@@ -209,11 +209,12 @@ def awakeFromNib(self):
 
     def observeValueForKeyPath_ofObject_change_context_(self, path, obj, change, context):
         appearance = change.get('new', change.get('initial'))
-        self.graphicsView.updatePlaceholder(appearance)
         if self.editorView:
             self.editorView.superview().setDividerColor_(
                 NSColor.colorWithWhite_alpha_(1.0, 0.333) if 'Dark' in appearance.name() else NSColor.thinSplitViewDividerColor()
             )
+        if 'new' in change:
+            self.graphicsView.updatePlaceholder(appearance)
 
 
     ## WindowController duties