Preference file functions, names, locations | Photoshop

  As of July 2024, Photoshop’s legacy 3D features have been removed. However, now in the Photoshop (beta) app you can seamlessly add 3D objects to your 2D Photoshop design using the Adobe Substance 3D Viewer (beta) app. Click here for more details.

macOS Preference Locations

Note:

The user Library folder is hidden by default on macOS.

See How to access hidden user library files.

Most preferences are saved when you quit Photoshop.
* Preferences that are deleted using the Keyboard Shortcut and Reset Preferences on Quit methods.
† Created/saved every time Photoshop is launched.

Name & Description Filename Path
General Settings Preferences - Contains all the settings set in the Preferences dialog. * Adobe Photoshop [version] Prefs.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Actions - Contains the list of all the actions loaded in the Actions panel. Actions palette.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Brushes - Contains the list of all the brushes loaded in the Brushes panel.
Brushes.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Camera Raw Preferences - Contains all the settings set in the Camera Raw Preferences dialog.
Adobe Camera Raw [version] Prefs

Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences

For instructions to reset Camera Raw preferences, See Reset Camera Raw preferences.

Color settings - (Color management) Color Settings.csf Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Contours Preferences - Contains the list of all the user defined contours created in the Layer Style dialog.
Contours.psp
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Custom Color settings - (Color management) Userdefined.csf Users/[user name]/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Color/Settings
Custom proof setups - (Color management) Userdefined.psf Users/[user name]/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Color/Proofing
Custom Shapes - Contains the list of all the shapes loaded in the Shapes panel.
CustomShapes.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Default Type Styles Default Type Styles.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Do Not Show Again - Contains the list of dialogs you have seen and check the "Do Not Show Again" option. dnsa.json Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Effect Preferences - Contains the settings used in the Layer Style dialog. Effect Prefs.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Export As Settings - Contains the last used settings used in the Export As dialog. export-as-settings.json Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Filters and Effects - Contains the last used settings in the filter's dialog.

Adaptive Wide Angle Prefs.psp
Dicom Prefs.psp
Filter Gallery Prefs.psp
Lens Blur Prefs.psp
Lens CorrectionPrefs.psp
Liquify Last Mesh.psp
Liquify Prefs.psp
VanishingPoint Prefs.psp
Oil Paint Prefs.psp

FaceExpressionPresets.psp

Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Gradients Preferences - Contains the list of all the gradients loaded in the Gradients panel.
Gradients.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Keyboard Shortcuts Preferences - Contains the user defined settings in the Keyboard Shortcuts dialog. (Note: Use Legacy checkboxes are stored with General Settings Preferences.)
* Keyboard Shortcuts.psp
* Keyboard Shortcuts Primary.psp
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Launch End Flag - Stores a timing of how long Photoshop takes to launch. LaunchEndFlag.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Lens Profiles - Created with the Lens Profile software.

[File Name].lcs

Adaptive lens profile files: [File Name].wac

Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe/LensCorrection/1.0/Settings
Machine Preferences - Contains a subset of hardware specific preferences like GPU, cache tile sizes, etc.
* MachinePrefs.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Menu Customization Preferences - Contains the user defined settings in the Menus dialog.
* Menu Customization.psp
* Menu Customization Primary.psp
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Most Recently Used New Document Sizes - Contains a list of most recently use document sizes in the New Document dialog.
* MRU New Doc Sizes.json
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Most Recently Used Brushes - Contains a list of most recently used brushes in the Brushes panel. MRUBrushes.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Most Recently Used Gradients - Contains a list of most recently used gradients in the Gradients panel.
MRUGradients.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Most Recently Used Patterns
Loaded patterns take of a lot of memory. Currently, recently used patterns are not retained between sessions.  
Most Recently Used Styles
Loaded styles take of a lot of memory. Currently, recently used patterns are not retained between sessions.
 
