Request for Remove Tool Toggle to Keep All Edits on a Single Layer

[Laurenam_]

Since the latest Photoshop update, the Remove Tool now automatically creates a new layer for each use or segment of editing. This is a major disruption to my workflow as a professional photo retoucher.

In previous versions, I could apply multiple remove edits directly to a single layer, especially when working on a blank layer with “Sample All Layers” enabled. Now, after 50+ remove strokes, I’m left with numerous layers that I have to manually collapse or merge — which is tedious, inefficient, and prone to error.

I strongly urge the Photoshop team to consider adding a toggle or setting that allows users to choose whether the Remove Tool outputs to a new layer each time, or keeps all strokes on the currently active layer.

While I understand the intention to promote non-destructive workflows, this new behavior doesn’t suit all professionals — especially those who need speed and precision in high-volume editing.

Reintroducing user control here would greatly improve efficiency for many of us in the retouching community.

[CShubert]

Hi @Laurenam_ testing here and not seeing this issue.

1. Try resetting Prefs for the Beta:
/Users/yourname/Library/Preferences/ Photoshop Beta Settings (Mac Ventura)
/Users/yourname/Library/Preferences/Adobe\ Photoshop\ \(Beta\)\ Settings (Mac)


C:\Users\user name\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop (Beta)\Adobe Photoshop (Beta) Settings

Launch BETA Photoshop While Pressing The Keyboard Shortcut
With Photoshop closed, press and hold Shift+Ctrl+Alt (Win) / Shift+Command+Option (Mac) on your keyboard and then Launch Photoshop the way you normally would.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html#Manually 

2. It may help if we could see your Photoshop beta System Info. Launch Photoshop beta, and select Help >System Info...and copy/paste the text in a reply.  

Thanks,

Cory - Photoshop Product Manager

[johnt41947401]

Resetting preferences has made no difference, I still only have adjustments for color and opacity? For clarity, I manually deleted the previous preference settings file before rebooting PS.

[drtonyb]

@CShubert 

So now you are removing posts! My reply to this on 29 May has gone, as are some others.

Reset my settings. Still no output options for the Remove tool settings.

[Andrea HG]

I'm experiencing the same issue, which only started today. I assume it’s due to the recent update to the Photoshop beta. It's frustrating to end up with multiple layers for each "Remove Tool" edit. Like others, I’d really appreciate knowing if there’s a way to turn this off. Cheers, Andrea :cherry_blossom:

[Photo Alan]

I am having the same issue using Windows. Every time I click on a spot with the Spot Removal tool a new layer is created, so I end up with dozens of unnecessary layers. If there was a way to turn this new "feature" off when it is not needed, then it might be useful. As is, it is an annoying nuisance.

[Photo Video Suite]

Same for me, unticked Create New layer box in Settings but no change, it's driving me mad. If i do some cleaning with remove tool and then go into Liquify for example, it just brings up a layer of the last remove edit, so I then have to cancel, flatten the image and they Liquify. Slowing my edit time considerably

[Photo Video Suite]

I'm using Beta, just tried on non Beta v26.7.0 and its fine so will use that until the Beta is fixed