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Erik5ECA
Inspiring
August 14, 2024
Answered

Photoshop Brush preview doesn't match actual size MacOS

  • August 14, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 1764 views

I am encountering a bug in Photoshop for MacOS where the previewed brush size is not correct no matter what resolution my monitor is running at, what scaling Photoshop is set at, or what zoom level my document is at. The preview brush size seems to be about 50% bigger than what the brush actually does. 

 

System details:

Mac Studio 2023 with M2 Max Chip

MacOS Sonoma 14.4.1

Photoshop 25.11.0

Monitor: Dell 27" 4K P2723QE (As I mentioned above, the issue is present whether running at 1080p, 4K, or anywhere in between)

 

The image below shows the size of the brush preview, and what actually paints. The size of the brush doesn't seem to matter, it's about 50% bigger no matter what size it is.

    3 replies

    D
    drcjc2
    Participating Frequently
    January 9, 2025

    same question!

     

     

    M
    mark-a-hunter
    Participant
    November 24, 2024

    Changing the pointer size in MacOS impacts the brush outline in PS. Restoring the pointer size to normal.  More info...

     

    Example: Hard, round, black, brush 100px in size when applied, shows black circle smaller than brush outline.

     

    This is a significant fault / bug for anyone who needs larger pointer eg perhaps due to accessibility reasons, so should warrant attention.

     

    This is present in PS 2025/24/23.

    MacOS Sequoia 15.1.1

    (could be present in earlier MacOS versions, but I havent got machines at earlier versions) 

      Ged_Traynor
      Community Expert
      Ged_TraynorCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      November 24, 2024

      @mark-a-hunter have a look at this thread

      https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-bugs/photoshop-brush-preview-doesn-t-match-actual-size-macos/idi-p/14800289

      Jeff Arola
      Community Expert
      Jeff ArolaCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      August 14, 2024

      Go to Apple>System Settings>Accessibility>Display>Pointer and set the Pointer size to Normal

       

        E
        Erik5ECAAuthor
        Inspiring
        January 9, 2025

        Been a while and I never answered this before. You are right that this "fixes" it. But I still consider it a bug that needs addressing, as it presents accessibility problems. A person who needs to have the mouse pointer bigger in the OS should be able to do so without it creating brush size problems in apps.

          c.pfaffenbichler
          Community Expert
          c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          January 9, 2025

          So add your vote to the Feature Request. 

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