Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSome links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Photoshop’s scratch disk is temporary working space on a hard drive or SSD. When memory-intensive edits, filters, history, or recovery data consume that space, Photoshop can become slow, refuse an edit, or stop at launch with a “scratch disks are full” message. The quickest fix is to quit Photoshop, free substantial space on the active drive, remove leftover Photoshop Temp files on Windows or large files on macOS, empty the Recycle Bin or Trash, and restart. Adobe recommends keeping at least 100 GB free on the primary scratch disk, although demanding documents can need more.
If Photoshop will not open, hold Ctrl+Alt while launching on Windows or Cmd+Option on macOS to select another suitable drive. Once Photoshop starts, add and reorder scratch disks in Preferences or Settings, then reduce avoidable scratch usage by adjusting History States and recovery settings.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is a Photoshop scratch disk and why does it fill up?
Adobe defines scratch disks as “hard drives or SSDs that Photoshop uses for temporary storage when your computer’s RAM is insufficient for the current operations” (Adobe, updated February 23, 2026). Photoshop writes temporary image data, undo history, rendered previews, and other working information there instead of keeping everything in RAM.
A scratch disk is not a special partition or a separate Photoshop file. It is ordinary free space on a volume that Photoshop has been told to use. Large documents, many layers, panorama and HDR operations, filters, long undo histories, and recovery information can create very large temporary allocations. If the selected volume runs low, Photoshop may block an operation, report that the scratch disks are full, or fail before the main window appears.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Adobe’s current guidance is to maintain at least 100 GB of free space on the primary scratch disk. That is a guidance value, not a universal minimum: a complex project or a large filter operation can require more. Photoshop Community guidance has also cited a 45 GB default launch-warning threshold; seeing that warning does not mean every workflow will work with only that amount available.
How do I clear a full scratch disk safely?
Work through these steps in order. They preserve open work first, then reclaim space Photoshop can actually use.
1. Save documents and quit Photoshop
- Save every document that is still responsive. If a file has unsaved changes, use File > Save or File > Save As before doing anything else.
- Close unnecessary documents and applications. Fewer open documents reduce additional temporary allocations.
- Quit Photoshop normally. A normal quit gives Photoshop an opportunity to release temporary files. Do not delete files that are in use while Photoshop is running.
If Photoshop is frozen, wait briefly for an operation to finish before force-quitting. If you must end the process, restart the computer before manually removing temporary files so that locked files are less likely to be active.
2. Free space on the active scratch volume
After Photoshop is closed, check the drive selected as the primary scratch disk. Free at least 100 GB where possible, and leave additional headroom for unusually large documents.
- Windows: Open File Explorer, select the drive (commonly C:), and remove or move large personal files you no longer need on that volume. With Photoshop closed, look for files whose names begin with Photoshop Temp on the C: drive and delete only those leftover files. Empty the Recycle Bin afterward.
- macOS: In Finder, choose the internal drive (often Macintosh HD), locate large files that can be moved to another disk or safely removed, and empty the Trash. The space is not available to Photoshop until the Trash is emptied.
Use your operating system’s storage view to identify large files rather than guessing at system folders. Never delete an original project, catalog, font, plug-in, or application merely because it is large; move or remove only files you recognize and no longer need.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
3. Restart and test with a small document
Restart the computer if space did not return immediately, then launch Photoshop and open a small document first. Check the free-space reading again before reopening a very large project. If the error returns as soon as a particular file opens, that document’s dimensions, layers, history, or filters may require more working space than the current drive can provide.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What if Photoshop will not launch because the scratch disk is full?
You can choose a different scratch disk during startup, before Photoshop’s normal preferences are available.
- Close Photoshop completely.
- Connect the alternate internal or external drive and confirm that the operating system can read and write to it.
- Hold Ctrl+Alt on Windows or Cmd+Option on macOS while launching Photoshop.
- When Photoshop displays the scratch-disk selector, choose a drive with substantial free space and continue launching.
- After Photoshop opens, configure the preferred order permanently under the Scratch Disks settings, then restart Photoshop.
If the selector never appears, release and press the keys immediately before launching rather than after the splash screen has finished. A drive that is disconnected, read-only, nearly full, or formatted incompatibly may not be offered as a usable choice.
How do I add or reorder Photoshop scratch disks?
Photoshop can use more than one drive. Put the fastest suitable drive with reliable free space first, and add another drive for capacity when necessary.
- On Windows, open Edit > Preferences > Scratch Disks.
- On macOS, open Photoshop > Settings > Scratch Disks.
- Select the check box for each drive you want Photoshop to use.
- Use the arrow controls to move the fastest suitable drive to the top of the list.
- Click OK, close Photoshop, and relaunch it so the new order is applied consistently.
Adobe lists these supported file systems: APFS or macOS Extended (Journaled) on macOS, and NTFS, exFAT, or FAT32 on Windows. The operating system, Photoshop edition, and permissions still determine whether a particular volume can be selected. A drive formatted for one operating system may not be practical when the same project moves between Windows and macOS.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Choice | What to check | Practical trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Internal SSD | Free capacity, supported file system, stable connection | Usually the simplest always-available option, but it competes with the operating system and applications for space. |
| Second internal drive | Free capacity and sustained read/write performance | Separates temporary Photoshop work from the system volume without relying on a cable. |
| External SSD | USB-C or Thunderbolt interface, file-system compatibility, cable and enclosure reliability | Adds capacity and can be fast, but Photoshop loses access if the drive disconnects during editing. |
| Hard-disk drive | Free capacity and health of the disk | Can provide space economically, but generally offers lower sustained performance than an SSD. |
Can I move Photoshop’s scratch disk to an external SSD?
Yes. Adobe supports additional high-speed or external drives as scratch disks. Choose an SSD with enough capacity for your document sizes, keep generous free space, and use the fastest reliable connection available on your computer.
