Brush Tool problem

[Anniegraphic]

I cannot bring up the 'Options' panel at all. It is ticked in the 'Windows' menu but is not visible. Hence I cannot use the 'clear' function on brush tool. Any suggestions please?

[JJMack]

Have you tried changing workspaces or reset your worksoace to see if the tool option bar becomes visible?

[Trevor.Dennis]

It might be as simple as being unchecked in the Window menu, but I think I remember some issues around this not so long ago.  If it is not just a matter of turning it on in the menu, or JJ's advice of resetting thee workspace does not fix it, then this is the sort of issue that resetting Preferences can fix.  If you still have the issue after that, let us know your Photoshop version and operating system.

[jane-e]

Do you have a second monitor that you sometimes use? It may be out of view of the current monitor. Resetting the Essentials workspace should work.

~ Jane

[Trevor.Dennis]

Jane, the issue I think I was remembering was missing menus as well as Option bar.  The was thought to be caused by mutliple GPUs — like a laptop with Intel HD### for power saving and a GTX### for heavy lifting.

Solved: Photoshop 2020 Interface Missing Menus - Adobe Support Community - 10731152

[jane-e]

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@Trevor.Dennis wrote:

Jane, the issue I think I was remembering was missing menus as well as Option bar. 

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You may be right, Trevor, but Annie did say the options bar was ticked in the Window menu, so I didn't think her menus were missing.

@Anniegraphic wrote:

... 'Options'... is ticked in the 'Windows' menu but is not visible.

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Hopefully she will clarify for us.

~ Jane

[Anniegraphic]

Yes, Options is defintely checked in the Windows menu!

[Anniegraphic]

I must admit that I have never reset the Workspace so am reluctant to do this as I wouldn't know what I was doing! I have worked in Photoshop for years but have never had occasion to do this. Is it permanent or can I undo? Sorry, I'm totally ignorant where this is concerned!

[jane-e]

Hi @Anniegraphic 

The workspace is simply an arrangement of your panels. First: go to Window > Workspace, then:

• Note the name of your current workspace, but you may have modified it by moving the panels
• Save your current workspace by choosing New Workspace and give it a name so you can go back to it
• Choose the Essentials Workspace
• Reset the Essentials Workspace. Does your options bar come back?

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/workspace-basics.html 

~ Jane

[Anniegraphic]

Yes Jane, I did all that and it HAS come back! Thank you so much,  I am indebted to you!

[jane-e]

@Anniegraphic 

You're welcome, Annie, I'm glad it's sorted for you now. The options bar is not optional! 😊

~ Jane