Photoshop "Could Not Complete Your Request Because of a Program Error"

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Reset preferences

   Copy steps
   1. Hold Ctrl+Alt+Shift (Win) or Cmd+Option+Shift (Mac) while starting Photoshop
   2. Confirm deletion of the settings file
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Turn off Generator

   Copy steps
   1. Edit > Preferences > Plug-Ins
   2. Untick Enable Generator and restart
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Update and re-save

   Copy steps
   1. Update Photoshop in Creative Cloud
   2. Try File > Save As to a new name or location, or copy the layers to a new document
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Disable GPU

   1. Edit > Preferences > Performance, untick Use Graphics Processor, restart
   Did this fix it? Yes No

5. 5. Mac library and reinstall

   Copy steps
   1. Make sure your Library folder is unlocked and Photoshop has Full Disk Access
   2. Reinstall Photoshop if nothing else works
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Photoshop shows "Could not complete your request because of a program error" when opening, saving, or running a tool.

Why it happens

• Corrupted preferences
• Generator plug-in conflicts
• Outdated Photoshop version
• GPU/driver issue
• A locked or inaccessible Library folder on Mac
• A damaged file or font

This guide also covers

• photoshop could not complete your request because of a program error
• photoshop program error
• photoshop program error fix

Other Adobe Photoshop errors

• How to Cancel Adobe Photoshop Subscription (and the Early Termination Fee)
• Photoshop "Scratch Disks Are Full" Error
• Photoshop "Not Enough Memory (RAM)" Error
• Photoshop Generative Fill Not Working
• Photoshop Generative Fill "Violates User Guidelines" Error
• Photoshop Generative Credits Run Out (Firefly Credits Limit)
• Photoshop Keeps Crashing or Won't Open
• Photoshop GPU Errors: Graphics Processor Not Detected or Crashing