Skip to main content
F
foxwerk
Participant
May 13, 2014

P: Cannot save because the document is bigger than 2 gigabytes

  • May 13, 2014
  • 27 replies
  • 6336 views

I have a fairly small psd file (1920x1080) containing just a couple of layers (25) mostly embedded linked psd files (small - between 70kb and 400kb each).

Now Photoshop (CC latest fwiw) sais, it can't save the document because it's bigger than 2 gigabytes. The document info sais Doc: 7,91M/50,9M...

Now what?

iMac 24GB RAM, Mavericks (latest), PS CC (latest)

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    27 replies

    F
    FeedbackCommunityMember
    Inspiring
    December 10, 2020

    I had the same issue with a small 11x17 inch scan I had stitched together.  Turned out it was a shape layer that I had accidentally increased in size ( it was just a line) and it was extending beyond the canvas.  Once I removed it the file size went from over 2 gig to 7mb

    F
    FeedbackCommunityMember
    Inspiring
    March 4, 2020
    I had this happen with a file that was 1920 x 1090 (72dpi), was 2 layers large (both populated using the Fill tool) and it did not allow me to save the image at any point. It's clearly a bug.
    J
    J453
    Legend
    April 18, 2019
    You may need to reduce the number of layers and resolution for your file to work in After Effects. Not all products can handle the pixel dimensions or the file sizes that PSB affords.
    F
    FeedbackCommunityMember
    Inspiring
    April 17, 2019
    how do you import it in AE then? AE won't accept PSB...
    J
    J453
    Legend
    February 25, 2019
    Select "Large Document Format" to save a PSB. This will allow you to save layered Photoshop documents that are larger than 2GB.
    claidheamdanns
    claidheamdanns
    Participating Frequently
    February 25, 2019
    I agree. I only had this error start coming up in CC 2019.

    Besides, why should it matter what size my file is? If I want to save a 5 GB file or more, I should be allowed to. I often work with very complex Photoshop files, which I would like to be non-destructive (not flattened, not rasterized), because I am often required to make changes to them during the design and approval stage.

    Once all final approvals are made, a much smaller, flattened file saved.
    F
    FeedbackCommunityMember
    Inspiring
    December 28, 2018
    Same issue, 3x3 inch cmyk image. psb saves at 20mb, turned off maximize compatibility and it saves fine as a psd. gotta be broken.
    J
    J453
    Legend
    September 19, 2018
    What program are you using? Are you trying to use Elements? I don't see that you have a Creative Cloud membership.
    F
    FeedbackCommunityMember
    Inspiring
    September 19, 2018
    For me, even in PSB it's still give me this message 😞
    F
    FeedbackCommunityMember
    Inspiring
    June 26, 2018
    Hi thanks for this info... I've spent hours trying to save some files for an exhibition I'm working on and I've managed to lose everything twice! I've just seen this on the forum, but my 8bit is greyed out... any solutions to that please.... really struggling to save anything... 
    Show more replies
    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices