Joined: 24 Sep 2007
Posts: 3515
Location: Haverhill, UK PS Version: Lightroom 5, CS4 & Elements 11 OS: Windows 8.1
Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 2:35 pm Post subject: [PF FT] Maximize Compatibility - Why? How?
You may have seen the Maximize Compatibility warning message (see below) appear when attempting to save a layered PSD file.
If you have, you're not the only one!
The warning message explains that by turning maximize compatibility on, the resulting PSD file will be; well, more compatible with other software, as well as other versions of Photoshop. Indeed that's true, by turning the option on, we're telling Photoshop to not only save the layered document, but also a flattened version of the same file, so if the other application you're using the PSD file with, say, doesn't support layer masks - no problem! If you're importing the file into Premiere, After Effects or Encore to name just a few, and those applications don't support Photoshop's Color Overlay Layer Style for example - no problem! The application can simply use the flattened version saved inside the file.
So if maximize compatibility allows us to open PSD files in more applications, why don't we play it safe and answer yes every time we're asked? Well it all boils down to file size! If you're saving a flattened version of the file along with your beautifully crafted layers then the big drawback is going to be the increase in file size. So what do we do? Leave it on or switch it off?
If you go to Preferences (again, see below for a screenshot) you can set up how Photoshop saves layered PSD files, which means you can save a compatible version, choose not to save one, or have Photoshop ask you every time as it does by default. Which way you choose to go will depend on your workflow, if you only work in Photoshop then there's no need to save a compatible version, if you're planning to import the file to Lightroom then you have to, but I'm happy to let Photoshop ask me every time and then turn it off when I don't need it, and I’d say most of the time that’s the way to go!
Hope you found this useful, please feel free to leave comments and questions! _________________ Matt
3photoshop.com
http://www.3photoshop.com
I never thought about this warning . Must say I don't mind the filesize, having two terrabyte of storage on my PC plus I got external drives for back-ups. So I save automatically for the maximum support (not that I need it often but you never know).
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You cannot download files in this forum
Thanks Matt.
. Must say I don't mind the filesize, having two terrabyte of storage on my PC plus I got external drives for back-ups. So I save automatically for the maximum support (not that I need it often but you never know).
