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Erik5ECA
Inspiring
Aug 14, 2024 7:09 PM UTC
Answered

Photoshop Brush preview doesn't match actual size MacOS

I am encountering a bug in Photoshop for MacOS where the previewed brush size is not correct no matter what resolution my monitor is running at, what scaling Photoshop is set at, or what zoom level my document is at. The preview brush size seems to be about 50% bigger than what the brush actually does. 

 

System details:

Mac Studio 2023 with M2 Max Chip

MacOS Sonoma 14.4.1

Photoshop 25.11.0

Monitor: Dell 27" 4K P2723QE (As I mentioned above, the issue is present whether running at 1080p, 4K, or anywhere in between)

 

The image below shows the size of the brush preview, and what actually paints. The size of the brush doesn't seem to matter, it's about 50% bigger no matter what size it is.

    11 replies

    drcjc2
    Participating Frequently
    Jan 9, 2025 5:05 PM UTC

    same question!

     

     

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    mark-a-hunter
    Participant
    Nov 24, 2024 8:21 AM UTC

    Changing the pointer size in MacOS impacts the brush outline in PS. Restoring the pointer size to normal.  More info...

     

    Example: Hard, round, black, brush 100px in size when applied, shows black circle smaller than brush outline.

     

    This is a significant fault / bug for anyone who needs larger pointer eg perhaps due to accessibility reasons, so should warrant attention.

     

    This is present in PS 2025/24/23.

    MacOS Sequoia 15.1.1

    (could be present in earlier MacOS versions, but I havent got machines at earlier versions) 

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      Ged_Traynor
      Community Expert
      Ged_TraynorCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      Nov 24, 2024 10:00 AM UTC

      @mark-a-hunter have a look at this thread

      https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-bugs/photoshop-brush-preview-doesn-t-match-actual-size-macos/idi-p/14800289

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      Jeff Arola
      Community Expert
      Jeff ArolaCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      Aug 14, 2024 8:04 PM UTC

      Go to Apple>System Settings>Accessibility>Display>Pointer and set the Pointer size to Normal

       

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        TomV258
        Participant
        Feb 27, 2025 10:37 PM UTC

        Yes—making the pointer size Normal in Apple's Accessibility panel solves the brush display problem, BUT now we have to deal with a very small pointer when working outside of PS. Not very friendly to eyes. I don't understand why PS brushes have any relation to what size the pointer on an Apple is. Please, Please, Please fix this. Thank you.

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          c.pfaffenbichler
          Community Expert
          c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          Feb 28, 2025 7:40 AM UTC
          quote

          I don't understand why PS brushes have any relation to what size the pointer on an Apple is. 

          The connection seems to be obvious to me – a cursor is a cursor. 

          By which I don’t mean that the issue should not be addressed, but it may be more complicated to address than one might expect and the rhetoric »why …«-question seems unfortunate. 

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