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I am running Photoshop 25.3.1 on MacOS Sonoma 14.1.2 and just recently I have come across two PSD files which when opened have corrupted layers!
Each file was successfully saved after quite a lot of editing but too big to attach here (1.5GB). The editting involved multiple application of selective gradients to increase/decrease luminosity which are subsequently merged.
Screenshots of the layers panel with the corrupted layers highlighted and one of the layers are attached.
Not drastically important at the moment as this is destructive editing (not what I do usually) and all relevant image information is in the top most layer. However if I were to switch to non-destructivre editting, I could not afford to have such corruption taking place.
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File corruption is always, no exception, caused by failing/erratic hardware.
It could be a failing drive or bad RAM - but also for instance saving directly to an external drive with worn/loose cables/connectors.
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Thnaks for ths response and I will bear it in mind and check it out.
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Dealing with corrupted layers in Photoshop can be frustrating, but here are a few steps you can try to address the issue:
Check for Software Updates: Ensure that both your macOS and Photoshop are up to date. Sometimes, issues with file compatibility or corruption are resolved with software updates.
File Recovery: Since the files are large, consider using the AutoSave feature in Photoshop to recover an earlier version of the files. Go to "File" > "Revert" > "Browse" and look for the auto-recovered files.
Layer Mask Issues: Given that your editing involves gradients and selective adjustments, check if the corrupted layers involve layer masks. Sometimes, issues with masks can lead to unexpected behavior. Try recreating the masks or adjusting them to see if it resolves the problem.
File Repair Tools: There are third-party tools available that can attempt to repair corrupted PSD files. These tools might be able to salvage some of the data in the file. However, use such tools cautiously and ensure they come from reputable sources.
Break Down Editing Steps: If the corruption seems to occur after specific editing steps, try breaking down your editing process into smaller, incremental steps. This can help you identify the specific action or tool causing the problem.
Alternative Saving Formats: If the issue persists, consider saving intermediate versions of your work in a different format (e.g., TIFF) during the editing process. This way, even if the PSD file becomes corrupted, you have backups in another format.
Contact Adobe Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it may be worth reaching out to Adobe Support. They might be able to provide more specific guidance based on the nature of the corruption.
Remember to always keep backups of your important files and consider saving versions at various stages of your editing process to minimize potential data loss.
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Thanks, a lot to take in there but some go0od advice.
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Did you open from and save to an internal drive, external drive or network volume?
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In this instance, an internal drive - 12 month old MacBook pro 1TB ssd. Not had any issues prior to this.
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Hi all - I found this thread because I'm dealing with the same issue. I've attached two images - one from how the file looks in Lightroom. This is how I first see an issue. I'll then open into Photoshop (from the Develop panel in Lightroom), and multiple layers will be corrupt and discolored.
These projects are so large that I alway edit on an external SSD drive. I've tried saving these to a stationary docked external HD and open the files that way - same issue. I'll try to edit the file, delete the corrupt layers and re-import the layers and then save but it will not allow me to save.
Please help!
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Had/have the same Issue.
The "not beeing able to save" part worked after I restarted my computer, but still I'm afraid that those issues will come back over the last 2 years had those corrupted layers popping up multiple times and I dont know whats causing this.
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As I wrote in the first reply in this thread:
File corruption is always caused by failing hardware.
Do not, ever, under any circumstances, save directly to an external drive.
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Failing Hardware = broken harddrive? Or could that mean my Macbook has an issue?
I'm working on an external SSD, does that mean that SSD is broken? Or is it just in general a bad Idea and the SSD is completely fine?
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The problem with external drives is that they work through an additional external connector and if that connection is knocked or disrupted in any way then the file can be corrupted. Laptops can be susceptible to this because of the way the laptop itself is easily moved during a save operation. In theory, an external drive should not be an issue (there are additional complications with network drives) but in practice an internal drive tends to be more reliable.
That is just one of the reasons that Adobe recommend saving to local drives then copying the saved file over to an external drive.
https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/photoshop/kb/networks-removable-media-photoshop.html
If you are already saving to an internal drive and experiencing corruption, I would check both the drive and the system RAM for errors.
Dave
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Yes.
My own hard and fast rule, even when just transferring data to an external drive, is to not so much as touch it. Walk away until it's finished.
I've seen corruption from worn connectors.
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yeah I think I will try to touch it and wiggle it to try to get this error on purpose to find out if that was really the problem. If its within the RAM or GPU of the Macbook I need to know to exchange it or something.
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How can I check the Ram and Hard drive? I know on Mac there is the "first aid" function for external harddrives, but not sure if thats what you mean.
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Hi
Unfortunately I don't use a Mac. The Windows utilities would be CHKDSK for the disk and MemTest86 for RAM. You would be looking for something equivalent.
Dave
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Checked the external SSD and the RAM, no errors could be found, everything seems in perfect condition (as far as I can test myself)
Also changed the cable to a high quality thunderbolt4 cable (even though its overkill) and just had the issue appear a few minutes ago again.
So currently I have the following things in mind:
-Photoshop is just buggy
-Amazon Photo Backup destroys the .tif files while they're opened in photoshop (I'm using it to have an offsite backup) but that would be crazy if that would be the case
-Photoshop doesnt like that I'm saving the files to an EXFAT Drive, Adobe is recommending NOT to use Fat32 but they're not mentioning anything about EXFAT. But tbh I have no other choice I need to compatibility between Windows and Mac for my Backups 😕
Anything else I could test?