How to Reset Photoshop CS6 Settings?

Resetting your settings in Adobe Photoshop CS6 can help resolve various issues or simply return the software to its default state. There are different levels of resetting you can perform, from specific dialogs to a more general reset of preferences.

Resetting Warning Dialogs

Sometimes, you may have checked a box that says "Don't show again" for a specific warning message in Photoshop. You can reset these specific dialog boxes so they reappear.

Based on the provided reference:

• If you are using macOS:
  1. Go to the main application menu: Photoshop.
  2. Select Preferences, then General.
  3. In the General preferences window, locate and click the box for "Reset All Warning Dialogs".
  4. Click OK.

This action only resets the warning messages you've previously dismissed. It does not reset your tools, panels, or other application preferences.

Performing a General Preferences Reset

For a more comprehensive reset that affects tool settings, panel layouts, and other application preferences, you can reset the main Photoshop preferences file.

• Important: Resetting preferences will revert most settings to their original default state, potentially undoing custom brush presets, keyboard shortcuts, and workspace layouts unless they were saved separately.

To perform a general preferences reset:

1. Close Photoshop CS6 completely. Ensure it is not running in the background.
2. Restart Photoshop CS6 while holding down a specific keyboard shortcut immediately after clicking the application icon:
   • For Windows: Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift.
   • For macOS: Press and hold Command + Option + Shift.
3. Continue holding the keys until you see a dialog box asking if you want to "Delete the Adobe Photoshop Settings file?".
4. Click Yes in the dialog box.

Photoshop will then start with its default settings restored.

Summary of Reset Types:

Reset Type	What it Resets	Method (macOS)	Method (Windows)
Warning Dialogs	Specific "Don't show again" messages	Photoshop > Preferences > General > Reset All Warning Dialogs	(Method varies, often specific preference panels)
General Preferences	Tools, panels, some interface elements, etc.	Hold Cmd + Option + Shift during startup	Hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift during startup

By understanding these different methods, you can choose the appropriate way to reset your Photoshop CS6 settings depending on whether you need to bring back warning messages or return the entire application interface and basic settings to default.