How to Reset Tool Settings in Adobe Photoshop

This guide provides a quick and direct walkthrough on how to reset the tool options bar back to factory default configurations in Adobe Photoshop. When tools behave unpredictably due to customized tolerances, blend modes, or brush dynamics, restoring their original parameters resolves the issue instantly. Below are the steps to restore both individual tools and all tools simultaneously using the Options Bar interface.

How to Reset a Single Tool

Resetting an individual tool restores only the currently active tool to its default settings without affecting any other tools in your workspace.

1. Select the Tool: Click on the tool you want to reset from the main Tools toolbar on the left side of your screen.
2. Locate the Tool Icon: Look at the Options Bar running horizontally across the top of the interface. On the far left, you will see the icon representing your active tool.
3. Open the Context Menu: Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (macOS) directly on the tool's icon.
4. Choose Reset: Click Reset Tool from the dropdown menu.

The options bar will immediately revert to its original default values for that specific tool.

How to Reset All Tools to Default

If multiple tools are misconfigured or you prefer a completely clean slate, you can reset every tool in Photoshop at once.

1. Access the Context Menu: Select any tool and locate its icon on the far left of the Options Bar.
2. Open the Menu: Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (macOS) on the tool icon.
3. Choose Reset All: Click Reset All Tools from the menu.
4. Confirm the Action: A confirmation dialog will appear warning that all tools will be restored to their factory defaults. Click OK.

Every tool in the toolbar will now be restored to its default configuration, clearing custom brush dynamics, opacities, feather settings, and selection modes across the application.