PSE flattens layered PSD files

[Spacecadet1968]

Hi,

I've sent layered PSD files to some teammates to use in Elements, but Elements has been flattening the them. Anyone know the fix for this?

Thanks!

Michael

[hatstead]

If you save the file in JPEG format the layer structure will not be preserved.

"Elements has been flattening them." There has to be some intervention in your work flow for this to occur.

What is the method of transmission to your teammates?

[Spacecadet1968]

I save them as PSD files from Photoshop, zip them then send them via Sharefile.

Shoud I try sending them one at a time unzipped?

[hatstead]

Yes, send a single unzipped PSD file as a test. Please let us know how you make out.

[Jeff Arola]

Are you using photoshop cc?

If so, some layer types may not be recognized by photoshop elements and also make sure you send the files as 8 Bits/Channel, since photoshop elements will not open 16 Bits/Channel documents as layers.

In the above cases photoshop elements should offer to convert the image to 8 bits/channel to preserve the layers or essentially ignore the unsupported layer type by rasterizing the layer(s) to maintain a layered document.

[hatstead]

OP states that he/she is using PSE.

[Spacecadet1968]

Hi,

Just tried that. Same issue. I was told that their versions of Elements are all requiring an update. Would that be a cause or contributor of the problem?

Thanks!

[Spacecadet1968]

Hi Jeff,

I checked and the files and layers are all 8-bit RGB. I'm using CC 2022 - just updated the other day.

The only other thing I can think of is that I'm on an iMac and they're on PCs, but I've send layered PSD files like this before and not had a problem.

Thanks!

Michael

[Jeff Arola]

Are any of the layers Gradient Map adjustment layers?

It might be much easier and faster to identify the issue if you downloaded a trial version of photoshop elements.

[Spacecadet1968]

Hi Jeff,

No adjustment layers. Just soem type and images. Pretty basic and simple. The teammates I'm workign with here don't have much if any experience with Photoshop, so I've kept it as simple as I can. Background image, and 3 type layers, that 's all.

I've got the latest version of Elements on my machine, and the PSD fies are importing without any issue. That's what makes this issue so curious.

Thanks!

Michael

[Jeff Arola]

Possibly they are using File>Open in Camera Raw instead of File>Open?

[hatstead]

What happens when one of team members sends a layered (test) file to you?  

[Spacecadet1968]

Looks like I've found the answer, or an answer - at least for now. The PSD files had 2 layers that were locked. whem I unlocked them, my teammates were able to open them unflattened in PSE.

Not sure why this is, but I'm going with this for now.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions!