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How Do I Transfer Photoshop From One Computer to Another?

Last updated on November 22, 2022 @ 3:52 pm

Are you upgrading to a new computer, or just want to move your Photoshop installation to another machine? Here’s how to transfer Photoshop from one computer to another, including all your preferences, plugins, and other files.

First, you’ll need to copy your Photoshop preferences file. On Windows, this file is located at C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\.

On Mac, the file is located at /Users/[username]/Library/Preferences/Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings/. If you’re not sure where your AppData or Library folders are, you can open them by pressing Windows+R (or Command+R on Mac) and typing in %APPDATA% (or ~/Library, respectively).

Next, copy any plugins or extensions you’ve installed for Photoshop. These are usually located in the [Photoshop directory]\Plug-ins\ folder. If you can’t find them there, check the website or documentation for the plugin—it should tell you where it’s installed.

Finally, copy any custom brushes, shapes, patterns, etc. that you’ve downloaded or created yourself. These are usually located in the [Photoshop directory]\Presets\ folder.

Once you’ve copied all of the necessary files from your old computer:

On Windows:

  1. IMPORTANT: Uninstall Photoshop from your old computer before continuing! Otherwise, you may run into problems.
  2. Install Photoshop on your new computer.
  3. (If necessary) Install any plugins or extensions you want to use.
  4. PRO TIP: When transferring Photoshop from one computer to another, it is important to note that all of the Photoshop files will be transferred as well. This includes any preferences, color profiles, and other settings that have been customized. It is recommended that you backup your Photoshop files before transferring them.
  5. (Optional) Install any fonts you want to use with Photoshop.
  6. Copy the preferences file from your old computer to the same location on your new computer.
  7. Copy the plugin files from your old computer to the same location on your new computer.
  8. Copy the custom brushes, shapes, patterns, etc. [Photoshop directory]\Presets\) from your old computer to the same location on your new computer.
Dale Leydon

Dale Leydon

Sysadmin turned Javascript developer. Owner of 20+ apps graveyard, and a couple of successful ones.