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lnmaz
lnmaz
Participant
May 4, 2018
Answered

Flatten image dialogue box in Photoshop (PC vs. Mac)

  • May 4, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 492 views

So, I just recently switched to a Mac after years of using CC on a PC. My current angst (and I have a lot), is that it seems that Photoshop on Mac will not allow me to replace an original jpeg in a folder with an edited file unless I manually flatten the image first. On PC, I simply had to select "save" and a dialogue box would pop up to ask me if I wanted to flatten the image (to which I hit enter almost before the box appeared because it was part of the workflow) and I then I replaced the original image.

(Before someone points out that I shouldn't save over originals - I do this a lot because I mainly work in InDesign and don't wish to break the links to photos by renaming the file or saving as a different file type. These are packaged files - copies of the original files - so I don't have to worry about losing original copies of the photos.)

My question is: Does anyone know if this is a setting I can turn on/off in Photoshop somewhere? Or is this a difference between Mac and PC software I just have to live with? I'd really like this functionality back if I can get it!

LNM

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer JohanElzenga

When you try to save a file that has layers, Photoshop wants to save it as PSD because JPEG does not support layers. However, you can simply select JPEG is the dialog box anyway. Photoshop will then save a flattened copy as jpeg, and you can overwrite an existing jpeg if you want to. Just give it the exact same name, and Photoshop will ask you if you want to overwrite the existing file.

2 replies

JohanElzenga
Community Expert
JohanElzengaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
May 7, 2018

When you try to save a file that has layers, Photoshop wants to save it as PSD because JPEG does not support layers. However, you can simply select JPEG is the dialog box anyway. Photoshop will then save a flattened copy as jpeg, and you can overwrite an existing jpeg if you want to. Just give it the exact same name, and Photoshop will ask you if you want to overwrite the existing file.

-- Johan W. Elzenga
    lnmaz
    lnmazAuthor
    Participant
    May 8, 2018

    OK, I tried again and that seemed to work this time. Previously, PS wouldn't let me click on "Save" when I tried to save in the same folder with the same name, even as a copy ("Save" was not available to click in the dialogue box).\

    Not sure what happened, but we're up and running! Thanks all!

    jane-e
    Community Expert
    jane-eCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 4, 2018

    When you introduce layers into an image, PS tries to save it as a PSD. Is that what is happening? JPEGs don't support layers.

    Also, when you are still in InDesign, do you right-click the image and choose Edit in PS, make the changes, then save and close? If you do, InDesign will keep the link updated.

    I should also mention that it is not a best practice to resave JPEGs. They degrade. If you are going to be editing them and re-saving, you might save as tiff or psd instead.

      lnmaz
      lnmazAuthor
      Participant
      May 7, 2018

      Yes, it tries to save as PSD. This is the same on both Mac or PC. What's different is what happens when I attempt to save over the original files.

      As far as degrading jpegs: I am aware of their faults. The files and projects are such that the minimal loss of one re-save isn't a problem. Quick turn-around is the important thing.

      I actually didn't realize ID updates the links if you edit through the links panel. I will attempt that in the future as a work around, though I am still curious as to why the differences in the programs.

      jane-e
      Community Expert
      jane-eCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 7, 2018

      Hi Inmaz

      Mac and Windows are slightly different, and I've always been told it's part of the operating system. Usually it's little things like is the X to close a tab on the right or the left? Do you exit the dialog box by clicking Okay or Save? Only the engineers know for sure!

      Okay, as long as you are aware of the degrading! When I have to resave a jpeg (I try not to), I always choose 100%.

      I wish I could answer your "why" question, but I'm better at the "how".

      Best,

      Jane

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