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+--- Thread: How to restore tool docks to original setup (/Thread-How-to-restore-tool-docks-to-original-setup)
How to restore tool docks to original setup - ajax - 06-16-2026
I am using GIMP on Windows if that matters in Single Window Mode.
It looks like I did something, unknown to me, which has caused the tool options to stop being displayed in the frame on the left side of the window. It looks like they now appear in the top of the frame on the right side which, for me, normally displays a histogram. I think the setup I prefer is the standard default (out-of-the-box so to speak.
I'd be grateful if someone could explain how to restore GIMP to its' prior state.
RE: How to restore tool docks to original setup - rich2005 - 06-16-2026
There are a few ways, you can just click and drag the tool options tab from the right side to the left side. Sometimes a bit flakey for Windows users so:
Using Edit Preferences
Edit -> Preferences -> Tool Options and click on Reset Saved Tool Options to Default Values
Edit -> Preferences -> Interface -> Window Management and click on Reset Saved Window Positions to Default Values
Edit -> Preferences -> Input Devices and click on Reset Saved Input Device Settings to Default Values
or using the little left pointing arrow which brings up a menu.
(1) Add a Tab and choose Tool Options
(2) Choose close tab.
When in place you can lock any tab using the same menu.
[attachment=14482]
RE: How to restore tool docks to original setup - ajax - 06-16-2026
Thank you. Looks like that does fix it.
Might you have any idea what I did to screw it up?
RE: How to restore tool docks to original setup - rich2005 - 06-16-2026
Just a guess:
You accidentally detached the tool options with a click-drag on the tab. Lost when you closed Gimp
Restored the tool options using Windows -> Dockable Dialogues -> Tool Options which put the tab in the top left dock.
Look for the lock tab to dock toggle and appiy it. Note it is not global, you have to apply for each tab in turn.
RE: How to restore tool docks to original setup - MaxClifton - 06-22-2026
I had something similar happen with the Layers panel once. It turned out that a single accidental drag was enough to completely change the layout I was used to.
RE: How to restore tool docks to original setup - sallyanne - 06-28-2026
I have closed the tool options box before but got it back using the add dockable dialog. This time I can get it to open in it's own window, until I do something else which it then disappears. I have tried all these sugestions and it is still disappearing on me. Lock tab is on but it is not staying! I am unable to add the tab on my other dock (other side of window) either.
Was trying to do something I did once before but instead ended up with this headache. HELP! please
RE: How to restore tool docks to original setup - MrsP-from-C - 06-28-2026
Does this help?
https://e.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZl5dcZajwGc6EW22LtvFpV82fpuyKitLL7
RE: How to restore tool docks to original setup - sallyanne - 06-29-2026
@ Mrs P from C - no it doesn't help. I can open the tool options but cannot move the tab into the dock.
EDIT - Ah ha, I think I found out why I couldn't move it. It was because it was locked to dock (the window) already. I unlocked it and it moved then. Now to make sure it is locked in place again and to fix windows up so they stay in place.