Photoshop timeline first time playback runs slow. The second play runs on normal speed

[Bex5C51]

Hello, I recently updated to PS 2025. I have never had any problems with timelines playbacks before. Sometimes it did lag when I was working with about 50 different layers but that was always to be expected.

I work with muliple layers by painting and masking layers then fading them on top of each other to animate a satic image. Recently, after making any edits, my first play back drops to about 6.00 fps and it takes ages to review my work. I need it to run the whole playback first, then the second playback runs at normal speed; 30.00 fps. 

This is annoying as I contantly make tweaks and edits to my work so I can see that my animaion has a smooth trasition, and I need to playback at near normal speed on the first go!

I have tired some of the tips and ticks suggested by adobe and the comminuy discussions. Increaing my memory usuage to 80% & deleting cache. 

The effiency is saying around 40-50% on any playback. Sometimes it goes to 80%

I've included some screenshots on speed of first and second playback, aswell as scatch disc size and location.

I'm self taught and my PS lanuage is limited so bear with me but any help would be so appreciated as it's making my normal workflow as nightmare.

Thanks, Bex 

[Chuck Uebele · Accepted solution]

This is normal and has happened with previous versions. The first run through builds the cache and then it usually runs normal speed. The more layers and filters that you have, the slower it will be.

[Bex5C51]

Thanks for your quick reply Chuck and that makes total sense. 

The thing is, it has never been THIS slow before on the first playback. It's a huge change. The lag has only just started to happene recently, and I've been using timelines to make this type of work for about 4 years.  I havent been using more layers either. 

In your knolwdge, is there something else I can do with cache settings im unawre of? Or do you think there is something else I am missing?

[Chuck Uebele]

You can check the playback options in the timeline (gear icon, next to sound icon) maybe set at a lower resolution. Other than that, the only thing I can think of is some change in PS coupled with your computer that doesn't process as quickly with the newer version.

[Bex5C51]

Yes, I currently have it turned down to 25% but no change.

I think it might be something like you suggested. I tried first time playbacks on a later version and it was the same. So strange! I will persevere but might come back later with any questions if they come up.

Thanks for your time

[Guest]

Uh is there anybody here to help me? It is about layers and timeline and my too ambitious project. I made a dragon image 150x150 pixels and a very cute emote bouncing in 12 flat images 50x50. So, uf, I added 4 emote on a dragon and group those 5 layers as a Pink dragon no1 (want to make 12 frames) so I need to change a bit dragon on each and add another emotes, but, now I see a foulder and when I tried to upload an original dragon image..nothing..if I regroup it again..uhhh what next? Just trying to make a cute emote gif...