Questions about saving layers

[mynetdude]

I haven't really used PSP for doing custom graphics, mostly for working on photos; but before that I was using Adobe Photoshop and I liked (and still do) how it made saving easier than PSP does. Unfortunately Photoshop is horribly expensive so this is a better option.

I can't figure out for the life of me how to save .psd or .eps with the layers? It keeps telling me that due to how I am saving or the file format the alpha layers will be lost and so on. How in the world?

[Radim]

First, PSP even latest X5 does not have full Photoshop file format support. First you have to check it (features you need and use) for yourself.

It will be fine to have some list of supported "features" that when saved in PSP and opened in Photoshop works as expected... But how many people switch between PSP <---> PS while editing? I don't.

[hartpaul]

Using X4 I have just saved a 3 layer image as a psd file and opened it in CS2 and resaved as a psd (different name ) and then reopened in X4 with no problems layers visible in all.
File > Save As and in the Save as Type box choose psd from the drop down list.

Saving as an eps, it merged the image and no colour was visible in Photosgop or in X4.
Photoshop CS2 did not allow saving of layers in the eps file.
Why are you trying to save as a psd file,(to transfer and use in Photoshop) or do you just want to be able to save the layers for future editing. In that case you can save as the PSP native format .psp file and keep all layers.

[mynetdude]

First, PSP even latest X5 does not have full Photoshop file format support. First you have to check it (features you need and use) for yourself.

It will be fine to have some list of supported "features" that when saved in PSP and opened in Photoshop works as expected... But how many people switch between PSP <---> PS while editing? I don't.

If they aren't going to fully support it why bother then?

[mynetdude]

Using X4 I have just saved a 3 layer image as a psd file and opened it in CS2 and resaved as a psd (different name ) and then reopened in X4 with no problems layers visible in all.
File > Save As and in the Save as Type box choose psd from the drop down list.

Saving as an eps, it merged the image and no colour was visible in Photosgop or in X4.
Photoshop CS2 did not allow saving of layers in the eps file.
Why are you trying to save as a psd file,(to transfer and use in Photoshop) or do you just want to be able to save the layers for future editing. In that case you can save as the PSP native format .psp file and keep all layers.

Yes I have X4 also, but I figured upgrading would be cool

I save in PSD because that's what I have used for years and want to continue using it; X5 will NOT let me simply save in .PSD or .EPS with layers.

.EPS does support layers, the reason you can't see colors is because you need to change the options (I found that out) AND I have several .EPS files that were sent to me in color.

everybody I know uses Photoshop, I don't because its stupid to pay $600 when I can pay not even $100 for something that works just as good for my needs but .PSD support is needed so I can send to people who use Photoshop to expand on my work for my needs.

[photodrawken]

Using PSPX5, I can easily save as a PSD file with layers provided that the layers are layer types that are supported in Photoshop.

For example, PSP vector layers will not be saved in the PSD file; and PSP-specific layers (such as Histogram adjustment and Vibrancy) will be saved but will become inoperative in both Photoshop and PSP. Curiously, a PSP "White Balance" adjustment layer will be labeled as such in the PSD file, but act as a Photoshop "Color Balance" layer. This is using PSCS2 -- don't know if later versions of PS act the same.

All selections saved as alpha channels in PSP open just fine in PS.

You might want to refine your question to list the specific layer types you're using in PSP....

[mynetdude]

Using PSPX5, I can easily save as a PSD file with layers provided that the layers are layer types that are supported in Photoshop.

For example, PSP vector layers will not be saved in the PSD file; and PSP-specific layers (such as Histogram adjustment and Vibrancy) will be saved but will become inoperative in both Photoshop and PSP. Curiously, a PSP "White Balance" adjustment layer will be labeled as such in the PSD file, but act as a Photoshop "Color Balance" layer. This is using PSCS2 -- don't know if later versions of PS act the same.

All selections saved as alpha channels in PSP open just fine in PS.

You might want to refine your question to list the specific layer types you're using in PSP....

I didn't know there were different layer types; so is it possible to convert to a different layer type?

You're correct, I think I'm using vector layers BTW now that you said that; it was made in Illustrator not in Photoshop I had my artist make me stuff in Vector but I hadn't thought about it because I figured modern apps would be inter-operable with others.

What's odd is, I can OPEN the vector PSD layers but I cannot SAVE them; they CAN be saved as PSP native layers though.

[photodrawken]

I didn't know there were different layer types; so is it possible to convert to a different layer type?

In a word, No. If the adjustment layers don't translate from one program to another, the best you can do is rasterize the effect onto a new layer.

You're correct, I think I'm using vector layers BTW now that you said that; it was made in Illustrator not in Photoshop I had my artist make me stuff in Vector but I hadn't thought about it because I figured modern apps would be inter-operable with others.

Nope. Programs differ in how they handle vectors, even when using "common" vector formats. I have beaucoup problems transferring EPS files into PSP, but EMF files work just fine.

If you're in a production environment where PS and AI are the standards, you have to accept the fact that seamless interoperability will only occur between those apps.

[mynetdude]

I didn't know there were different layer types; so is it possible to convert to a different layer type?

In a word, No. If the adjustment layers don't translate from one program to another, the best you can do is rasterize the effect onto a new layer.

You're correct, I think I'm using vector layers BTW now that you said that; it was made in Illustrator not in Photoshop I had my artist make me stuff in Vector but I hadn't thought about it because I figured modern apps would be inter-operable with others.

Nope. Programs differ in how they handle vectors, even when using "common" vector formats. I have beaucoup problems transferring EPS files into PSP, but EMF files work just fine.

If you're in a production environment where PS and AI are the standards, you have to accept the fact that seamless interoperability will only occur between those apps.

well seamless inter-operability is only going to work within the same manufacturer/developer most of the time anyway.