PSD files lose layer effects when opened in older Photoshop with Maximum Compatibility disabled

Determine the appropriate setting for Photoshop’s Maximum Compatibility option when saving PSD files that will be opened by team members using different Photoshop releases, aiming to preserve layer appearance while controlling file size growth.

Enabling the option stores a flattened composite inside the PSD, which increases file size significantly, whereas disabling it can cause older versions to drop or alter adjustment layers, smart objects, and certain layer effects. The exact features that trigger missing appearance and the typical size overhead for common document types remain unclear.

Which Photoshop features are most likely to lose fidelity when Maximum Compatibility is off? What is the average file‑size increase for a typical PSD with adjustment layers and smart objects when the option is enabled? How can teams decide per‑project whether the compatibility trade‑off is acceptable without testing each file individually?