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August 6, 2026

When I'm working on a large batch of images, after a few images, the pen tool path starts to disappear, especially when I'm zoomed in. Restarting my computer and restarting photoshop doesn't fix the glitch.

  • August 6, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 4 views

When I'm working on a large batch of images, after a few images, the pen tool path starts to disappear, especially when I'm zoomed in. Restarting my computer and restarting photoshop doesn't fix the glitch. Not every file as the issue, but once a file has the issue, I can't fix it unless I create a new file and copy and paste the image into it. I started doing work paths on most of the remaining images and waiting until I was completely done to "create new path", but I noticed that when I did "create new path" first, the issue would happen instantly. I can sort of work around it by trying to create a path while zoomed out, but that makes it difficult for me to be accurate when tracing the area I'm trying to isolate. I have a 2022 mac that's up to date, plenty of storage and ram and an m1 chip, so there shouldn't be any issues with the software. I first noticed this issue several years ago, I would say at least 2020.

 

    1 reply

    Anshul_Saini
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    August 6, 2026

    Hi ​@Amanda22812577h40v,

     

    Thanks for the detailed description. Since you've been seeing this for quite some time, I'd like to gather a few more details to help us reproduce it.
     

    Could you please share:

    • Your Photoshop System Info (Help > System Info > Copy) and paste it here.

    • An actual screen recording showing the behavior from the point where the Pen tool is working normally until the path starts disappearing.

    • Also, share a screenshot of the image & canvas size and the layers panel.

    • If possible, a sample PSD where the issue occurs consistently.
       

    I also have a few questions:

    • Does this happen only with Work Paths, or does it also occur with saved paths?

    • Does toggling View > Extras or View > Show > Target Path make the path reappear, even temporarily?

    • Does the path disappear visually only, or are the anchor points and path still present in the Paths panel?
       

    These details will help us determine whether this is a display issue or a problem with the path itself.
     

    Best,

    Anshul Saini