[smaite]

Hi all,
I just purchased an Intel Mac Pro in anticipation of doing freelance graphic design work from home. I was set on getting the new Adobe CS3 when released, but am now worried about compatibility?!
My questons:
1. Will I be able to create something in CS3 (Intel), and send it to someone using CS2 (Power PC), or possibly even older versions, for them to use? Will it open flawlessly?
2. Does it work the other way around? Would someone on, say, a G4 Mac using an older version of Photoshop, be able to send me a project, and I do it with my CS3 (Intel)..... will they be able to use my files? Perfect compatibility?
3. Also curious..... do projects done on a Mac open on a PC, and vice versa? What happens if I create something in Photoshop on a Mac, and try to open it on a PC? Does it work? Any problems?
Thanks for any info! I would be really sad if my new Mac Pro and upcoming CS3 software limit my ability to work with what everyone else is using!

[almaink]

Opening files in older versions than what they when made in is never a good practice. While back-save options are available they are never foolproof and how could they be? The application was upgraded and newer options that are in the newer version weren't available in the older version won't convert. Cross-platform is getting better with each release and since macs can use windows TrueType or Opentype fonts native they are no longer and issue. Make sure windows users add the proper extensions to files and you shouldn't have any issues.

[Philbert]

That said, a flat PS CS3 file with no layers will open perfectly fine in CS2/CS1 - Mac or PC. (should also have no problem with a layered file that contain shared features)
Naturally, you'll start getting into trouble if you send a working, layered CS3 file to a CS2 user that contains some of the new features not included in CS2. For instance, if you send a layered PS CS3 file that contains a B/W adjustment layer (CS3 only feature), to someone using PS CS2, the B/W adj layer won't show up. Just common sense. But I've been sending PS CS3 files to CS2 users for months now with no issues. (all flat files - no one sees my working/layered files but me)
A PSD file is a PSD file and same goes for TIFF or JPEG. Flat files should be non-version specific and platform independent. I would expect a flat CS3 file would open just fine even in Photoshop 3. (well, that might be pushing it but you get my drift) /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[tomoisyourgod]

I have to use a horrible Dell machine in work, using CS2. I have ported CS2 saved on the Mac, and then opened it successfully on the PC in work.
I haven't tried doing this with CS3 to CS2 yet, but CS2 to Photoshop 7.0 works well, it reads Smart Object layers as a Rastered layer... so CS3 to CS2 should work in theory.
Hope this helps