Learn to customize the Photoshop interface color using two easy techniques.
First we will look at how to do this manually, then we will use use a script that can speed up the process.
Table of contents
Customize The Photoshop Interface Color By Editing The System Files
Time needed: 5 minutes.
Learn to customize the Photoshop interface color by editing the system file that contains the colors for each UI element.
- Go To The Photoshop Installation Folder
On Windows go into C:\Program Files\Adobe Photoshop 2021\Required
On macOS go into the Application\Adobe\Adone Photoshop 2021\Required - Find and Backup The “UIColors.txt” File
On the Required folder, find the file called “UIColors.txt” and make a copy to another location. This copy will help you revert back to default if you make any mistakes.
- Open The “UIColors.txt” File with a Code Editor
Open the “UIColors.txt” with any code editor. On Windows, you can use Notepad ++ (link below).
- Search for the UI Element You Would Like To Customize
From the “UIColors.txt” file, search the attributes (elements) that you would like to customize. For example, the scrollbar is labeled as “WidgetScrollbarArrows.” Look below for a list of other often-used attributes.
- Search For the Color’s RGB Values
You can use Google, or any other search engine to find a color picker that allows you to copy a color’s RGB values in this format: RRR, GGG, BBB.
- Paste the RGB Color in The Corresponding Color Slot.
Paste the RGB value in the corresponding slot for the theme that you are currently on. Or replace the values on all four themes.
The rows of RGB values represent the Photoshop themes: Brightest Gray, Medium Gray, Dark Gray, and Darkest Gray. - Save the UIColors.txt File
Save the file to apply the Changes
- Restart Photoshop
You must restart Photoshop so that your custom colors take effect on the UI.
Other Useful Labels
- RulerText – Numbers on the Horizontal & Vertical Rulers.
- RulerMarkers – The lines on the Rulers
- ScrollingListSelectedDefault – Selected layers in Layers Panel.
- WidgetButtonStroke – Button outlines.
- WidgetButtonFillPressed – Pressed buttons.
- WidgetPillStrokeFocused – Buttons on hover outline.
- WidgetScrollbarArrows – Scrollbar arrows.
- WidgetScrollbarElevatorFill – Scrollbar Rectangle.
Customize The Photoshop Interface Color with a Script
You can use a script to customize the Photoshop interface color.
Download the script from the link below, then double-click on it to open it. Photoshop will open as well and you will see a panel that contains all the attributes and RGB color values.
Click on the Color Swatch to edit any UI element.
When you’re done, export the “UIColors.txt” file, and save it into the “Required” folder.
C:\Program Files\Adobe Photoshop 2021\Required
Script Credits
- Script by jazz-y
- Forum with Script Snippet
Downloadables
Click here to download the Photoshop Script.
Hi Jesus!
How can I change main UI color? What is the main UI color code name in script or ColorUI file?
Hi Jesus, I have watched your video on customizing the PS interface. I want to change the colour, and size if possible, of the Cursor in PS and Bridge, but this doesn’t appear to be possible?
Tell me I’m wrong as I find it hard to see the cursor being black and small on a dark grey background. The only background colour that works and is available is white which is not helpful for good editing.
Why would Adobe make this option so difficult when it a standard and easy change in Windows?
I hope you can help.
Regards
David