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Fix PSD Files Uploaded to OneDrive Not Opening in Photoshop CS5
Question details
The user is unable to open PSD files stored on OneDrive using Adobe Photoshop CS5 after deleting local copies to save hard drive space.
- Product
- OneDrive and Adobe Photoshop CS5
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to access cloud-backed design files in an older version of Photoshop without having the files fully downloaded to the local storage.
- Observed behavior
- Photoshop CS5 fails to open the PSD files, likely because the files are online-only, incompletely downloaded, corrupted, or contain features unsupported by older software versions.
Ensure you have an active and stable internet connection to allow OneDrive to fully sync or download the problematic files before attempting to open them.
Download the PSD File to a Local Drive
Move the file from OneDrive to your local storage to ensure Photoshop CS5 has complete access to the file data without network interruptions.
Cloud storage services like OneDrive often use 'Files On-Demand', meaning the file is stored in the cloud and only a placeholder exists on your computer. Complex applications like Photoshop CS5 cannot properly read these placeholders.
Open your OneDrive folder using File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and locate the problematic PSD file.
Right-click the PSD file and select 'Always keep on this device' from the context menu to force OneDrive to download the complete file.
If issues persist, right-click the file, select 'Copy', and paste it into a local directory that is not synced by OneDrive, such as your Desktop or Documents folder.
Launch Photoshop CS5, go to 'File' > 'Open', and navigate to the newly copied local PSD file.
Re-download the File from OneDrive Web
If the local sync is incomplete or corrupted, downloading the file directly from the OneDrive website can bypass sync issues and provide an intact file.
Check File Compatibility and Convert Format
Newer PSD features might not be supported by older CS5 software. Converting the file can help salvage the image if layers are no longer needed.
Manage Your Documents and PDFs with WPS Office
While WPS Office does not natively edit layered PSD files, it serves as a powerful, lightweight, and free Microsoft Office alternative. It handles your documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDFs with exceptional ease and cross-platform compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my OneDrive files show a cloud icon instead of an image thumbnail?
The cloud icon indicates the file is 'online-only' and stored via OneDrive's Files On-Demand feature to save local hard drive space. It must be downloaded to your computer before desktop applications like Photoshop can fully open or display it.
Can Photoshop CS5 open all PSD files regardless of version?
No, Photoshop CS5 may struggle to open PSD files saved by newer versions of Photoshop if those files utilize modern features, smart objects, or specific compression methods that CS5 does not support.
How can I safely free up hard drive space without losing access to design files?
Instead of deleting local copies manually, use OneDrive's 'Free up space' feature by right-clicking the file or folder. This keeps a placeholder on your device. Just remember to right-click and select 'Always keep on this device' before you need to edit them in professional software.
What should I do if my downloaded PSD file says it is corrupted?
Try downloading the file directly from the OneDrive website using a web browser instead of the desktop sync app. If the file is still unreadable, check if you have a previous version saved in your OneDrive 'Version history' by right-clicking the file online.
