changing color swatch

[hannahd97397014]

Every time I go to change the color, it automatically defaults to an orange color I've used on a previous painting, and I have to manually switch the colors around in the (what I'm assuming to be) foreground color boxes in the menu on the left hand side. This is frustrating when I switch colors assuming it will be the one I chose, but then it goes back to the orange. I'm very new to photoshop and I've tried to look up how to fix this, but I can't seem to find answers.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Please provide a more meaningful description of the issue including screenshots that contain the pertinent Panels (Tools, Options, Brushes, …).

Does the change usually happen when you select certain specific Brushes?

[Muqqarib Hassan]

Hi, Click on this icon to reset the color to default (Black & White)

or Simply press D to reset the colors.

After doing that your problem will be solved.

Thanks.

[hannahd97397014]

When I press that button it does go back to black, but then as soon as I try to pick another color it goes right back to the orange that I mentioned before.

[Muqqarib Hassan]

Hi, Then restore preferences quickly using a keyboard shortcut: Press and hold Alt+Control+Shift (Windows) or Option+Command+Shift (Mac OS) as you start Photoshop. You are prompted to delete the current settings. The new preferences files are created the next time you start Photoshop

[hannahd97397014]

I have a Mac and tried the Option+Command+Shift when I first open photoshop and when I create a new project but nothing happened, when exactly should you do the shortcut? And am I doing something wrong?

[davescm]

Hi

No need to reset preferences at this stage - it restores everything to default. Your screenshots show Photoshop working correctly - see my last post

Dave

[Muqqarib Hassan]

Hi, Try the Dave method hope so it will solve your issue. For changing the color from foreground to background or background to foreground Press the X key.

Thanks.

[davescm]

Hi

It was hard to follow your screenshots without a description but between the 2nd and third screenshot you are changing the background colour from dark blue to light blue. But you are painting with the foreground colour (which is set to black).

So two things - to swap the foreground and background colours, just press X on your keyboard.

To set whether your swatch selection will change the foreground or the background colour - go to the color panel and click on the left.

Dave

[hannahd97397014]

After following your instructions it's now not allowing me to paint at all... Is there a way to just completely reset the color settings or just reset the entire photoshop? I haven't really personalized it at all so I wouldn't be losing anything.

[hannahd97397014]

Nevermind! It is now working properly, thanks for the help! (:

[davescm]

You can reset Photoshop by going to Preferences >General and clicking "Reset Preferences on Quit". Then click OK and close then re-open Photoshop.

Dave

[davescm]

Are you using a brush with the color saved as part of it's definition? If you turn on "Show Additional Preset Info in teh brush panel it will show you if that is the case

Example shows a brush saved with a green colour

Dave

[hannahd97397014]

I tried again and it didn't default to the orange, but it didn't change either. It only changes if I press the Default Foreground and Background Colors button every time after I choose a new color.

[jane-e]

Holding down the Option key as you choose a color swatch will make it the background color. Tap both Option keys to make sure they are not stuck. If it still goes to the background swatch, then reboot.