Where Is the Photoshop Temp Folder Located?
Find Photoshop's temp and scratch file location on Windows and macOS, and when it's actually safe to clear it.
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Photoshop writes temporary "scratch" files while you work so it can undo actions and handle documents larger than your available RAM. These files are meant to be cleaned up automatically when Photoshop closes normally.
If Photoshop crashed, or a temp file got left behind, this is where to look for it. It's also where to point Photoshop's scratch disk if you want it somewhere other than your system drive.
Where Adobe Photoshop stores this, by platform
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Temp
Look for files starting with "Photoshop Temp". They're cleared automatically on a normal exit; a crash can leave them behind. Change the scratch disk itself under Edit > Preferences > Scratch Disks.
/private/var/folders/.../TemporaryItems
macOS randomizes the exact subfolder per session, so Finder's Go > Go to Folder with the path above (or just searching for "Photoshop Temp" in Spotlight) is more reliable than typing an exact path. Scratch disk lives under Photoshop > Settings > Scratch Disks.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to delete Photoshop temp files?
Yes, as long as Photoshop is closed. Delete anything Photoshop is actively using and you risk corrupting an open document.
Why is my scratch disk full?
Photoshop uses scratch space for undo history and large documents, and it can add up fast on big files. Assign a drive with more free space under Preferences > Scratch Disks, or add a second scratch disk.
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