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J
Joanne FS
Participant
January 25, 2022
Answered

Could not open "filename.psd" because the file is locked

  • January 25, 2022
  • 2 replies
  • 18655 views

Not able to open open a few psds, getting this error

 

Could not open “RAM5DC_LH_edit.psd” because the file is locked, you do not have necessary access permissions, or another program is using the file. Use the ‘Get Info’ command in the Finder to ensure the file is unlocked and you have permission to access the file. If the problem persists, save the document to a different file or duplicate it in the Finder.

 

What we tried for this error resolution - 

1. Gave photoshop full disk access under the preferences

2. The issue is only for a few files and if the file is copied to a different location on the same file server, the issue is resolved.

3. Update the Photoshop to the latest version.

 

 

    Correct answer Kevin Stohlmeyer

    Yes. All the time. It is because the server and Photoshop are still communicating and it thinks PS still has the file open.

    If you are the only one accessing the file, do this as a test.

    1. Quit Photoshop
    2. Unmount the server share
    3. Remount the server
    4. Open the file

    Does the error still occur?

    If it doesn't that points directly to the read/write speed issues on your server and Photoshop. Hence why Adobe does not support working across a network.

    2 replies

    P
    Positive5E8A
    Participant
    August 2, 2022

    Same problem since we bought the new macbook pro (M1pro chip)
    We have 4 imacs 27 (intel chip) and 1 new macbook pro (M1 pro). The problem accourd only on M1 pro.

    Someone else has a similar comparison?

    A
    adobe9k70303841
    Participant
    August 5, 2022

    Yes Ive got the same problems....4 new Macbook Pro M1 with all the same "saving or opening" problems....still got one Designer on a 2020 Intel iMac 27" and runs without any problem. I hope there will be a fix soon....got 4 frustrated Designers 😞

    Kevin Stohlmeyer
    Community Expert
    Kevin StohlmeyerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 5, 2022

    There is no "fix" coming. This has been around for decades. It's the nature of the limitations of the physical hardware. Drag local, edit, save then drag back to backup on a server.

    Kevin Stohlmeyer
    Community Expert
    Kevin StohlmeyerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 25, 2022

    Drag the files to your local HD and they should open.

    Opening off a server via Photoshop is sketchy at best.

    Between server permissions and read/write speed - the official Adobe position is to never work directly on a server.

      F
      flipdesign
      Known Participant
      May 19, 2022

      My server connection is via thunderbolt 3 to an array that is way faster than any internal drive, with 8 disks giving me about 2 gigabytes per second (or 16 gbits per second). So speed is not the issue, it's photoshop programming. My photoshop files are around 1.5Gb and have many linked psd's and psb's, so this is not possible to move files to my local drive for editing and move back when done, as the links reside in various folders. I'm also editing in Premiere Pro and After Effects all the time, and have no issues with those apps with file access. This is a serious fault from Adobe with photoshop, which never used to exist, as I've been on this current server setup for several years.

        Z
        Zeal_Emmanuel1925
        Participant
        May 11, 2025

        Sorry this is solely an Apple issue as much as people want to point the finger at Adobe. The sheer size of that file would give me hesitation of working directly off a connected server. AFP and SMB protocols have become increasingly worse with each security update.

        There are so many factors that affect connections - speed (incoming/outgoing), server usage, what type of drive, connection issues, etc.

        It's so various and uncontrolled at scale that Adobe's official position is to not work directly off remote servers period.

        If you truly believe it's just an Adobe issue do not attempt to work on Excel documents on a Mac from a Windows server with various users. It will corrupt.


        Not true, I use a windows computer and I just experience this issue. Its not a mac issue but an adobe issue

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