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Mark Muse
Inspiring
February 16, 2026
Answered

How do I prevent the background block that has both the tool pallet and transform controls from appearing when I open a file? Ps 27.3.1

  • February 16, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 70 views

I don’t know what the thing is called. I want a floating tool pallet and whatever the strip along the top is called. I have the same issue with InDesign. When I switched to this latest version I followed the instructions for importing my preferences, but only the pallet locations and my actions transferred. Everything else reverted to the current Adobe defaults. 

    Correct answer Semaphoric

    Are you referring to the Application Frame? You can un-check that in the Window menu.

    3 replies

    Semaphoric
    Community Expert
    SemaphoricCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    February 17, 2026

    Are you referring to the Application Frame? You can un-check that in the Window menu.

    M
    Mark MuseAuthor
    Inspiring
    February 17, 2026

    ​@Semaphoric  Dang! That’s it! Thank you!

    M
    Mark MuseAuthor
    Inspiring
    February 17, 2026

    Thanks ​@Sameer K . Here are some screen grabs: 

    I did import presets including my saved workspace when setting up this new version, but only some of the presets (pallet locations, my actions - some broke, ICC color settings) were utilized by the new version. The rest were at the Adobe defaults. Very annoying. I vaguely remember that there was some checkbox somewhere in the previous version that allowed the tool pallet to float, the top bar (transforms?) appear across the top of the desktop, and the ridiculous gray rectangle to go away. 

    I have the same situation with InDesign, and it has been that way for a long time. I haven't found a way to change it. Most annoying. 

    Thanks advance for any help you can give!

    Sameer K
    Community Manager
    Sameer KCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    February 17, 2026

    Hey, ​@Mark Muse. Welcome to the Photoshop Community. I'll move this post to discussions. I'll need more info to help you figure this out. Please share screenshots of how it appears now. 

     

    You can go to Window > Workspace > Reset Essentials, and this should help. If you have a previous version of Photoshop installed where the workspace was set up as desired, go to Window > Workspace > Save preset. 

    Import this preset from the same menu in the current version of Photoshop. 

     

    Let me know how it goes.

    Thanks!

    Sameer K

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