P: Photoshop 26.2 adjustment layers grayed out on cmyk file.

[Jen5FFC]

As subject states there are several adjustment layers that no longer work on 26.2 and beta. 

Made a new file - CMYK 8bit filled a layer with color, attempted to apply adjustment layer and it is greyed out. Curves, hue saturation and maybe more. 

I went back to 25.12 and it works as it should with no issues. 

Windows 11. 

[D Fosse]

All adjustment layers work in CMYK here, on 26.1 - with three exceptions: Exposure, Vibrance and B&W.

Exactly the same on v25.

[Pete.Green]

Hi @Jen5FFC ,

Thanks for letting us know this made it to the release version and apologies for the trouble here. 

We've been able to reproduce this as well and will work on a fix for this. 

Workaround: We're able to create Curves and Hue/Sat adjustment layers via the Adjustments panel and Image > Adjustments. 

Could you check that out and let us know if it's the same for you?

Regards,

Pete

[Jen5FFC]

Interesting. I wonder if you update to 26.2 if it'll still be the case?

Below is a link to a screen grab video of what I experienced. 

Adjustment brush tool works apparently but not adjustment layers via layer panel. Also tried switching to a different tool thinking maybe the new adjustment brush tool was causing the isssue but it didn't make a difference. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HZFLUdFRCHIh4ccKZk5B0eKf1VzNYCEf/view?usp=sharing

[Jen5FFC]

Yes, image>adjustments works as it should. Just not the adjustment layers apparently. 

Thanks for the response! I will use the 25.12 version until it is fixed or use the new brush if needed. 

[D Fosse]

@Jen5FFC 

Just got the 26.2 update and ran it.

Nothing has changed, all adjustment layers work in CMYK, with the same three exceptions.

Whenever inexplicable things happen, like this, the first thing to do is reset preferences. Corrupt preferences can cause the weirdest errors and malfunctions.

[rosinha99]

Hue/Saturation Missing in Adjustment layer in the latest update from photoshop. This is something we use regularly in CMYK mode to quickly modify colors. Why was it taken away? Is this something that can be brought back? 

[D Fosse]

OK, one other user is seeing this. So maybe there is a bug here after all.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-bugs/hue-saturation-missing-in-adjustment-layer-i... 

[BrettN]

Hello! Unfortunately, this is a recent bug that we are working to fix. This only effects the Layers panel "Create new fill or adjustment layer" button. As a workaround, until we get this is addressed, you can still use:

• Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation
• Adjustments panel > Single adjustments > Hue/Saturation

All three methods produce the exact same results, there is no difference between these options.

[Pete.Green]

@Jen5FFC As you've seen, Adjustment Brush created the adjustment layer, and you can also create them within the Adjustments panel. 

Classic View

Modern View

[D Fosse]

Ah, so it's the method by which the adjustment layer is called. That's why I didn't see it.

[Hugh Betcha]

Using a Mac, with 8bit CMYK files on a regular layer - either on existing or new files, the Curves/Exposure/Hue Saturation is greyed out in Photoshop (layers pallette) suddenly... no idea why - Photoshop 2025 (latest) AND also the Beta version - help!

 

[malino_7078]

[Ged_Traynor]

@malino_7078 it's a known bug in version 26.2

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-bugs/p-photoshop-26-2-adjustment-layers-grayed-ou...

[kglad]

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post (like this one has already been moved) if it helps you get responses.

<"moved from download & install">

[Randy_111]

Curves and Hue Sat are greyed out in CMKY with newest relesse for me. I'm on a imac 2017.

[riskypotato]

After most recent update of PS 2025, I notice that the Curves adjustment is grayed out, when accessing it from the layers panel. However, from the PS Menu, Image>Adjustments>Curves is available. Could this quirk be due to me running MacOS 13.7.2 Ventura? Yes, I need a new computer. Thansk for any help.

[Jeff Arola]

No not due to your computer or operating system, but a bug in Photoshop 2025 (ps ver 26.2)

You should also be able to access Curves from the Adjustments panel (Window>Adjustments)

[riskypotato]

Thanks, I'd never used Window>Adjustments before.

[D Fosse]

...and the menu commands. I have keyboard shortcuts calling the menu, and they still work.

[kaisairanen]

The curves and hue-saturation option in the LAB mode is greyed out (as well as in CMYK mode) in the layers panel. There is a workaround through
Layer -> Adjustment layer > curves/Hue Saturation,
but it is very cubmersome - please mend this (was working prior 26.2 version)

[Ged_Traynor]

@kaisairanen the issue has been reported here, you can use one of the mentioned workarounds until Adobe fix the bug

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-bugs/p-photoshop-26-2-adjustment-layers-grayed-ou...

[Shivani Somayajula]

Hi there,

We're apologies for the trouble. 

I am moving this thread to an existing thread. The team is already aware and bug is already logged for this issue. 

Thanks, 

Shivani