If you ever need to open a flattened (composite) version of a layered document, choose File > Open and navigate to the image. Then, hold Option + Shift (Mac) / Alt + Shift (Win) and click Open. A dialog appears with the message “Read the composite data instead?” Click OK to confirm.
You can use the same keyboard modifiers and double click a PSD file in the Operating System to open a flattened version of the file. Note: this shortcut only works if the file was saved with the Maximize (PSD and PSB) File Compatibility preference turned on.
which versions of PS does this work on? I have CS5 extended and Maximize PSD and PSB is ”always on”…
I wish you would include information in your FB posts as to WHICH PS version this works on and/or which one it doesn’t.
my profound apologies! I misunderstood and thought I could open a layered version from a composite file! That would be a wonderful feature, if it were possible.
Great tip Julieanne!
At the risk of appearing a bit slow, “You can use the same keyboard modifiers and double click a PSD file in the Operating System to open a flattened version of the file” means what? Alt-Shift-clicking a file in Windows Explorer only brings up the Properties screen. What am I missing?
I suspect this is only able with Photoshop’s native PSD or PSB. So, the same cannot be done with layered TIFFs, correct?