for photo editing, image manipulation, graphic design, and digital art. However, it can sometimes run into difficulties, especially when the scratch disk is full. In this blog post, we will learn how to clear the scratch disk in Photoshop, to ensure that the software runs smoothly.

What is a Scratch Disk?

A scratch disk is a type of virtual storage that Adobe Photoshop uses to temporarily store data and perform computations when the primary memory (RAM) is full. Photoshop can utilize multiple scratch disks – your system drive is typically the default one.

Why Should You Clear Your Scratch Disk?

Over time, the scratch disk can get filled up with temporary files and data, which can lead to slower system performance and even cause Photoshop to crash. Clearing your scratch disk not only allows Photoshop to run more efficiently but also frees up valuable hard drive space.

Steps to Clear Scratch Disk in Adobe Photoshop

Step 1: Delete Temporary Files

Photoshop creates temporary files when you’re working on a project. When you close the program or the project, these temporary files should be deleted automatically, but sometimes they’re not. Let’s delete them manually.

1. Navigate to Photoshop's temp folder (usually located in C:/Users/[Your Username]/AppData/Roaming/Adobe/Adobe Photoshop [Your Version]/AutoRecover).
2. Delete all the files inside this folder.

Step 2: Adjust Photoshop’s Performance Preferences

You can optimize Photoshop’s performance by adjusting the preferences.

1. Open Photoshop and go to Edit > Preferences > Performance.
2. Under Memory Usage, increase the percentage of RAM allocated to Photoshop.
3. Under Scratch Disks, select an additional drive as your secondary scratch disk.
4. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 3: Purge Photoshop’s Cache

Photoshop keeps a cache of your work-in-progress images. Over time, this cache can consume a significant amount of your scratch disk space. Here’s how to clear it.

1. Open Photoshop and go to Edit > Purge > All.
2. A warning dialog will appear asking if you want to delete the cache. Click OK.

Final Words

Regular maintenance of your scratch disk space is crucial to ensure that Adobe Photoshop runs smoothly. Follow these steps above periodically to keep your scratch disk clean. Remember that a well-maintained system is key to efficient and smooth design work in Photoshop.