Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Elgato’s free Photoshop plugin adds ready-made controls for common editing tasks to a physical Stream Deck. You can assign actions such as selecting tools, changing brush settings, managing layers, zooming, and adjusting color to the controls on a compatible device. Stream Deck + is the option to consider if you specifically want physical dials; the available information does not say it is required for every plugin action.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the Photoshop Stream Deck plugin does
CORSAIR announced the Elgato–Adobe integration on August 28, 2024. Elgato describes the plugin as free and says it includes preloaded actions and icons, so users can place common Photoshop commands on Stream Deck controls rather than rely solely on menus or keyboard shortcuts. The plugin is software; a Stream Deck is the physical control surface.
The advertised workflows include:
- Tools and custom actions: select tools or trigger custom actions.
- Layers: hide or lock layers, scroll through them, and adjust opacity.
- Brushes: change brush size, hardness, and flow.
- Other editing tasks: use content-aware fill, zoom, apply filters, or adjust color through HSL layers, brightness, and contrast.
CORSAIR also described changing color channels with a dial and changing brush size with a key. Elgato describes Smart Profiles that switch the Stream Deck interface as you move between apps. These are features and workflow examples from the companies, not independent evidence of time savings or improved results.
#1 Best Overall
- 15 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly control your apps, tools and platforms.
- One-Touch Operation: trigger single or multiple actions, launch social posts, adjust audio, mute mic, turn on lights, and much more.
- Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.
- Hotkey Actions: streamline your film editing, music production, photography workflow, etc.
Which controls can you use?
The right device depends on whether you want one-touch commands, incremental adjustments, or both. Keys can put actions such as selecting a tool or changing brush size within reach. Dials suit adjustments you want to make in steps, such as changing a setting or image detail. CORSAIR’s November 2022 announcement described Stream Deck + with eight LCD keys, four push dials, and a touch strip.
That makes Stream Deck + a relevant choice if Photoshop dial control is important to you. The cited material does not establish that it is necessary to use every action in the plugin. Nor does it provide a complete comparison of current Stream Deck models, their footprints, or their prices; check Elgato’s current specifications before choosing among devices.
Rank #2
- Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: LCD keys, touch strip, and dials for audio, video, lighting, and more. Know that your command has been executed.
- Fully Customizable: Use as an audio mixer, studio controller, production console, etc.
- Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: trigger multiple actions at once or sequentially, automatically switch between interface configurations for different apps.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more
- Stream Deck App and Store: drag and drop setup, download plugins, icons, thousands of royalty-free tracks, SFX, and more. Regular updates and new plugins frequently added.
How to install the Elgato Photoshop plugin
Elgato Help Center’s installation instructions, updated May 29, 2026, list Stream Deck software 6.4 or newer and a Marketplace account as requirements. The steps described are:
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match- Open the Elgato Marketplace and find the Photoshop plugin.
- Acquire the plugin, then open it in Stream Deck.
- Drag the Photoshop actions you want onto keys or other available controls.
Interfaces and requirements can change, so use Elgato’s current installation instructions as the authority for the latest setup flow.
Rank #3
- 36 macro keys: Trigger commands and access tools with one press; customize your controls in the Stream Deck app, free for PC and Mac; trigger Multi Actions to automate entire sequences with one press
- Six multifunction dials: Make quick adjustments with more precision; turn a single dial into many functions with tools like Action Trigger for extra control; adjust settings and levels with precision
- Touch strip display: See important information at a quick glance; see your most important info in real time on an expanded touch strip; access additional pages of actions with a quick swipe of your finger
- Hundreds of integrations: Connect essential apps and equipment; integrate everything from DAWs and video switchers to creative apps; expand your connectivity with optional accessories like Network Dock
- Custom profiles: Create unique layouts for workflows and users; create custom profiles for workflows, projects, and team members; unlimited custom profiles for seamless page navigation
What to know about the 2024 announcement
The announcement included a limited-time offer of two months of Creative Cloud access with a Stream Deck purchase through elgato.com. That was a 2024 promotion; current availability is not established here. The launch announcement also quoted Taylor Ward, Elgato’s Director of Ecosystem: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Adobe to bring seamless Photoshop integration to Stream Deck users.”
Neither the announcement nor the product information cited here establishes measured productivity gains, a compatibility matrix covering every Photoshop version, or present-day pricing. Treat claims about streamlining work as the companies’ descriptions, and verify current device and software details before buying or installing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Work smarter not harder: forget keyboard shortcuts. Stream Deck Mini lets you assign tedious, hard to memorise shortcuts to a single key. Instantly identify and activate them without error.
- Compatible with your apps: Seamlessly integrate with essential software including Zoom, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, GoogleSuite, MS Office, Photoshop, Adobe Creative Apps, Spotify, Music, and many more.
- Customizable LCD keys: Instantly activate commands and functions with a single tap.
- Easy Set Up: User-Friendly Software. Drag actions onto keys. Then personalize settings with ease.
- Multi-action efficiency: Execute multiple actions at once or in a sequence, precisely timed.
Rank #4
- Advanced Live Production: easily control your favorite tools and platforms.
- 32 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly trigger unlimited actions with a tap.
- Powerful Integrations: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, vMix, VoiceMod, and more.
- One-Touch Operation: change scenes, launch media, switch cameras, tweak lighting, adjust audio, post tweets – anything.
- Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
