Summary
In this video, Dan introduces new workspace customization features in ON1 Photo 2026, focusing on improving usability on smaller laptop screens. He highlights the challenge of limited space when using the histogram, masking, and layers panels simultaneously, which often restricts the visible area for editing controls.
To address this, ON1 Photo 2026 allows users to float the masking and layers panels as independent windows or relocate them to the left side of the interface, freeing up valuable screen space on the right for editing adjustments.
Dan demonstrates how to access these options through the Window menu, showing how to toggle these panels between nested and floating states. Additionally, he reveals a lesser-known feature that allows users to switch the preset browser from thumbnail to list view for a more compact and efficient preset management experience. These enhancements aim to optimize workspace layout and user productivity, especially on smaller displays or multi-monitor setups.
Key Insights
- ON1 Photo 2026’s interface closely resembles Photo RAW 2025 but introduces enhanced workspace flexibility.
- The histogram, masking, and layers panels on the right side consume significant screen space, limiting adjustment visibility.
- Users can now float the layers and masking panels as separate windows for better placement flexibility.
- These panels can also be moved to the left side of the interface, sharing space with presets.
- Floating panels can be positioned anywhere, including on secondary monitors in multi-screen setups.
- Nesting layers and masking panels on the left frees up more room on the right for editing controls.
- The preset browser, by default showing thumbnails, can be switched to a list view for a more compact display.
- The view mode of the preset browser is accessible via the View menu under the Preset Browser settings.
- Workspace customization significantly enhances usability on smaller laptop screens.
- These updates reflect ON1’s ongoing commitment to improving user efficiency and adapting to different screen sizes.
Key Learning Points
- Understanding workspace limitations on smaller screens is crucial for effective photo editing.
- Customizable panel placement can drastically improve workflow by maximizing available screen real estate.
- Floating panels provide flexibility, allowing users to personalize their workspace according to their needs.
- Moving masking and layers panels to the left side can balance the interface and create more editing space.
- Utilizing multiple monitors can enhance efficiency by offloading panels to secondary displays.
- Switching the preset browser from thumbnails to list view can reduce clutter and speed up preset selection.
- Accessing panel placement controls is straightforward via the Window menu, emphasizing user-friendly design.
- Regularly reviewing and adjusting workspace layout can lead to improved productivity.
- Familiarity with UI customization options empowers users to tailor software to their unique workflows.
- Software updates that focus on interface adaptability respond to evolving user hardware environments, such as laptops versus desktops.
Conclusion
ON1 Photo 2026 introduces thoughtful workspace customization features that address common screen space challenges, especially for laptop users. By enabling floating and repositionable panels for masking and layers, alongside flexible preset browser views, the software becomes more adaptive and user-centric.
These enhancements not only improve visual clarity and editing efficiency but also demonstrate ON1’s dedication to refining the user experience across different hardware setups. Embracing these customization options allows photographers and editors to tailor their workspace to their preferences, ultimately facilitating a smoother, more productive editing process.