Most Recently Used Swatches - Contains a list of most recently used swatches in the Swatches panel.
MRUSwatches.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
New Document Sizes - Contains the list of user loaded New Document presets. New Doc Sizes.json Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
OpenEXR Format Open Preferences - Contains the last used settings in the OpenEXR dialog. OpenEXR Format Open Pref.psp
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Optimized Colors - Contains the list of user created Color Table presets in Save for Web.
[File Name].act Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings/Optimized Colors
Optimized Output Settings - Contains the list of user created Optimized Output Settings presets in Save for Web.
[File Name].iros
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings/Optimized Output Settings
Optimized Settings - Contains the list of user created Optimized File Format presets in Save for Web.
[File Name].irs
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings/Optimized Settings
Paths - Contains the path to the Photoshop application and version specific Plug-ins folder. † Adobe Photoshop [version] Paths Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences
Patterns - Contains the list of all the patterns loaded in the Patterns panel.
Patterns.psp
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Plugin Cache - PluginCache.psp
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
PSErrorLog - Contains logging for when Photoshop encounters a program error. PSErrorLog.txt Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Quit End Flag - Stores a timing of how long Photoshop takes to quit.
QuitEndFlag.psp
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Recently Used Optimizations -Contains the list of user recently used Optimized Output Settings in Save for Web.
Recently Used Optimizations.irs
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Repousse Presets - Contains the list of user created Repousse presets.
RepoussePresets.psp
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Save for Web Preferences - Contains all the settings set in the Save for Web dialog.
Save For Web Prefs.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Sniffer Out - Contains information about the graphics cards for you system as well as the graphics drivers that are installed. † sniffer-out.txt
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Styles - Contains the list of all the styles loaded in the Styles panel.
Styles.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Swatches - Contains the list of all the swatches loaded in the Swatches panel.
Swatches.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Third-party plug-in settings
(varies)

(varies)

For plug-in folder locations, see Locate Folder Locations.

For help with third-party plug-ins, see Third-party plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop.

Toolbar Customization Preferences - Contains the user defined settings in the Toolbar dialog.
* Toolbar Customization Primary.psp
* Toolbar Customization.psp
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Tool Presets - Contains the user defined Tool presets.
ToolPresets.psp
Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
User Interface Preferences - Contains preferences related to the interface, brightness setting, units etc. * UIPrefs.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Web Cache Temp - Contains settings used by the Home Screen, Search and the Learn Panel.
* (Folder) Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings/web-cache-temp
Workspace Preferences - Contains list of workspaces (psw files) that are loaded and/or modified. * Workspace Prefs.psp Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Workspaces - Contains any custom workspaces that have been saved.
[Workspace Name].psw Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings/WorkSpaces
Workspaces (Modified) - Contains any changes made to any of the default workspaces or custom workspaces.

Select and Mask.psw
Content-Aware Fill.psw
* Essentials.psw
[Workspace Name].psw

 

Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/
Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings/WorkSpaces (Modified)

macOS Preset Locations

Note:

It is not recommended to save presets you create yourself inside the default presets and scripts folder inside the Photoshop application folder.

Preset Name

Filename

Path

Default Presets and Scripts - The location where default presets that ship with Photoshop reside. These include the ones that Photoshop loads by default, as well as additional presets you can choose to load.

3D Printers
3DLUTs
Actions
Black and White
Brushes
Channel Mixer
Color Books
Color Swatches
Contours
Curves
Deco
Duotones
Exposure
Guides
HDR Toning
Hue and Saturation
Image Size
Levels
Lighting Effects
Lights
Materials
Menu Customization
Meshes
Optimized Colors
Optimized Output Settings
Optimized Settings
Patterns
Render Settings
Repousse
Scripts
Styles
Tools
Video
Volumes
WidgetsZoomify

Applications/Adobe Photoshop [version]/Presets/[presets folder name]

User Saved presets - The default location choosing Save Preset saves to.

3D Printers
3D Sketch Brush
Actions
Black and White
Brushes
Channel Mixer
Color Range
Color Swatches
Contours
Curves
Deco
Duotones
Exposure
Guides
HDR Toning
Hue and Saturation
Image Size
Levels
Lighting Effects
Lights
Materials
Menu Customization
Meshes
Optimized Colors
Optimized Output Settings
Optimized Settings
Patterns
Render Settings
Repousse
Scripts
Styles
Tools
Video
Volumes

Users/[user name]/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe Photoshop [version]/Presets/[feature name]

Windows Preference Locations

Note:

The user user AppData folder is hidden by default on Windows. To access files in the hidden user AppData folder, see Show hidden files and folders in Windows.

Most preferences are saved when you quit Photoshop.
* Preferences that are deleted using the Keyboard Shortcut and Reset Preferences on Quit methods.
† Created/saved every time Photoshop is launched.

Name & Description Filename Path
General Settings Preferences - Contains all the settings set in the Preferences dialog. * Adobe Photoshop [version] Prefs.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Actions - Contains the list of all the actions loaded in the Actions panel. Actions palette.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Brushes - Contains the list of all the brushes loaded in the Brushes panel.
Brushes.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Camera Raw Preferences - Contains all the settings set in the Camera Raw Preferences dialog.
Adobe Camera Raw [version] Prefs

Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\CameraRaw\Setting

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Adobe\Camera Raw\[version]

For instructions to reset Camera Raw preferences, See Reset Camera Raw preferences.

Color settings - (Color management) Color Settings.csf Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Contours Preferences - Contains the list of all the user defined contours created in the Layer Style dialog.
Contours.psp
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Custom Color settings - (Color management) Userdefined.csf Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Color\Settings
Custom proof setups - (Color management) Userdefined.psf Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Color\Settings
Custom Shapes - Contains the list of all the shapes loaded in the Shapes panel.
CustomShapes.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Default Type Styles Default Type Styles.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Do Not Show Again - Contains the list of dialogs you have seen and check the "Do Not Show Again" option. dnsa.json Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Effect Preferences - Contains the settings used in the Layer Style dialog. Effect Prefs.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Export As Settings - Contains the last used settings used in the Export As dialog. export-as-settings.json Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Filters and Effects - Contains the last used settings in the filter's dialog.
Adaptive Wide Angle Prefs.psp
Dicom Prefs.psp
Filter Gallery Prefs.psp
Lens Blur Prefs.psp
Lens CorrectionPrefs.psp
Liquify Last Mesh.psp
Liquify Prefs.psp
VanishingPoint Prefs.psp
Oil Paint Prefs.psp
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Gradients Preferences - Contains the list of all the gradients loaded in the Gradients panel.
Gradients.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Keyboard Shortcuts Preferences - Contains the user defined settings in the Keyboard Shortcuts dialog. (Note: Use Legacy checkboxes are stored with General Settings Preferences.)
* Keyboard Shortcuts.psp
* Keyboard Shortcuts Primary.psp
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Launch End Flag - Stores a timing of how long Photoshop takes to launch. LaunchEndFlag.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Lens Profiles - Created with the Lens Profile software.

[File Name].lcs

Adaptive lens profile files: [File Name].wac

Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\
LensCorrection\1.0\Settings
Machine Preferences - Contains a subset of hardware specific preferences like GPU, cache tile sizes, etc. * MachinePrefs.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Menu Customization Preferences - Contains the user defined settings in the Menus dialog.
* Menu Customization.psp
* Menu Customization Primary.psp
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Most Recently Used New Document Sizes - Contains a list of most recently use document sizes in the New Document dialog.
* MRU New Doc Sizes.json
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Most Recently Used Brushes - Contains a list of most recently used brushes in the Brushes panel. MRUBrushes.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roamin\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Most Recently Used Gradients - Contains a list of most recently used gradients in the Gradients panel.
MRUGradients.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Most Recently Used Patterns
Loaded patterns take of a lot of memory. Currently, recently used patterns are not retained between sessions.  
Most Recently Used Styles
Loaded styles take of a lot of memory. Currently, recently used patterns are not retained between sessions.
 
Most Recently Used Swatches - Contains a list of most recently used swatches in the Swatches panel.
MRUSwatches.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
New Document Sizes - Contains the list of user loaded New Document presets. New Doc Sizes.json Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
OpenEXR Format Open Preferences - Contains the last used settings in the OpenEXR dialog. OpenEXR Format Open Pref.psp
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Optimized Colors - Contains the list of user created Color Table presets in Save for Web.
[File Name].act Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings\Optimized Colors
Optimized Output Settings - Contains the list of user created Optimized Output Settings presets in Save for Web.
[File Name].iros
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings\Optimized Output Settings
Optimized Settings - Contains the list of user created Optimized File Format presets in Save for Web.
[File Name].irs
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings\Optimized Settings
Paths - Contains the path to the Photoshop application and version specific Plug-ins folder. † Adobe Photoshop [version] Paths

Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\

(Windows registry key) HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Adobe\Photoshop\[version]

Patterns - Contains the list of all the patterns loaded in the Patterns panel.
Patterns.psp
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Plugin Cache - PluginCache.psp
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
PSErrorLog - Contains logging for when Photoshop encounters a program error. PSErrorLog.txt Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Quit End Flag - Stores a timing of how long Photoshop takes to quit.
QuitEndFlag.psp
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Recently Used Optimizations -Contains the list of user recently used Optimized Output Settings in Save for Web.
Recently Used Optimizations.irs
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Repousse Presets - Contains the list of user created Repousse presets.
RepoussePresets.psp
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Save for Web Preferences - Contains all the settings set in the Save for Web dialog.
Save For Web Prefs.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Sniffer Out - Contains information about the graphics cards for you system as well as the graphics drivers that are installed. † sniffer-out.txt
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Styles - Contains the list of all the styles loaded in the Styles panel.
Styles.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Swatches - Contains the list of all the swatches loaded in the Swatches panel.
Swatches.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Third-party plug-in settings
(varies)

(varies)

For plug-in folder locations, see Locate Folder Locations.

For help with third-party plug-ins, see Third-party plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop.

Toolbar Customization Preferences - Contains the user defined settings in the Toolbar dialog.
* Toolbar Customization Primary.psp
* Toolbar Customization.psp
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Tool Presets - Contains the user defined Tool presets.
ToolPresets.psp
Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
User Interface Preferences - Contains preferences related to the interface, brightness setting, units etc.
* UIPrefs.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Web Cache Temp - Contains settings used by the Home Screen, Search and the Learn Panel. * (Folder) Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings\web-cache-temp
Workspace Preferences - Contains list of workspaces (psw files) that are loaded and/or modified. * Workspace Prefs.psp Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Workspaces - Contains any custom workspaces that have been saved.
[Workspace Name].psw Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings\WorkSpaces
Workspaces (Modified) - Contains any changes made to any of the default workspaces or custom workspaces.

Select and Mask.psw
Content-Aware Fill.psw
* Essentials.psw
[Workspace Name].psw

 

Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings\WorkSpaces (Modified)

Windows Preset Locations

Note:

It is not recommended to save presets you create yourself inside the default presets and scripts folder inside the Photoshop application folder.

Preset Name

Filename

Path

Default Presets and Scripts - The location where default presets that ship with Photoshop reside. These include the ones that Photoshop loads by default, as well as additional presets you can choose to load.

3D Printers
3DLUTs
Actions
Black and White
Brushes
Channel Mixer
Color Books
Color Swatches
Contours
Curves
Deco
Duotones
Exposure
Guides
HDR Toning
Hue and Saturation
Image Size
Levels
Lighting Effects
Lights
Materials
Menu Customization
Meshes
Optimized Colors
Optimized Output Settings
Optimized Settings
Patterns
Render Settings
Repousse
Scripts
Styles
Tools
Video
Volumes
WidgetsZoomify

C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Settings

User Saved presets - The default location choosing Save Preset saves to.

3D Printers
3D Sketch Brush
Actions
Black and White
Brushes
Channel Mixer
Color Range
Color Swatches
Contours
Curves
Deco
Duotones
Exposure
Guides
HDR Toning
Hue and Saturation
Image Size
Levels
Lighting Effects
Lights
Materials
Menu Customization
Meshes
Optimized Colors
Optimized Output Settings
Optimized Settings
Patterns
Render Settings
Repousse
Scripts
Styles
Tools
Video
Volumes

Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Presets\[feature name]

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