Co-workers using CS3, I'm getting CS4. File incompatibilities?

Question

I work with two graphic artists that use CS3. I will most likely be purchasing a new iMac this weekend and I'm assuming that I will only have CS4 available to buy unless I look for CS3 on ebay or something.
Will there be many file incompatibilities if I'm using CS4 while the other artists are using CS3? Example, if I create something in CS4 will I need to downsave to CS3 so the other artists can open it - or will that even be necessary?
Are there any other issues that could arise?
Thanks in advance!
Daryl

Answer 1

Don't be embarrassed - I had to ask a co-worker just to make sure before I
told you. They have to do the same for me - except they are saving cs3 files
down to cs1.
Anyway, it should work the same for your daughter...
First thing I would do is make a copy of the file for safe-keeping. After
she has done this select all the fonts (if there are any) and go to "Type >
Create Outlines." This will keep the fonts from being substituted for a
different font when you convert from c34 to 3. However, you can't retype
over the fonts once this is done (hence making a copy of the file).
I always keep two versions of a file. One with the type intact and one with
the type converted to outlines.
Now - to save down to cs3....
With the file open (the one converted to outlines)  - Go to ³File > Save As
Save² then click the dropdown next to ³Version² and select Illustrator
CS3. That should do it.
Please don't hesitate to email back if you need more help or have a
question.
Daryl