Can’t access “refine edge” sliders in Photoshop 2023

[Michael307828509q5z]

I am using Photoshop 2023 for the first time.

Normally, when I double click on the mask, a window with a properties window pops up with a bunch of sliders: smooth, feather, contrast, etc.

But in the 2023 version, it takes me into some weird mode. Theres brushes on the left, and theres a window on the right that doesn’t allow me to click on anything.

Photo 1: normal screen before I doubleclick on the mask

Photo 2: some mode that I’m unfamiliar with.  has a window on the right with stuff, but doesn’t let me click on them

Photo 3: example of sliders I'm trying to access.

[Michael307828509q5z]

Sorry, I thought I included a third photo in the post.

These are the sliders Im trying to access: 

[Bojan Živković]

Second screenshot is showing Select and Mask tools in the Toolbox on the left and strange thing is panels on the right. Not sure how you get there but you should see Properties with controls similar to what is shown in your third screenshot. Wait some time maybe someone else know exactly what is going on or try to click on Select and Mask button in the Properties panel (second screenshot) or even with preference reset. Save any unsaved actions and presets before reseting preferences or use manual method to drag folder on desktop https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html

[Michael307828509q5z]

Hi Bojan,

In my second screenshot, I can't click anything in the properties panel. That's the frustrating thing. 

I did a reset and I'm still having the same issue. Thank you for taking the time to reply though! I hope I get it figured out.

[melissapiccone]

Your Select and Mask looks very odd, I agree with Bojan. When you double click on a layer mask you can choose to have it open in Select and Mask or just show you the properties for the mask. Somehow your second screenshot has combined the to two. This is a preference, if you chose something initially the first time you clicked, you can chang it in the prefernces. 

First screenshot has the radius slider on the right in select and mask - ignore the big orange box, that is my cursor I use when teaching. 

This screenshot shows you where you can find the setting in preferences. 

 

[Michael307828509q5z]

Hi Melissa,

I have that preference chosen, but it is still doing the same thing. In my second screenshot, the properties panel SHOULD look like your first image, but it just shows what I have and wont allow me to click on anything. I can't even slide the density or feather sliders that are on there.

Thank you for taking your time to reply though!

[melissapiccone]

I sounds like something is wrong with your PS. Have you reset the preferences? Just go into the preferences in General and click the  reset preferences on Quit.

Melissa Piccone
Adobe Trainer
Adobe Community Expert
www.creative-training.com
melissa@cyberelement.com
703-887-0940

[D Fosse]

The third screenshot is the old Refine Edge from many years ago (CS2? CS3?) - no need to be concerned with that when the newer Select and Mask is light years better.

Yes, Melissa is right, this is set in Preferences. You can choose double-click to open the Select and Mask workspace, or to open Mask Properties. You have chosen Mask Properties.

Nothing wrong here, just check the right box.

[Michael307828509q5z]

Oh yes, that is just a random screenshot I pulled from Google Images. I just used it to show that I wanted access to the "smooth, contrast, feather, etc" sliders. The sliders I'm used to look much more like Melissa's first image. Instead, it takes me to my second screenshot and shows me a properties panel, but doesn't allow me to click on anything on there at all. 

I checked those boxes, restarted the program, and unfortunately I'm still having the same issue.

[melissapiccone]

You can always get to select and mask - you don't need to double click on the mask. Just go to the Select drop down menu and choose Select and Mask. When you have the Quick Selection tool, Object Selection tool or the magic wand selected you will find a button in the options bar at the top of your screen for select and mask. I leave my default double click to show me the properties panel like you have yours set up. 

 

[Jeff Arola]

Photoshop still provides access to the old Refine Edge as shown by the OP by going to Select then pressing the Shift key and Select and Mask.

Though as stated above by Dag, the newer Select and Mask is so much better.

[Paulo22625545pw5m]

Click right botton on layer and chouice your app duvid.