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KillerRabbit
Known Participant
May 13, 2025
Open for Voting

Dialog Windows Don't open near Current Opened Document

  • May 13, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 198 views

This is for multi-display users. Given I'm using an older mac (imac 2015) that still works great and using PS 2024. Can someone explain to me why dialogue windows/boxes do not open near the current document, but probably opens in the location you last used it. So for example if I haven't opened the Selective Color Adjustment Window in a while it will open in another screen I probably used it last. So I'll have to drag the window to the currently window (usually my drawing tablet) and use the functions there. Then the same with Hue Saturation or Levels or Curves, etc. Why aren't they opening in the display that is currently being used? Doesn't that make the most logic. Sometimes my tablet is 2-3 feet away from me. I use a trackpad as well, but if I'm using my pen on the tablet I may have to put the pen on the table to use the trackpad (granted I use the trackpad with my opposite hand, too), but it is not workflow conducive. I've been dealing with this seemingly forever, but haven't seen anyone post here recently or in other forums. Why isn't there an option in Interface Preferences that checks something like "Keep dialgue boxes on Active Document."

Also Workspace Resets don't work for Dialogue boxes. Tool palettes and eveyrthing else work as they should "most times."

2 replies

KillerRabbit
Known Participant
May 14, 2025

Thanks for the information and directions. I will try that next time I have issues, but I want to address there is a simple way to get around it. Using the Properties Tab (window) and using smart layer adjustments. They are all there in the window with the properties tab. So I think I'll just use that instead from now on. I guess I was used to using these adjustments windows because I know the Hot Keys by heart. Since I've used them for so long! Perhaps I can find a way to use a Hot Key command with the layer adjustments. I will reasearch and see if I can!

Claire H.
Community Manager
Community Manager
May 13, 2025

Hi @KillerRabbit, The behavior you're experiencing, where dialogue windows open on a different screen than the active document, is likely due to Photoshop remembering the last position where the dialogue was used. This can be particularly inconvenient in a multi-display setup.

 

1. Reset Photoshop Preferences: Sometimes, resetting Photoshop preferences can resolve issues related to window positions and other interface quirks. To reset preferences: Mac: Hold down Command + Option + Shift while launching Photoshop. A dialog box will appear asking if you want to delete the settings file. Confirm to reset preferences.

2. Update to the latest version: Ensure Photoshop is updated to the latest version.

3. Workspace Configuration: While workspace resets might not affect dialogue boxes, configuring and saving a custom workspace might help. After arranging the desired dialogue boxes and tool palettes, save the workspace: Go to Window > Workspace > New Workspace... and save the current layout.

4. Use Single Display Mode: If feasible, try using Photoshop on a single display to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is specific to the multi-display setup.

 

If none of these steps help, we would like a few more details. Can you send your system info so we can try replicating it? You can find this by going to Help > System Info, copying and pasting it into a text file, and attaching it here. Thanks! ^CH