Brush Tool (Healing, spot healing, patch tool) is inactive

[brahmamr]

Hello Friends,

I'm using Photoshop CC 2017. Windows OS is 7.

1. When I open a photo, in layers, background copy is shown with a brush rather photo as such. I was able to view normally without any issues earlier.
2. I'm unable to select the brush tool (Healing/Spot Healing etc... .) by pressing or using J.
3.. I tried to select manually from rectangle box (below file) but I can see there only Healing Brush

Can you pls help on how can I get back the tool to normal and select as usual?

 

[IamSam]

Here's one issue solved.
Click on the drop down menu located at the top right of the layers panel and select Panel Options
Change Thumbnail Size from None to your desired size.



For the tool issue, have you tried resetting your tools?
Right click on the tool icon in the upper left hand corner.
Choose one or both. See if this works.


If all else fails....reset your prefs.

This is how to reset your preferences in Photoshop: Press-and-hold Command-Option-Shift on a Mac or Ctrl-Alt-Shift on a PC, while you start Photoshop. As you start the program you will get a pop-up dialog asking you if you would like to delete the settings file. Deleting the file will create a new set of preferences from scratch.

 

[brahmamr]

Here's one issue solved.
Click on the drop down menu located at the top right of the layers panel and select Panel Options
Change Thumbnail Size from None to your desired size.

View attachment 114667

For the tool issue, have you tried resetting your tools?
Right click on the tool icon in the upper left hand corner.
Choose one or both. See if this works.
View attachment 114668

If all else fails....reset your prefs.

This is how to reset your preferences in Photoshop: Press-and-hold Command-Option-Shift on a Mac or Ctrl-Alt-Shift on a PC, while you start Photoshop. As you start the program you will get a pop-up dialog asking you if you would like to delete the settings file. Deleting the file will create a new set of preferences from scratch.

Thank you Sam. Your answer helped me to fix issue 1. Backgroun layer now showing the picture.

2. I tried the reset option before posting on this forum and it did not work.
3. I tried Ctrl+Hold+Alt while opening Photoshop but unfortunately no pop up has come. Not sure whether I did it write or not.
I went to Edit---Tool Bar----Restore to Defaults. It worked.

Thank you for your quick answer once again.

 

[IamSam]

You're welcome! Glad something worked!