Before selecting one, compare the following:
- Available capacity: The drive must have room for the temporary data created by your largest projects, not merely enough for the Photoshop installer.
- Sustained read/write speed: Scratch work involves repeated large transfers, so sustained performance matters more than a brief peak figure.
- Interface: USB-C describes a connector, not one guaranteed speed; check whether the enclosure and computer support the same USB generation or Thunderbolt mode.
- Portability: A portable SSD is useful between machines, but it must remain connected and mounted throughout an edit.
- File-system compatibility: Use a format supported by the operating system on which Photoshop will run. Adobe lists APFS or macOS Extended (Journaled) for macOS and NTFS, exFAT, or FAT32 for Windows.
- Reliability: Avoid hubs, loose cables, or power-saving behavior that can make the volume disappear while Photoshop is writing temporary data.
If you are shopping specifically for this use, the task is commonly described as a “portable external SSD for Photoshop scratch disk.” Capacity and dependable connectivity are more important than promising a fixed speed improvement for every project.
How can I reduce scratch-disk use in future projects?
Lower History States for unusually large files
History States keep undo information that can consume scratch space. Adobe’s current Performance guidance sets the default at 50 History States and supports up to 1,000. For very large documents, open Preferences > Performance and lower the value to a level that still gives you enough undo steps. A lower setting reduces retained history; it does not change the pixels already saved in the document.
Review recovery settings
Photoshop’s recovery data can occupy scratch space. In Preferences, review the File Handling recovery options and choose an interval and retention approach appropriate for your risk tolerance. More frequent recovery information can be useful after a crash, while large projects may require more temporary capacity.
Restart Photoshop periodically
Closing a document does not always return every retained temporary allocation immediately. Photoshop Product Manager Cory Shubert wrote on April 17, 2026: “the simple way to reclaim your memory is to quit Ps and restart.” Save your work, quit Photoshop, and relaunch it when free space does not recover as expected.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Keep the primary volume comfortably below capacity
Do not wait for the launch warning before moving old projects or clearing known temporary data. Maintain a buffer beyond Adobe’s 100 GB guidance when your work includes huge canvases, many layers, video frames, panorama stitching, or repeated smart-filter operations.
Should I reset Photoshop preferences?
Reset preferences only after freeing space and selecting a usable drive. A reset removes customized Photoshop settings, so it is a recovery step rather than a routine cleanup.
- Close Photoshop.
- Launch it while holding Shift+Alt+Ctrl on Windows or Shift+Option+Command on macOS.
- Confirm deletion of the Adobe Photoshop Settings file when prompted.
- After Photoshop starts, reconfigure Scratch Disks, Performance, shortcuts, and any other preferences you previously customized.
If the reset solves startup but the full-disk warning returns, the underlying problem is still insufficient capacity, a document that needs more working space, or a drive that is not reliably available.
What should I check when the error keeps coming back?
- The wrong drive is being cleaned: Verify the primary disk shown in Scratch Disks, not just the drive where your documents are stored.
- Trash or Recycle Bin still contains files: Empty it and then recheck the free-space reading.
- Photoshop is still running: Quit normally before removing Photoshop Temp files or moving large data.
- The external disk is unavailable: Reconnect it directly, confirm it is mounted and writable, and avoid unplugging it during an edit.
- A large document consumes the available space: Close other documents, lower History States, and use a scratch disk with more headroom.
- Space returns only after a restart: Save, quit, and relaunch Photoshop; retained temporary allocations may not be released when documents alone are closed.
- Preferences are corrupted: Use the documented preference-reset shortcut, then set the scratch-disk order again.
These checks distinguish a genuinely full volume from a startup-selection problem, an unavailable external drive, or temporary allocations that have not yet been released.
As an optional Windows shortcut after you have closed Photoshop and identified the files you can safely remove, Outbyte PC Repair can help clean temporary and cache files and address some common Windows issues. It complements antivirus software rather than replacing it; results vary, and no tool repairs every Photoshop crash. It runs on Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7 with a free trial by category of at least two days, followed by a paid subscription.
What is the safest order of operations?
Save your work, quit Photoshop, free space on the volume named in Scratch Disks, remove only identifiable leftover Photoshop Temp files on Windows or large files you recognize on macOS, empty the system bin, and restart. If Photoshop still cannot launch, use the startup keyboard shortcut to choose another drive, then configure and reorder scratch disks once inside Photoshop. Keeping substantial free space, limiting History States on oversized projects, reviewing recovery settings, and restarting Photoshop when allocations linger prevents most recurrences.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting Photoshop Temp files delete my original projects?
Photoshop Temp files are temporary working files, but you should delete them only after Photoshop is closed and only when their names clearly identify them as leftovers. Your original project files are separate; never remove an unfamiliar file merely because it occupies space.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Why does Photoshop still report a full disk after I deleted files?
The Recycle Bin or Trash may still hold the deleted data, so the operating system has not returned that capacity. Photoshop can also retain temporary allocations until you quit and restart the application.
Can one scratch disk be shared by two computers?
A removable SSD can be configured on more than one computer, but each system must support its file system and the drive must remain connected and writable during editing. Switching between operating systems may require a format that both support, such as exFAT, with the compatibility trade-offs that format entails.
Does increasing History States always improve Photoshop editing?
It gives you more undo steps, but each retained state can consume additional scratch space, especially in large documents. Adobe supports up to 1,000 states, while the default is 50; choose the smallest value that covers your normal recovery needs.
What should I do before disconnecting an external scratch SSD?
Save and close documents, quit Photoshop, and use the operating system’s safe-eject command. Disconnecting while Photoshop is writing temporary data can make the selected scratch volume unavailable and interrupt the session.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
