Scratch space is a dedicated area on a hard drive used for temporary storage by graphic design programs like Adobe Photoshop and scientific computing workstations. It acts as overflow storage when there's insufficient Random Access Memory (RAM) available.
Understanding Scratch Space
Scratch space is created to hold temporary files generated during program execution that aren't needed long-term. These files are typically deleted after the job is completed. Despite its name, scratch space doesn't indicate a bad sector on the hard disk.
Location
Ideally, scratch space should be located on a separate drive from the main system drive for two reasons:
- It provides additional storage space when new files and programs are added.
- Being on the hard drive, it doesn't rely on power to maintain stored data.
Having multiple dedicated drives for scratch space is more efficient than a single drive. If you only have one drive, creating a separate partition for scratch space can help ensure availability.
Purpose
Scratch space is used under specific conditions:
- When other memory locations are full
- When other memory is slower
- When other memory is offline
It's particularly useful for memory-intensive applications like video or large image editing.
Minimum Requirements
For programs like Photoshop, a minimum of 6 GB free scratch space is recommended. However, you may need much more depending on the complexity of your work. It's advisable to have at least 20 GB of free space on your system drive when working with Adobe Photoshop.
Protocols
Key protocols for scratch space include:
- Intended for temporary storage
- Data should be moved or deleted after use
- Shared resource that should be freed periodically
- Does not persist beyond recent transactions
- Can be used in both signature and application mode
- May have up to 256 slots for storing a byte or integer
Reading and Writing
ScratchVar is the recommended method for reading from and writing to scratch space. It allows storage of both byte slices and integers.
Read Also: What is Seek Time? Example, Formula & More
How to Check the Scratch Space?
You can check scratch space using command lines or accessing the directory via File Manager, depending on your operating system and settings.
How to Fix a Scratch Space?
To prevent scratch space from filling up:
- Clear Photoshop cache
- Remove temporary files
- Change scratch disk on startup
- Utilize multiple drives or partitions
- Disable auto-recovery feature
- Allocate more RAM to Photoshop
- Reset crop tool values
- Defragment the hard drive
- Reset Photoshop preferences
Is Scratch Space the Same as RAM?
While scratch space functions similarly to RAM by providing temporary storage, it differs in that data stored in scratch space is usually chosen manually. Scratch space is typically slower than RAM but can be more cost-effective for large storage needs.
Conclusion
Scratch space is a vital component for memory-intensive programs like Photoshop. Regular maintenance and proper configuration can help ensure optimal performance and prevent issues related to insufficient scratch space.