Skip to main content
S
shenubian
Participant
March 1, 2023
Answered

Unable to access Preferences

  • March 1, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 2512 views

Hi! I would like to resolve this bug as I am significantly hindered in doing projects with this bug within the application.

So the issue is that I want to open Preferences/Settings but it crashes every time I try to do so. This disallows me to change my disk cache (currently 10 GB while I normally set it to 500-750 GB) which slows down the program as it is always full...

 

More background information:

  • I work in Adobe After Effects v.23.2.1 on macOS Ventura 13.2.1 (MacBook Pro)
  • The steps I take: Open AE > Go to Preferences via (1) the After Effects tab at the top left or via (2) the shortcut Cmd + Opt + ;
  • Expected result: Opening the settings and being able to change my disk cache and all the other preferences.
  • Actual result: My MacBook messaging with “Application is not responding” and not being able to do anything. And I also can’t access other applications until I Force Quit AE.

 

So far other 'solutions' haven't helped yet, hence this is why I'm posting here. I will continue try to resolve this as I need this resolved asap. But please comment with your thoughts/solutions for me to try!

Correct answer Rick Gerard

Try starting a new project, then use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl/Cmnd + Alt/Option + ; to open Preferences. 

 

If that does not work, quit After Effects, then hold down Shift + Alt/Option + Ctrl/Cmnd the next time you launch After Effects and choose to reset your preferences.

3 replies

nishu_kush
Community Manager
nishu_kushCommunity Manager
Community Manager
March 2, 2023

Hi shenubian,

 

Thanks for confirming.

Feel free to reach out if it happens again.

For now, I am moving this thread from Bugs to Discussions.

 

Thanks,

Nishu

D
dair joséb90054234
Participant
April 13, 2025

This is happening to me too. However, I have tried to reset preferences and it is not working.

What else can I do?

S
shenubianAuthor
Participant
March 2, 2023

Thank you this worked instantly! I will try it a few more times to confirm that it isn't temporary.

R
Community Expert
Rick GerardCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
March 1, 2023

Try starting a new project, then use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl/Cmnd + Alt/Option + ; to open Preferences. 

 

If that does not work, quit After Effects, then hold down Shift + Alt/Option + Ctrl/Cmnd the next time you launch After Effects and choose to reset your preferences.

M
michaelj55208400
Participant
July 15, 2024

Thanks for the suggestion. However, that is not working either. I have tried Edit /Purge as well and AE freezes up.

I have re-installed CC and all apps. Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.

D
dair joséb90054234
Participant
April 13, 2025

what have you done?

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices