POV: IT’S BUSY SZN IN 2025 & YOUR ADOBE LIGHTROOM KEEPS CRASHING??!!
POV: IT’S BUSY SZN IN 2025 & YOUR ADOBE LIGHTROOM KEEPS CRASHING??!!
PSA: You Didn’t Break Your iMac!!!
PSA: You Didn’t Break Your Mac (It Was macOS)
Okay photographers, if your iMac or MacBook has been screaming about “low storage” or crashing every time you open Lightroom or Photoshop, take a breath. You didn’t break your computer.
I just went through this. My iMac’s internal SSD dropped into critically low storage territory, and every Adobe app started throwing errors. I thought I had messed something up. Turns out, I hadn’t. It was macOS all along.
What actually happened
A recent macOS update came with a bug that made the system’s temporary cache balloon to ridiculous sizes. It wasn’t real data — just duplicate system junk piling up behind the scenes instead of deleting itself.
That’s why your “System Data” might look massive even if you haven’t downloaded anything new. The cache was quietly filling up your drive until your apps couldn’t breathe.
How I fixed it
I updated my iMac to the latest macOS (Version 26.1, Tahoe). Within minutes, my available storage jumped without me deleting a single thing. The update cleared out all that duplicate cache automatically.
That’s it. The problem goes away as soon as your system finishes rebuilding its cache.
How to tell if this is your issue
Go to System Settings → General → Storage and look at the breakdown. If “System Data” is taking up way more than it should, you’re probably dealing with the same bug.
Why this matters for photographers
Adobe apps rely on your internal SSD for previews, catalogs, and temporary render files. When your storage dips below about 60 GB, even the smallest tasks start failing.
Updating your macOS and freeing up that space makes your entire editing flow smoother. Lightroom loads faster. Photoshop stops freezing. Your exports run clean again.
Keep your system healthy
Once you’re back in the clear, try to keep at least 60–80 GB of free space on your internal SSD. That gives macOS and Adobe enough breathing room to run efficiently.
Store older galleries, RAW folders, and exports on an external SSD instead. Your system (and your sanity) will thank you.
In short
- You didn’t mess up your Mac.
- It was a macOS cache bug.
- The latest update fixes it.
- You’ll get your storage back instantly.
So if your system feels sluggish or keeps crashing mid-edit, try updating before panicking. It’s not your fault — your Mac just needed a reset.
“BUT NIKKI… I UPDATED AND MY STORAGE (AND LIGHTROOM) STILL SUCK.” 😵💫😵💫😵💫
In my journey of trying to figure out what was wrong with my M1 iMac (spawning this blog post to hopefully help others!), I also jumped through literal hoops to try and free up any morsel of storage on my computer. If the update didn’t do much for you, try these to gain storage and improve computer performance:
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Freeing Space on Your Mac: A Photographer’s Guide
If your iMac or MacBook is slowing down, crashing Adobe apps, or warning you about low storage, it’s time to declutter. Your internal SSD needs breathing room to process large files, previews, and exports smoothly. Here’s how to reclaim space safely—no Terminal commands or risky system edits required.
Step 1 · Start with Quick Wins
These are the fastest ways to regain space without changing any settings.
Tip: Restarting before every editing session helps keep Lightroom and Photoshop running faster.
Step 2 · Manage What You Already Have
Focus on what’s sitting in plain sight.
Tip: If you shoot tethered, check “Downloads” and “Desktop” folders after each session—RAWs love hiding there.
Step 3 · Clean App and System Caches
Caches speed things up temporarily, but over time they hoard space.
Tip: Clearing caches monthly helps Lightroom rebuild previews cleanly and reduces lag.
Step 4 · Use macOS Storage Tools
Apple includes built-in cleanup options that are easy to trust and hard to break.
Tip: These tools are cautious—they never touch your creative work without consent.
Step 5 · Move Big Projects Off Your Internal Drive
Keep your internal SSD for macOS, Lightroom catalogs, and active edits only.
Make Lightroom Use Your External SSD for Cache
Directing Lightroom’s cache to an external SSD keeps your main drive lighter and faster.
Pro tip: Keep your original RAWs on a larger HDD or RAID drive. Let the SSD handle cache + previews only.
Step 6 · Review What’s Really Taking Space
Step 7 · Keep System Data in Check
“System Data” includes caches, logs, and local backups that can bloat over time.
Step 8 · Build Sustainable Habits
Tip: Add a recurring reminder titled “Clear Cache + Archive Shoots.” Treat it like charging your batteries—it’s maintenance, not punishment.
The Bottom Line
A clean drive means faster editing, smoother previews, and fewer Adobe crashes. When your Mac has room to breathe, your workflow does too. Freeing space is part of keeping your computer and apps healthy. Give your tech the same care you give your art.
✨ Ready to feel at home in your creativity again?
Join Self-Trust Society — the community for wedding, boudoir, and portrait photographers who crave connection, clarity, and creative recovery. It’s a cozy space for honest conversations, soft structure, and real support. No pressure. No perfection. Just growth that feels like a deep breath.
Join Self-Trust Society 📷🌟
Join my For Photographers Facebook group community here!