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Images of RMNP
Images of RMNP
Known Participant
February 4, 2020
Question

Could not complete the command because there is not enough memory

  • February 4, 2020
  • 4 replies
  • 1509 views

I have spent hours trying to figure this problem out. I have a number of files that are around 1gb in size. These are highly detailed images that will be printed about 7 feet long. Every time I try to open them I get this error: "Could not complete the command because there is not enough memory (RAM)." I have seen some of the other posts here in this regard and it seems like it might be a bug that has been around for a while. I can't believe that there aren't many others who have this issue. I need to get these files completed for customers and so need a solution. 


My machine has 32GB of memory. I have set aside over 1 TB of scratch disk. I've tried allocating up to 100% of my memory for Photoshop. I've played with changing registry values. I've updated my display drivers. I've installed the oldest version of PS that they have on CC. I've tried using the graphics processor memory and probably a few other things. 

 

Does anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks!

 

Erik 

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4 replies

War Unicorn
Community Expert
War UnicornCommunity Expert
Community Expert
February 4, 2020

You're on Windows, correct? Adding to what everyone else has said, launch Task Manager and look into any TSRs (terminate and stay resident apps) that may be eating up memory: Ctrl + Shift + Esc > "More details" (if not active) > Startup tab.

 

Also look into anything that's not mission-critical in the SysTray (in the lower right).

 

That file size would be enormous at a high DPI; I'd say about half a gig to start or more.

Images of RMNP
Images of RMNPAuthor
Known Participant
February 4, 2020

Thanks! I'll give this a try.

 

Leslie Moak Murray
Community Expert
Leslie Moak MurrayCommunity Expert
Community Expert
February 4, 2020

Erik, I get what you're saying, as I have a sideline as a stock photog, though I've never had to print anything this big. Do I understand from what you wrote that you've handled files this large before? Do you print them yourself, or take them somewhere, and if you take them somewhere, does your printer maybe have a way to do this?

Images of RMNP
Images of RMNPAuthor
Known Participant
February 4, 2020

Yes, I've worked with files this size before and don't remember having issues. The reason for the size is because I've just did an upsize from the original file using Topaz Gigapixel. Normally, I'd take that file and open it as a layer with one I upsized in PS and then go in and work on some final details. Ocassional Gigapixel will give me a few strange spots in its sharpening and so I can bring in the PS upsized version to replace those few bad spots. Anyway, if there isn't a fix for the PS issue then I'll find another workaround. My printer could do it, but I like to have full control on these things. Thanks!

    Leslie Moak Murray
    Community Expert
    Leslie Moak MurrayCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 4, 2020

    You're welcome, and I hope you'll post back here and let us know what happened. And I'd love to see the image.

    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    Derek CrossCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 4, 2020

    If this is artwork for a poster that's to be viewed at a distance you don't need such a high resolution that you need for an image that's read close up, such as a photograph in a magazine. If your image has a resolution of say 300PPI try 100PPI and see if that helps your work flow.

    (Make backup Save As copies).

    Images of RMNP
    Images of RMNPAuthor
    Known Participant
    February 4, 2020

    Hi Derek, 

     

    Thanks for responding. This is for a very high end print that sells for thousands of dollars. Unlike a poster I am seeking to have the optimum detail so that it can be viewed up close. I've been a full-time photographer for the last 16 years and sell these large prints in my three galleries and while I understand viewing distance very well, this is a special product that needs the detail. I do appreciate the suggestion! 

    K
    Krisztian
    Participant
    February 4, 2020

    I had this issue, but it happened on a Mac. 

    I have literally closed everything else, and I opened the files in PS then saved the file as PSB rather than PSD. 

    I would also try to clear Photoshop Cache in restart. 

    Hope it helps

    Images of RMNP
    Images of RMNPAuthor
    Known Participant
    February 4, 2020

    Thanks so much for the idea. I went in and manually cleared my Photoshop cache but that didn't work. The files I'm working with are tiffs and I can't open them so I can't save them in another format. I appreciate the try! 🙂

     

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