Photoshop 23.4.2 - PSB RLE compression - PLEASE ADD THIS AS AN OPTION IN FUTURE RELEASES ADOBE!

[Dedubs]

In 23.4.2 Adobe introduced a compression by default when you save uncompressed - I believe this to be called RLE. A few complained on here about this as it meant uncompressed files we not truly uncompressed and this increased save times by a small fraction.

However for those of us that run and work in a studio where working on a shared server is critical and the only option, this RLE compression was actually a godsend! It was SO much quicker to save and the file sizes were only fractionally bigger than the normal VERY SLOW compressed sizes.

Can I please ask that Adobe introduce a 'save with RLE compression' tick box in preferences and harness a really good thing they showed in 23.4.2? It's so important to our workflow, that our whole studio is stuck working on this old version.

We've tried going to new versions and the save time is so bad with compression. With uncompressed the files are enormous and not practical for the volume of files and resolution we are working with, especially when working over a network.

Please Adobe can you implement this tick box?

Just to communicate my point above I have done further tests to prove how good the RLE compression was that Adobe introduced in 23.4.2 when you ticked 'disable compression of PSD and PSB files' in preferences. It has the speed of saving uncompressed but at a fraction of the file size.

SAVING TIMES

Photoshop v25.2
With compression / To server / 4:02 / 3.8gb

Photoshop v23.4.2
With no compression (where adobe added RLE**) / To server / 0:41 / 5.5gb

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Opening times of those files from any version of photoshop...

File saved from v25.5 With compression / From server / 0:31 / 3.8gb
File saved from v23.4.2 With no compression (where adobe added RLE) / From server / 0:10 / 5.5gb

**when you ticked 'disable compression of PSD and PSB files' in preferences.

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So as you can see, yes the files are a tiny bit bigger in the newest photoshop, but MY GOD look how much slower it is!

Please Adobe, can we have the RLE compression you added in 23.4.2 as an option in preferences at least please?

[Dedubs]

Any thoughts Adobe? We're desperate for this feature!

[D Fosse]

As long as it's optional, I'm all for it. From what I can see, it's clearly superior to the standard PSD/PSB compression.

I (and others) still prefer to avoid all compression, which is why this caused a bit of stir when it appeared in v23 without any way to disable. We didn't like that.

On another note, I'm a bit concerned when you say you save directly to server. You are aware that this is unsupported and officially warned against by Adobe? I just wrote in another thread that "this is the kind of thing that works until it doesn't". That's even more applicable here. There is a very real risk of file corruption, due to factors Adobe have no control over.

https://helpx.adobe.com/vn_vi/photoshop/kb/networks-removable-media-photoshop.html 

"There are many different types of network configurations (for example, client-server or peer-peer) or types (for example, ethernet or IP) that many different companies make. Each configuration requires specialized software and hardware, with varying setups, preferences, and updates. This additional layer of software and hardware increases the chances of an error occurring (for example, from line noise, RF interference, or packet collisions).

Multiple factors affect data transmission over a network, including file servers, routers, bridges, network cards, software, cables, connectors, power cables, and power supplies. Network connections can suddenly become unavailable, increasing the risk of data loss and application errors. During transmission and reception, network software verifies that data has been sent and received. The depth of verification depends on the network software package and sometimes isn't accessible by the operating system. When you try to save files across a network, you could receive the error. For example: "Could not complete the request because the file is locked," or "Could not save because of a disk error." However, the network and operating system could not notify you if a Photoshop image file contains damaged or incomplete information."

[Dedubs]

Thank you D Fosse - glad you agree the tick box is all we need.

Whether you are saving locally or to a network its a HUGE improvement over the standard PSB/PSD compression speeds. I mean HUGE!

We just need that tick box adobe! Please!

[davescm]

I would support this as long as it is an option  and the ability to disable compression remains, for those of us where speed is more important than file size.

Dave

[Dedubs]

Thank you @davescm 🙂

[Dedubs]

Hi Adobe, can someone kindly respond to let us know this has been noted? Is it a feature we can expect to see in new releases? Thank you!

[Lumigraphics]

Adobe added AVIF compression in Camera RAW, I think just for DNG files. I'm betting that some combination of AVIF, RLE (which is ancient and used all over computing), HEIC, and JPEG2000 would be able to hit all the goals.

[Dedubs]

@Lumigraphics please read the OP, this is about compression on layered PSB's only.

[Lumigraphics]

That doesn't matter. Compression is available in Photoshop, and there are numerous different methods. Since PSB is not a standard, Adobe doesn't have to go through an approval process to add it.

Of course, adding compression would probably break PSB for older versions of Photoshop. That's the downside to changing a file format.

[Dedubs]

It wouldn't break it, we save PSB's everyday with the RLE compression from 23.4.2, it opens in any version of photoshop and vice versa. They open much quicker than anything compressed with the standard compression too!

But yes as you say, PSB is their format, so hopefully this is easy enough for them to just to add a tick box for us all!

[Lumigraphics]

If you have a new kind of compressed image data that older version of the app don't know about, then yes you've broken compatibility.

[Dedubs]

@Lumigraphics I dont agree, I've tested it myself as far back as I can and it works. I'm not here to argue with you, I just want Adobe to listen and add this OPTIONAL tick box. Thank you.

[Aqua35069516m2jl]

The RLE compression introduced in Photoshop 23.4.2 was a game-changer for studio workflows, especially for those relying on shared servers. While some users may have concerns, a 'save with RLE compression' checkbox in preferences would be immensely beneficial. It significantly improved save times without drastically increasing file sizes. Our studio is stuck on an older version due to this crucial feature. Current versions with compression are impractical for large files over a network. Please consider implementing this option to enhance user flexibility and maintain efficiency. 

[Dedubs]

Absolutely - exactly my original point. Thank you and glad you agree @Aqua35069516m2jl 

Please Adobe add the tick box in preferences!

[D Fosse]

Just a rundown. My own position is yes, as long as it's optional and I can continue to save uncompressed.

• As compression goes, it seems clearly superior to existing algorithms. Especially open/save times, which is the main show-stopper today.
• It would break compatibility for older Photoshop versions. This is how it already works for Illustrator and InDesign - you generally can't open new files in old versions. Photoshop, with its universal compatibility, is actually a special case.
• It would not be possible to get around it with "maximize compatibility". A flattened composite is no use if you can't open the file. But it would be possible to deliberately avoid it by saving uncompressed.
• As long as you stay current, you'll be fine regardless. But with with the accelerated rate of dropping backwards compatibility from both Apple and Microsoft nowadays, more and more users will be unable to stay current at all times. This, I think, is the major practical concern.

[Lumigraphics]

RLE compression is possibly the oldest type available on computers. It works great for SOME files and is pretty much useless for others - all depending on content. I'm fine with having it, as noted, OPTIONAL. But Adobe has other considerations besides just performance.