If you want to design faster and smarter in Photoshop, customizing your workspace is one of the best productivity hacks. A well-organized layout tailored to your workflow saves time, reduces distractions, and helps you focus on creativity.
In Photoshop 2025, Adobe gives you complete control over how your tools, panels, and interface are arranged. Here’s how to make it work perfectly for you.
🖥️ What is a Workspace?
A workspace in Photoshop refers to the arrangement of:
- Toolbars
- Panels (like Layers, Properties, Adjustments, etc.)
- Menu visibility
- Screen layout
Photoshop comes with default workspaces, but the real power lies in making your own.
🔧 Default Workspaces Available
You can start with a preset based on your project type:
| Workspace Name | Best For |
|---|---|
| Essentials (Default) | General design & photo work |
| Photography | Photo editing & color grading |
| Graphic and Web | UI design, web layouts |
| Motion | Video and animation work |
| Painting | Digital illustration |
| 3D | 3D modeling (if enabled) |
🔁 Access these via:
Window → Workspace → [Choose Workspace]
✏️ Customize Your Own Workspace (Step-by-Step)
✅ Step 1: Rearrange Panels
- Drag any panel (like Layers, Color, History) to move it.
- Dock panels by dragging them to the right panel group or bottom area.
- Collapse panels to icon view using the double arrow (≫) at the top-right of the panel.
✅ Step 2: Add Missing Panels
Go to Window in the top menu → Click any missing panel to enable it.
Popular ones include:
- Layers
- Properties
- Character / Paragraph (for typography)
- Adjustments
- Libraries
- Swatches
✅ Step 3: Remove Unused Panels
Just close the tabs or undock and hit the “X” to remove them from view.
✅ Step 4: Organize Toolbar (Optional)
-
Long press on the 3-dot icon (
...) at the bottom of the left toolbar. - Choose Edit Toolbar.
- Rearrange or hide tools based on your preferences.
- Save and name your custom tool layout!
💾 Step 5: Save Your Workspace
Once you’ve arranged everything the way you like:
Window → Workspace → New Workspace…
- Give it a name (e.g., “My Branding Setup”)
- Optionally include:
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Menus
- Toolbar setup
Click Save, and your layout is now just a click away anytime.
🔁 Reset or Switch Workspaces
- To reset your current workspace to its original layout:
- Window → Workspace → Reset [Workspace Name]
- To switch between workspaces:
- Window → Workspace → [Select One]
You can also find workspace options in the top-right dropdown (looks like a 4-square icon or label like “Essentials” depending on your version).
⚡ Bonus Tips
- Use Dual Monitor Layouts: Drag panels like Timeline, Properties, or Preview to a second screen.
- Color-Code Panels with labels or custom arrangements.
- Save Separate Workspaces for different project types—one for photo retouching, one for mockups, one for print.
✅ Summary
| Action | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Access Workspace Options | Window → Workspace |
| Rearrange Panels | Drag and drop to dock or float them |
| Add/Remove Panels | Window → [Panel Name] to show/hide |
| Save Custom Workspace | Window → Workspace → New Workspace… |
| Reset Workspace | Window → Workspace → Reset [Workspace Name] |
🧠 Why This Matters
Time is your most valuable asset. A customized workspace eliminates friction, streamlines your process, and lets you get into the creative flow faster. Don’t let a messy panel setup slow you down—make Photoshop feel like your personal creative desk.
Don't miss out! Boost your workflow with every Photoshop 2025 shortcut. Click here to download the full guide.
