How to Clear Recent Documents in Photoshop’s New Document Window

Managing your recent documents in Photoshop is crucial for a streamlined workflow. A cluttered “Recent” tab can slow down your process and make it difficult to find the files you need. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to clear recent documents from the “New Document” screen in Photoshop, covering different versions and operating systems. Understanding this process allows for better organization and a more efficient creative experience.

Understanding Photoshop’s “Recent” Tab

The “Recent” tab in Photoshop’s “New Document” window offers quick access to previously opened files, which can be a valuable time-saver. However, this list can become lengthy and unwieldy over time. Knowing how to manage and clear this list is essential for maintaining an organized workspace. Whether you’re working on Windows or macOS, this guide will provide you with the necessary steps.

Clearing Recent Documents on Windows

For Windows users, clearing recent documents in Photoshop involves manipulating a specific file within the application’s settings folder. This process requires a few steps, but it provides granular control over which documents are removed.

Locating the “MRU New Doc Sizes” File

1. Close Photoshop: Ensure Photoshop is completely closed before proceeding.
2. Navigate to AppData: Open File Explorer and enter the following path in the address bar, replacing “YOURUSERNAME” with your actual username: C:UsersYOURUSERNAMEAppDataRoamingAdobeAdobe Photoshop CC YYYYAdobe Photoshop CC YYYY Settings (replace YYYY with the Photoshop version year, e.g., 2017, 2018, 2019, etc.). The AppData folder might be hidden, so you might need to enable the viewing of hidden files and folders in File Explorer’s settings.
3. Find the File: Locate the file named “MRU New Doc Sizes.” This file stores the information about your recent documents.

Clearing Recent Documents: Two Options

1. Delete the Entire File: To remove all recent document presets, simply delete the “MRU New Doc Sizes” file. This will completely clear the “Recent” tab. When you restart Photoshop, the tab will be empty.
2. Selective Removal: If you wish to retain some presets, you can edit the “MRU New Doc Sizes” file. Open it with a text editor like Notepad. The file is in JSON format, which is human-readable. Each entry corresponds to a recent document. You can carefully delete the lines related to the documents you want to remove. Save the file after making the changes.

Clearing Recent Documents on macOS

The process for clearing recent documents on macOS differs slightly from Windows. It involves accessing Photoshop’s preferences and utilizing a built-in option to revert to the legacy new document dialog box. This older dialog box doesn’t retain recent document entries, effectively clearing the list.

Accessing Photoshop Preferences

1. Open Photoshop: Launch Adobe Photoshop.
2. Go to Preferences: In the menu bar, navigate to “Photoshop CC” (or “Photoshop”) and then select “Preferences.”
3. Select “General”: In the Preferences window, choose the “General” tab.

Enabling the Legacy New Document Dialog

1. Check the Box: Locate the option labeled “Use Legacy ‘New Document’ Interface” and check the box next to it.
2. Restart Photoshop: Close and reopen Photoshop for the changes to take effect.

This will revert the “New Document” window to the older style, effectively clearing the list of recent documents.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, the steps outlined above might not immediately clear the recent documents. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Restart Photoshop: Ensure you restart Photoshop after making any changes to the “MRU New Doc Sizes” file or Photoshop preferences.
• Check File Permissions: On Windows, ensure you have the necessary permissions to modify the “MRU New Doc Sizes” file.
• Clear Photoshop Cache: Clearing Photoshop’s cache can sometimes resolve issues related to recent documents. You can usually find this option within the Photoshop preferences.

Best Practices for Managing Recent Documents

• Regularly Clear the List: Periodically clearing the “Recent” tab helps keep your workflow organized and prevents the list from becoming excessively long.
• Use the “Save As” Command: Utilize the “Save As” command when creating new documents, especially if you’re working on variations of the same project. This helps prevent cluttering the “Recent” tab with similar files.
• Organize Your Files: Implement a robust file management system for your Photoshop projects. This will make it easier to find your files, regardless of the “Recent” tab’s contents.

Conclusion

Clearing the “Recent” tab in Photoshop’s “New Document” window is a simple yet effective way to maintain an organized workspace. Whether you prefer deleting the “MRU New Doc Sizes” file on Windows or reverting to the legacy dialog on macOS, this guide provides you with the necessary knowledge. By implementing these techniques and following best practices, you can optimize your Photoshop workflow and improve your overall efficiency.

FAQ: Clearing Recent Documents in Photoshop

Here are some frequently asked questions about clearing recent documents in Photoshop:

Q: Why can’t I find the AppData folder on Windows?

A: The AppData folder is often hidden by default. You can reveal hidden files and folders in File Explorer’s settings. In File Explorer, go to “View” > “Options” > “Change folder and search options.” In the Folder Options dialog, navigate to the “View” tab and select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” under “Hidden files and folders.”

Q: I deleted the “MRU New Doc Sizes” file, but my recent documents are still showing. What should I do?

A: Make sure you’ve completely closed Photoshop before deleting the file. After deleting the file, restart Photoshop for the changes to take effect. If the issue persists, try clearing Photoshop’s cache.

Q: Will reverting to the legacy “New Document” interface affect other Photoshop features?

A: It primarily affects the appearance and functionality of the “New Document” dialog. Other Photoshop features should remain unaffected. You can always switch back to the newer interface if you prefer.

Q: Is there a way to selectively clear recent documents on macOS?

A: The macOS method described above clears all recent documents. There isn’t a built-in method for selectively removing entries on macOS. You can consider using a third-party utility to manage Photoshop preferences if you need finer control.

Q: Do you have any other tips for managing Photoshop files?

A: Absolutely! Establishing a consistent naming convention, organizing files into folders, and regularly backing up your work are crucial for effective file management. Consider cloud storage for easy access and collaboration.

We encourage you to share your experiences and ask further questions below. Your feedback helps us create a more helpful and comprehensive resource for the Photoshop community. Let us know if you have any specific scenarios or challenges you’d like addressed.