These are the frequently asked questions relating to changes from one Photoshop version to another.
Can newer version files be opened in an older version?
Yes, but features from the newer version (layer comps, smart objects, etc.) will not be available when the file is opened in the earlier version, thus the file may not appear identical when opened in an older version.
Does the Photoshop CS file format break functionality with Painter and Fireworks?
Adobe rep Marc Pawliger has stated, "Our testing showed no problem with Painter. Some issues with some CS PSD files - particularly those containing text - in Fireworks have been identified and Macromedia has been notified."
Can CS PSD files be placed in InDesign 1 or 2?
Per Adobe rep Marc Pawliger: "Yes, with layers and all other new feature data intact and roundtripped in ID 2, and with layers and image data that existed as of the version of Photoshop available when ID1 came out in ID1."
What happened to the paint bucket (aka fill) tool in Photoshop 6?
The paint bucket was combined with the gradient tool in Photoshop 6. To access it, click and hold on the gradient button until the paint bucket pops out, then click the paint bucket to select it. Or use the shortcut G and shift+G to switch between the bucket and gradient tool.
What happened to the airbrush tool in Photoshop 7.0?
The healing brush and patch tool now occupy the toolbox button where the airbrush used to be. The airbrush is now located under the paintbrush button or it can be enabled from the options bar when the paintbrush tool is active.
What happened to the Liquify and Extract commands?
In version 7, they were moved to the Filter menu where some folks say they should have been all along.
What happened to the Filter > Fade command?
Because this command now works on more than just filters it was moved to the Edit menu in version 6.
I used to be able to Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac) the name of a layer in the layers palette, and the layer content would load as a selection. This no longer works in Adobe Photoshop CS2. How do I load the layer content as a selection in Photoshop CS2?
Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac) on a layer in the layers palette is now used for selecting multiple layers. To load the layer content as a selection in Photoshop CS2 you must Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac) the thumbnail icon for the layer in the layers palette.
What has changed from Photoshop CS to Photoshop CS2?
Ben Willmore has written an excellent 3-page summary of the changes from Photoshop CS to Photoshop CS2. You can download this PDF document here: WheresMyStuff.pdf (580K)
Where is the preferences file stored?
It depends on your operating system. See the readme file placed in the installation folder where Photoshop is installed for specifics. You can reset the preferences in version 6.0 and higher by launching the program and then immediately holding down Shift+Ctrl+Alt (Windows) or Shift+Command+Option (Macintosh). Also see How To Restore Preferences In Photoshop.
Will my plugins and filters still work after upgrading?
I have not heard of any issues with plugins in Photoshop CS2, though most plugins will need to be reinstalled. Photoshop CS and higher for Mac require OS X versions of plug-ins and will not load or run MacOS 9 (aka "Classic only") plugins. Many plugin vendors have updated their plugins for Mac OS X. Mac OS X users of Photoshop 7 will need updated plugins to run natively in OS X, though most will work with Photoshop 7 in OS 9 or in Classic mode. If you have problem with a plugin after reinstalling it, check for an update patch from the developer and be sure you have installed any available Photoshop updates or patches.
Why doesn't the Photoshop 7 upgrade and my old plugins accept my serial number?
Adobe changed the format of serial numbers and you will now need to use the new 24-digit serial number included in your Photoshop 7 package. If you use older plugins that require a legacy serial number, there is a place to enter this in the Photoshop preferences under the Edit menu.
More of this feature:
• Part 1: Do's & Dont's
• Part 2: Upgrade Q&A
• Part 3: You are here
• Part 4: Tips & Transferring Plug-ins
Questions? Comments? Post in the Forum!
