Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 2/26/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello.  I am using Mac OS 10.6.2 - 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 - 8GB 1067 MHz DDR3 - and Photoshop CS3 10.0.1  As soon as I upgraded to Snow Leopard I have not been able to get PS to run smoothly.  Now whenever I create a new document and use the type tool, the app freezes (beach ball).  I installed Rosetta from the original DVD and re-started but it does the same thing.  Its been less than a year since I upgraded to CS3.  Do you know what I need to try to get CS3 working good on my new iMac?

ANSWER: Hi Jamey,

It sounds like a font issue. Have you tried resetting your preferences (shift+opt+cmd/apple) when you start up. Also if you are using a font manager, try turning off all fonts except your system and try it again. Or choose a basic font (times, myriad) and see if it locks up.

Originally CS3 was supposed to be ok with Snow Leopard - http://blogs.adobe.com/jnack/2009/08/pscs3_on_snowleopard.html

But, that was a while ago and they cannot guaranty that with new equipment and OS upgrades that it will continue to work either. Id start with the fonts and see what happens.

Thanks

Kevin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Re-set the preferences - same result.  Turned off all but the system fonts - same result.  Think it could be a plug in issue?  Its a brand new computer and a brand new install.

Answer
Hi Jamey,

I doubt its a plug-in issue unless you installed third party plug-ins. I've exhausted the Adobe databases and all roads point to CS3 not being supported on Snow Leopard so there is no documentation on issues. Id have you reinstall but if you just installed in new, that would eliminate that option.

I have CS3 currently on my Mac running snow leopard and it seems to be ok so I don't think its an incompatibility issue. If the only time it locks up is when you try to use the type tool all roads point to a font issue...

Try this:

Open Photoshop but do not open a document.

Go to the Preferences>Type and turn everything off. Normally I would just have you turn off the font preview, but drastic measures...

Go to the Character Panel and see what font comes up as the default font. If it is not Myriad Pro Regular, change it to that font. Then quit and restart Photoshop. Create a new doc and insert some type and see if it still locks up.

Write me back and let me know.

Thanks

Kevin