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Answered

Photoshop darkens interface on MacBook Pro.

Forum|Forum|11 months ago
March 29, 2025
5 replies
1421 views

When I open Photoshop the complete interface darkens on a new Macbook Pro. After opening I will open a RAW file which looks normal for a moment the darkens and all adjustment sliders go to zero (0). The interface is so dark I can't make out wording on the screen. When I open an existing photo it appears normal for a moment then darkens. Testing a few changes and when I get the Save window it is so dark I can't read any words. When I close the file my desk top picture is very dark for 20+/- seconds and then returns to normal.

macOS

Correct answer robinhood00

Adobe update fixed the problem.

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robinhood00Author

Inspiring

The problem has started again. As of today, 06/03/2025, I have seen the problem starting again. As soon as I open a file the complete interface darkens. I hope Adobe can fix the issue soon. On vacation and want to work on files but can't. Come on Adobe - please fix the issue, permanently.

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robinhood00Author

Inspiring

Adobe fixed it. Adobe gets the star today.

NB, colourmanagement

Community Expert

@robinhood00 How was it fixed please? Photoshop update?

neil barstow, colourmanagement net - adobe forum volunteer - co-author: 'getting colour right' google me "neil barstow colourmanagement" for lots of free articles on colour management Help others by clicking "Correct Answer" if the question is answered. Found the answer elsewhere? Share it here. "Upvote" is for useful posts.

R

robinhood00AuthorCorrect answer

Inspiring

Adobe update fixed the problem.

Y

Yvette Mills-Jensen

Participant

I'm having this same exact problem suddenly on my brand new MACBOOK PRO M4. It wasn't happening yesterday! Now every time I open a photo in PS, it fades into a darkened pic. I call APPLE. They said to

contact Adobe.

Has anyone else been suddenly experiencing this????

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robinhood00Author

Inspiring

Yes. No resolution yet. I hope soon.

NB, colourmanagement

Community Expert

@robinhood00 "all adjustment sliders go to zero (0)"

Which "adjustment sliders"?

Do you mean the macOS display brightness adjustment (normally accessed via keyboard buttons as it's a MacBook)?

If the "save" dialog is dark too, it seems like the entire macOS interface has gone dark?

Does brightness recover if you quit Photoshop? You can do that using 'command + Q' on the keyboard if you can't see the interface?

Maybe try this (because a MacBook can be set to react to ambien light) - let's rule than out :

To disable the automatic brightness adjustment on a MacBook, follow these steps:

Click on the Apple menu in the menu bar and select System Settings.
Scroll down and select Displays in the sidebar.
Turn off the "Automatically adjust brightness" option.

I hope this helps

neil barstow colourmanagement - adobe forum volunteer,

colourmanagement consultant & co-author of 'getting colour right'

See my free articles on colourmanagement online

Help others by clicking "Correct Answer" if the question is answered.

Found the answer elsewhere? Share it here. "Upvote" is for useful posts

R

robinhood00Author

Inspiring

Automatic Adjust Brightness is off. Thanks for the try.

NB, colourmanagement

Community Expert

@robinhood00 asking again:

Which "adjustment sliders"?

Do you mean the macOS display brightness adjustment (normally accessed via keyboard buttons as it's a MacBook)?

If the "save" dialog is dark too, it seems like the entire macOS interface has gone dark?

Does brightness recover if you quit Photoshop? You can do that using 'command + Q' on the keyboard if you can't see the interface?

I hope this helps

neil barstow colourmanagement - adobe forum volunteer,

colourmanagement consultant & co-author of 'getting colour right'

See my free articles on colourmanagement online

Help others by clicking "Correct Answer" if the question is answered.

Found the answer elsewhere? Share it here. "Upvote" is for useful posts

Conrad_C

Community Expert

Some details are missing that might help troubleshoot this.

When you open the raw file in Photoshop, does it open in Camera Raw first as expected, and is that when the screen darkens?

If so, in Camera Raw, in the Edit panel is the HDR option enabled or disabled?

Or do you mean the screen darkens after you exit Camera Raw and are editing the image in Photoshop itself?

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robinhood00Author

Inspiring

Camera Raw or .psd will both darken the complete interface when opened. Even .jpg. Opening any file and the interface darkens. Once I close all Photoshop windows the Apple interface returns to normal and the desktop photo is nice and bright. Photoshop app is still open but with no files open. I hope I am explaining all this clearly. I may try a screen video next. Thanks for any help.

Conrad_C

Community Expert

Hi, can you please answer the question about whether HDR edit mode is enabled in Camera Raw?

And if it also happens when the image is opened from Camera Raw into Photoshop, can you confirm what is selected in the Image > Mode submenu for your image?

Also, in macOS System Settings > Displays, which reference mode Preset is selected? Is it the same as in the picture below, or different?

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