Transfer old PS files to new version

Edit: "What is the best way to open the files without *losing* any file information like layers or colors?"

Hi!

First, D. Fosse is correct—all you have to do is open them, because Photoshop is backwards compatible with all old files. But your statement about "files without any file information like layers or colors" is unclear. Are you trying to open files with no layers? Just a background layer? Or are you wanting to make sure that your files with layers will still be intact? 

When you open an older Photoshop file, if it had layers, the layers would still be there, if it didn't then the file will open just as it was previously saved. If your file has layer styles or layer effects, they will also be compatible with your current version. Colors might be a different issue, all depending on what Color profile was assigned to the previously saved file and what color profile you have selected in your current version of Photoshop. But, that said, you can easily match the color profile after you open it and resave it.

I hope that helps, but if that doesn't answer your question, please let us know.

Michelle

sherban, I'm curious about your question, as I've never though to open old PSD files in new versions of Ps. I always open the old NEF files. I think I have.
*If* the old files open (I don't see why they wouldn't), I'd make a bet that layers and colors would be intact. Maybe not color profiles...

The best way is to open them. If they don't, we share the issue with you.

Yikes, the more I think about your question, the more confused I am.

"What is the best way to open the files without any file information like layers or colors?"

Are you opening files that don't have file information like layers or colors?

Do you want to open PSDs that have such info, but you want them "raw"?

Just open them in the new PS version. The files are on disk where you last saved them.