Why is Photoshop Running So Slow: And Why Do Cats Always Sit on Keyboards?

Photoshop, the go-to software for graphic designers, photographers, and digital artists, is a powerful tool that can sometimes feel like it’s moving at the speed of a sloth on a lazy Sunday. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a spinning wheel or waiting for a filter to apply, you’re not alone. But why does Photoshop run so slow? And while we’re at it, why do cats always seem to sit on keyboards at the worst possible moments? Let’s dive into the reasons behind Photoshop’s sluggishness and explore some bizarrely connected thoughts.

1. System Requirements: Is Your Computer Living in the Past?

Photoshop is a resource-hungry beast. If your computer is older than your favorite pair of jeans, it might struggle to keep up. The software requires a decent amount of RAM, a capable processor, and a good graphics card. If your system barely meets the minimum requirements, you’re essentially asking a bicycle to compete in a Formula 1 race.

Pro Tip: Check Adobe’s official system requirements and compare them to your setup. If your computer is outdated, it might be time for an upgrade—or at least a RAM boost.

2. Too Many Open Tabs: The Digital Hoarder’s Dilemma

Do you have 47 Chrome tabs open, Spotify playing your favorite playlist, and a YouTube tutorial running in the background? Multitasking is great, but your computer might disagree. Photoshop needs a significant chunk of your system’s resources, and competing applications can slow it down.

Fun Fact: Cats also hate multitasking. They prefer to focus on one thing at a time, like knocking over your coffee cup or sitting on your keyboard while you’re trying to work.

3. Large File Sizes: When Bigger Isn’t Better

Working with high-resolution images or complex projects can quickly eat up your system’s memory. A single PSD file with multiple layers, smart objects, and effects can easily exceed several gigabytes. The larger the file, the harder Photoshop has to work.

Solution: Try flattening layers, merging unnecessary ones, or working with smaller file sizes when possible. And if your cat insists on sitting on your keyboard, consider assigning them a smaller file to work on.

4. Scratch Disk Issues: The Unsung Hero of Photoshop

Photoshop uses a scratch disk—a portion of your hard drive—to temporarily store data when your RAM is full. If your scratch disk is almost full or fragmented, Photoshop’s performance can take a nosedive.

Quick Fix: Make sure your scratch disk has plenty of free space and is defragmented regularly. And if your cat is sitting on your keyboard, maybe they’re trying to tell you to clean up your files.

5. Outdated Software: The Ghost of Photoshop Past

Using an outdated version of Photoshop can lead to compatibility issues and performance problems. Adobe frequently releases updates to improve stability and fix bugs, so running an older version might be holding you back.

Action Step: Check for updates in the Creative Cloud app and install the latest version. While you’re at it, consider updating your cat’s software too—though they might prefer the classic version of “Knock Everything Off the Table 1.0.”

6. Graphics Processor (GPU) Settings: The Hidden Culprit

Photoshop relies heavily on your GPU for rendering images and applying effects. If your GPU settings aren’t optimized, or if your graphics card is outdated, Photoshop might struggle to perform.

How to Fix: Go to Edit > Preferences > Performance and ensure that “Use Graphics Processor” is enabled. If your cat is sitting on your keyboard, they might be trying to adjust these settings for you.

7. Plugins and Extensions: Too Much of a Good Thing

Plugins can enhance Photoshop’s functionality, but too many can bog it down. Each plugin consumes resources, and some might not be optimized for performance.

Advice: Disable or remove any plugins you don’t use regularly. And if your cat is sitting on your keyboard, they might be suggesting you uninstall that one plugin you never use.

8. Background Processes: The Silent Performance Killers

Your computer might be running background processes that you’re not even aware of—like system updates, antivirus scans, or cloud backups. These can steal resources from Photoshop and slow it down.

Tip: Use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to identify and close unnecessary processes. If your cat is sitting on your keyboard, they might be trying to close some processes for you—though their methods are questionable.

9. Preferences and Cache: The Overlooked Settings

Photoshop’s preferences and cache settings can impact performance. If your cache is too small or your history states are set too high, Photoshop might struggle to keep up.

Solution: Adjust your cache levels and history states in Edit > Preferences > Performance. And if your cat is sitting on your keyboard, they might be trying to tell you to clear your cache.

10. The Cat Factor: A Mysterious Variable

Let’s address the elephant—or rather, the cat—in the room. Why do cats always sit on keyboards? Some say it’s because they’re attracted to the warmth, while others believe they’re trying to assert dominance. Whatever the reason, a cat on your keyboard can slow down your workflow and distract you from optimizing Photoshop.

Final Thought: If your cat is sitting on your keyboard, maybe they’re trying to tell you to take a break. After all, even Photoshop needs a moment to catch its breath.

Related Q&A

Q: Can upgrading my RAM improve Photoshop’s performance?
A: Absolutely! More RAM allows Photoshop to handle larger files and more complex tasks without slowing down.

Q: Why does my cat sit on my keyboard when I’m working?
A: Cats are mysterious creatures. They might be seeking attention, warmth, or simply trying to remind you that they’re in charge.

Q: How can I check if my GPU is compatible with Photoshop?
A: Visit Adobe’s website for a list of supported GPUs. If your cat is sitting on your keyboard, they might be trying to help you find the information.

Q: Is it normal for Photoshop to slow down with large files?
A: Yes, large files require more resources. Optimizing your workflow and system settings can help mitigate the slowdown.

Q: Can I train my cat to stop sitting on my keyboard?
A: Good luck with that. Cats are notoriously independent, but providing them with a cozy alternative (like a heated bed) might help.

In conclusion, Photoshop’s performance issues can stem from a variety of factors, from outdated hardware to background processes. By addressing these issues, you can enjoy a smoother experience—and maybe even keep your cat off your keyboard. Or not. Cats will be cats.