Advanced time-based automatic saving with version management

I didn't ask for it to be a mandatory setting to keep multiple versions, but for it to be an option. I should be able to decide whether to keep the backup versions, how many, and how often they are saved. It's not user-friendly if an app forces a particular option on its users. I have the right to decide whether I want the deletion or not.

For example, the last time Photoshop 2024 crashed, my most important file was not recovered. There was simply no way to retrieve it, even after trying with support. Later, I searched the folder where Photoshop 2024 saves these files, and it was empty.

I want to decide for myself to keep these.

I wrote, again, not that everyone should do the same, but the opposite. Everyone should be able to decide for themselves whether they want automatic deletion, when to delete, and how many to delete.

I hope it's now clear that this doesn't mean the feature is forced on those with slower and smaller SSDs for their projects. Everyone should be able to set it up sophisticatedly.

This idea is not an in quotes request, because for many, this is an important feature. The internet is full of desperate users who cannot recover their files due to Photoshop's limitations and are trying all sorts of data recovery programs. If you don't need this setting option because it's set up just the way you like, that's fine, but it doesn't mean that everyone's hardware/workflow will be like yours. It's not universal.

But I will not use script for basic stuffys, like autosave.

By @Giggoretta

I understand, then you must wait to see if Adobe ever implements such a feature.  :]

But I will not use script for basic stuffys, like autosave.

"Photoshop has built-in auto recovery saving"
But it is autodeleted! and zero setting for this. I will keep allversion SOMETIMES.

"I have three docs open at present - they are 8GB, 15GB and 12 GB on disk respectively. "
In this case you need RAID PCIe SSD. OR you need set larger time-intervals, and less versions. 
Problem solved. 😉


The script is good idea IF it is not autodeleted. But I will not use script

I appreciate that this topic is an "idea" (feature request).

Photoshop has built-in auto recovery saving (if the file has been manually saved at least once).

For those that require such features now, there are scripts available to remind to save a set intervals, or save at set intervals. There are also scripts to save versioned copies.

I have three docs open at present - they are 8GB, 15GB and 12 GB on disk respectively. That would be 10 x 35GB = 350GB. All my saves are uncompressed and to SSDs - they have to be as compressed saves at that size are slow.

Don't assume everyone works with small file sizes. I am well aware of large SSD drives - I have several installed and have plenty of space here. I am also well aware, from supporting this forum daily, of those who work on laptops with restricted disks (you mentioned travelling users above) and who already run into space issues for scratch disks.

As I said above, I am not against the idea but implementation would need to be well thought out.

Dave

@Giggoretta It would appear that you misread D Fosse's reply. His discussion points were about local saves, it was you that suggested cloud storage under item 3 of your first post.

5 minute incremental saves with large files would quickly fill up disk space. They would also result in system slow downs whilst saving.  The idea is not inherently bad  but needs some thought.

I would like to see the option to incrementally save filename001, filename002 etc using Ctrl+S.

Dave

1. Modern System Management: Most contemporary operating systems and applications can manage automatic saves without causing chaos. These systems typically save in a well-defined, segregated location, easily manageable by the user.

2. User-Friendly Solutions: Most software offers customization options for auto-save locations, thus avoiding any mess. Users can specify a separate folder for this purpose.

3. Temporary File Handling: Concerns about using the 'Temp' directory for saving and filling up the drive are often unfounded, as modern systems regularly clear out temporary files to avoid unnecessary drive usage.

4. Alternatives to Incremental Saving: The suggested alternative, initiating auto-save only after a manual save, isn't always practical. It can hinder workflows that require frequent and automated saving.

Moreover, many software solutions allow setting parameters like:

• Deleting the oldest file once a certain number of files or a specific GB limit is reached.
• Specifying the location for automatic saves, where everything is organized chronologically, with an option for each project to be saved in a separate folder named after the file.

These 'problems' are negligible compared to the loss of not being able to access a crucial stage of an important project. Currently, Photoshop, for instance, unhelpfully deletes backup versions without asking the user, which is not user-friendly. Try Cockos'sDAW, Reaper, works perfect, without any disc issue. Users should have the freedom to decide what they want to keep, especially when they are paying diligently.