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Inspiring
July 10, 2022
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Option to not save rasterized copies of layers

  • July 10, 2022
  • 0 replies
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Feature request from my earlier post, where I was looking for a way to reduce file size on large print-resolution files which only contain shape layers, smart object JPGs, text, and filters.

 

When saving a PSD, Photoshop includes rasterized copies of all layers, which makes opening files faster because it doesn't need to recalculate the pixels, but it greatly increases the PSD file size in cases where the content isn't already bitmap data. This can bloat some PSDs up to 100x the size, making them difficult to share or store (eg with Github's 100mb limit or StickerMule's 50mb limit).

 

Photoshop already offers an option to disable maximizing PSD compatibility, I assume for the purpose of saving disk space. Could we also get an option to not include rasterized copies of every layer (and take a few extra seconds to recreate these when the file opens)?

 

For those who use smart objects or shape layers, it could save 50-200mb on even the simplest print-resolution PSD files.

 

(One workaround: shrink your PSD to a tiny scale before saving. Don't try sending it to a print shop this way though...)