Legacy Extensions not visible in Photoshop 2025 (26.0.0)

[alexanderk34198036]

The possibility to activate legacy extensions (such as Brush box) is not visible in PS 2025 anymore, compared to 2024. It is not greyed out - it is just completely removed.

How can that be activated again?

Many thanks

Alex

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

@alexanderk34198036 did you migrate them over to 2025?

[alexanderk34198036]

Hi Kevin, 

when I installed the update I checked that all presets should be transferred, if that's what you mean?

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

Presets are not extensions/plugins.

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preset-migration.html

Check your plugins folder to see if they are there. If not either reinstall them for 2025 or manually move them to the same folder location in the 2025 app folder.

[alexanderk34198036]

So it turns out I had to start Photoshop in Rosetta mode to get the extensions to even show up. However, they do not work since a JavaScript element is missing. Is there any solution to that?

[BrettN]

Legacy extensions do not work on ARM systems in native mode, you have to use Rosetta mode.

There is currently a bug where switching modes disables a variety of features in Photoshop. You can fix it for now by simply resetting preferences. We've got a full fix coming in a future update.

[deepakprimta1985]

In Photoshop 2025 Extension menu is missing under window tab. Please fix this issue I am not able to use Beautify Panle and others extension 

[AxelMatt]

Try to revert the currently selected Workspace back to its original default settings by going to Window > Workspace > Reset {Workspace Name}.

If this doesn't help try to reset the preferences of Photoshop using the steps described here:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html#reset-preferences

Please backup your settings before resetting the preferences. You can check:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html#backup-photoshop-preferences

[Lumigraphics]

Mac or Windows? And if Mac, is it an Apple Silicon computer? That may hold the answer.

[JoseAC]

I’ve installed various plugins, including those from the Creative Cloud App and third-party via the ZXP installer, but none of them appear in Photoshop. The plugins panel is disabled, and the plugins' legacy section in the settings is also grayed out.
I have installed MacOS 15.2 and the latest version of Photoshop (26.1).

[SREEDAS]

working for me in Rosetta mode

[BrettN · Accepted solution]

If you are on an ARM-based Apple computer (M or Silicon machine), legacy plugins do not work in the native operating mode. You have to enable Rosetta for Photoshop to gain access. Instruction for how to do this are under the "Does your app need Rosetta?" section here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102527

[Michael E Leslie]

I have an issue with the items under the Plugins drop down menu are greyed out, I have searched the web and tried the solution listed but nothing I have done resolves the problem.

I can add Plugins using Creative Cloud but they do not show up in Plugins (greyed out).

This is rediculouis

M4 Mac Mini 

MacOs 15.2

Photoshop 26.2.0

[CGB_CGB]

THANK THE LORD FOR THIS THREAD

@BrettN Thank you for the advice about opening the App in Rosetta mode.
I have only recently come across this mode when having to turn it on to download a plug-in NOT on Adobe CC.

I see you mention that there are some bugs when opening PS with Rosetta... As I use Rosetta a lot for work, I was wondering if this is the best workpath:
- When needing the External Plugin, use PS in Rosetta
- When back to normal work, open PS as usual

Are there any hinderances and problems with using PS in Rosetta?

[BrettN]

Rosetta is an emulator. This requires more processing power to operate. Meaning, the main issue is you may experience reduced performance.

[Kate24134575tg37]

So, will legacy brushes ever be available again? Not being able to access them is really limiting my work -

noting 'Rosetta is an emulator. This requires more processing power to operate. Meaning, the main issue is you may experience reduced performance' - drom an adobe employee.

[Jeff Arola]

Kate2413,

You should be able to load the Legacy Brushes from the Brush Picker flyout menu

[Kate24134575tg37]

Brilliant! Legacy brushes all back out. Cheers!

[CGB_CGB]

Thanks @BrettN - I also found @Kate24134575tg37 that once opening PS with ROSETTA that my Legacy plug-ins remained on PS even opening after, without ROSETTA, not sure if that helps anyone else or not!