How to Get the Toolbar Back on Photoshop

Restore the Photoshop Toolbar

If the toolbar has disappeared from your Photoshop workspace, you can usually bring it back by resetting the workspace or using the Window menu. Start by checking the Workspace switcher at the top right of the screen, then choose Reset Essentials. If the toolbar still does not appear, the next step is to use the menu bar to toggle its visibility.

Use the Window Menu

Go to Window in the top menu bar and look for Tools. Click it to show the toolbar. If Tools already has a checkmark, the toolbar might be off-screen due to a display configuration change or a accidental drag.

Reset the Workspace

From the Workspace switcher, select Reset Essentials. This restores the default layout, including the toolbar position on the left side. You can also go to Window > Workspace > Reset Essentials from the menu.

Check Display or Monitor Settings

If Photoshop was last used on a second monitor that is now disconnected, the toolbar may be stuck off-screen. To fix this, change your display arrangement so the primary monitor matches the setup Photoshop remembers, or hold Shift while double-clicking the Hand tool to fit the entire canvas and panels on the current screen.

Common Causes and Prevention

• Accidentally dragging the toolbar out of the window
• Switching to a custom or third-party workspace
• Changing monitor resolution or disconnecting a secondary display
• Accidentally pressing a keyboard shortcut that hides panels

Once the toolbar is back, you can lock the workspace by going to Window > Workspace > New Workspace and saving it, which helps prevent accidental layout changes in the future.