P: Gradient Map Adjustment Layer PS 23 is not backward compatible even in Classic Method

@selondon see my post about the process - if you open in 22.5.4 and the colors work, then save, it should open in 21.

Ok, ran into this issue again, with a set of 100 or so client PSD's designed as templates with dozens of gradient maps set to pre-color elements in a single file. In order for them to open in version 21, there's a massive number of steps that need to be done to convert. How the hell is "maximize" compatibility not able to take care of at least some of the ground work when downsaving, when all that changed was the addition of a new way to interpret gradient knots???? Here's the process we're left with now to help them with these files: 1. change EACH individual gradient map from perceptual to classic. Since there's 60+ color options in each of 3 layer sets, in each of 3 options per template, that's 540 layers to change per PSD. Then we save it and open it in 22.5.4. Why? because it still won't open properly in 22.0. When we open in 22.5.4 we have to check that each layer was properly converted - with 500+ layers its easy to miss one. If one was missed, go back and redo it and save again. There's still an error message, but at least the color maps are working now in 22.5.4. We then have to save the file again in order to get the color maps to work in 21 like we need. Opening in 21 gives an error still, but we get our color maps. The crazy thing is that the information used to generate the gradient maps is there, when they add perceptual/linear/classic as options to the interface, it should be saved in such a way that older versions don't throw up their hands when the interface is exactly the same minus those options in previous versions. Absolutely crazy that this problem even exists in the first place, let alone the number of steps needed to fix it going back only a couple of years. ADOBE PLEASE STOP ADDING NEW FEATURES TO SOFTWARE WITHOUT FIXING OLD BUGS AND ENSURING THAT EXISTING WORKFLOWS ARENT RUINED BY THE FEATURES.

Indeed, even though the files open fine in PS 2021 (v22.5.4) and obviously PS 2022 (v23.1), when opened in PS 2020 (v21.1.11) and previous versions, the Keep Layers message still appears and the Gradient Map gets deleted.

@J453 By what you saying in your post, I assume this will not be fixed, as PS 2020 and below are no longer supported?

Thanks

Ah ok, thanks for making the video, @Da7. According to your video, the issue is solved in version 22.5.4.

Unfortunately I don't use 22.5.4. I use 20.0.1, the 2019 version. I'm 100% positive the issue still affects v2019.

@J453 

The curious thing is that the gradient map adjustment is backwards compatible with any previous version if applied as smart adjustment (described later)... And everything is perfectly editable in the previous versions!

Maybe you may ask the engineers to investigate since I think the solution is in the 23.1.0 and not in the previous versions like done with the latest update of 2021 (22.5.4).

Here it is the workaround on PS 2022 23.1.0. I already wrote about it in the past weeks but repeating may help many people:

Instead of make an adjustment layer, convert into a smart object layer the raster one we want edit with an adjustment.

Then go to the "image" menu -> "adjustments" -> "gradient map". This method applies a smart adjustment as well we apply a smart filter. Edit the gradient map as you like keeping the "classic" method. Save it as .psd and open it again in any previous version that simply supports the gradient map.

Following this method, the gradient map created in Photoshop 2022 will be backwards compatible using the smart adjustment! I don't know why and that's the reason why engineers should investigate better... I think the problem is only in the coding of the new gradient in 2022 and not in keeping updated all the previous versions.

@Da7 Unfortunately, there's only so many versions we can support. We won't update unsupported versions.

@J453  yes, unfortunatelly I've just discovered today that is backwards compatible only in 22.5.4.

I was doing lesson in my graphic Academy and my project with gradient map made in CC2022 couldn't be opened in a Map with CC2020... This is a real problem and the only solution is keep jealously the CC2021... Hope in a future fix.

Gradient Map Adjustment Layers will only be backwards compatible in 22.5.4.

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/supported-versions.html

No it doesn't work for me : gradient map created in v 23.1.0, doesn't oppen properly in v21.2.5 for example. At opening an alert message says :
this document contains undefined data that will be ignored so that the layers remain editable. To keep the original look instead, choose Flatten to load the composite data as flattened images (translated from french).
I have to downgrade, that's a real pain. Please advise.

@Mathias17 I made a video clip to show you that, at least to me, the bug has been fixed on Windows 10. The previous version is 2021 with the latest release. 

https://streamable.com/wvph6r