My packed layer file crashed and taught me a tough lesson

Honestly, I used to think having tons of layers in my art software was no big deal. Tbh, I'd just keep adding them without merging any. Then my biggest portrait file, with like 250 layers, got corrupted and wouldn't open. Now I merge old layers as I go and save new copies every day.

3 comments

3 Comments

margaret1552mo ago

Wait, 250 layers? That's a huge number. In my experience, files can't handle that for long. Your new routine sounds much safer.

joelblack2mo ago

Admit @margaret155 is right, 250 layers is asking for trouble. I once tried something similar and my file got so messed up I had to start over. Your new routine is definitely the way to go.

the_mason2mo agoOG Member

But is 250 layers REALLY that bad? I've seen projects with more that run fine. It might depend on what software you're using and how you manage the layers. Joel's file getting messed up could be a one-time thing or due to something else, not just the layer count. The new routine might be safer, but it's not ALWAYS needed for high layer counts. Sometimes people blame the layers when it's actually poor organization or hardware limits.