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R
rgbnites
Known Participant
February 6, 2026
Question

What happened to the tool columns on the right and left?

  • February 6, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 19 views

I can't believe it! I settle down to start work and go to adjust Levels on a photo, and Properties pops up, and the right and left tool columns disappear. Go to the Windows drop-down, and the options for resetting the Workspace are ghosted out. Google it> hit Tab and the little tool thing on the left turns on and off- not my setup! What gives? 

These little automatic "Happenings" are frustrating and distracting. Is there a way to go back to the old, completely manual setup? And I can't believe the cost increased 14% per month. Who's paying me for the half hour I lost this morning?

I hope I get an answer. It can’t be that hard.

    1 reply

    Ged_Traynor
    Community Expert
    Ged_TraynorCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 6, 2026

    ​@rgbnites you can reset the preferences, which will reset Photoshop to its default state, just hit Ctrl + K to bring up the preferences dialog

     

    R
    rgbnitesAuthor
    Known Participant
    February 6, 2026

    Thank you for your reply. That’s right- I have to quit PSD to get my Tools (left) and Adjustments Tools (right side- I don’t know what else to call that column with Layers, Align, etc.). It happens when I try to use Levels and the properties window pops up.

    jane-e
    Community Expert
    jane-eCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 6, 2026

    @jane-e ​@rgbnites wrote: It happens when I try to use Levels and the properties window pops up.

     

    When you use Levels as an Adjustment Layer, the Properties panel should pop up so you can adjust the levels.

     

    Pressing Tab when you are not typing will hide/show all the panels.

     

    When menus items are greyed out, it means something else is going on, such as you have a modal dialog open, or your cursor is in active in a text box. Try pressing Escape when this happens.

     

    The “column” with Layers, Align, et cetera is called a Dock, which  is a collection of panels grouped. Details here:

    https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/desktop/get-started/learn-the-basics/dock-undock-panels.html

     

    Without screenshots, these are general and may or may not apply to your situation. Screenshots will help us to help you.

     

    Jane

     

     

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