PSD files stand for Photoshop Document files. They are the native file format used by Adobe Photoshop to store images with support for a lot of editing features. PSD files allow you to store images with layers, effects, masks, transparency, and other Photoshop features that will allow you to continue editing the image after it’s been saved.
What is a PSD file?
A PSD file is the file format that Adobe Photoshop uses to store images. PSD stands for “Photoshop Document.” It has become a standard file format for storing and editing images in layers. The PSD format allows you to store an image file with support for a lot of additional image features like effects, transparency, and masks.
When you work on an image in Photoshop and save the file, Photoshop by default will save it in the PSD format. This preserves all the work you’ve done on the image in an editable format. So if you want to come back later and make changes, all the layers, tweaks, edits, and effects you applied will be there.
The key difference between PSD files and other image formats like JPG, PNG, GIF, etc. is that those other formats flatten the image down to a background. With a PSD file, all your layers are preserved. This makes it the best format for storing a Photoshopped image before you export a flattened copy to JPG or PNG.
Key Features of PSD Files
- Stores images with layers intact.
- Supports transparency and alpha channels.
- Retains masks and adjustment layers.
- Preserves Photoshop effects and styles.
- Allows continuing to edit images after saving.
Why Use PSD Files?
There are several key reasons why PSD files are useful as a format to save your Photoshop images in:
Non-Destructive Editing
The main advantage of PSD files is that they allow non-destructive editing. When you work on an image in Photoshop, you may use layers, masks, filters, adjustments, and effects to build up your desired end result. With a PSD file, all of these edits are preserved and can be modified later.
This lets you experiment, tweak, and refine your images over time without losing or overriding any changes. You can make edits, then revert them or try something different. Non-destructive editing gives you maximum flexibility.
Easy File Management
With PSD files, everything about your image is contained in one file. You don’t have to manage separate assets. This makes it easier to share PSD files with other Photoshop users without losing track of external files.
Smaller File Size Than Layers
While PSD files preserve your layers, they can still provide smaller file sizes than if you saved out each layer individually. This saves storage space and makes PSD files easier to share online.
Future Editability
If you want to be able to edit or build on your Photoshop images in the future, PSD is the best format to use. Since it retains all your work, you don’t have to start again from scratch if you need to revise the image later.
When Should You Use PSD Files?
Here are some examples of times when it’s useful to save your images as PSD files:
- When the image is still a work in progress and will require more editing.
- If you need to hand off the image file to another designer or Photoshop user.
- When you want to archive an image before flattening to JPG/PNG.
- If you need to resize or repurpose the image in the future.
- When you may want to edit or build on effects/styles applied.
In general, anytime you will need to revisit or revise an image again in Photoshop, using PSD format will make that process easier.
PSD File Format Specifications
Photoshop PSD files have gone through several revisions over the years. Here are some details on the technical specifications:
| PSD Version | Max Dimensions | Features |
|---|---|---|
| PSD | 30,000 x 30,000 pixels | Basic PSD support |
| PSB | 300,000 x 300,000 pixels | Large dimension support |
| PSD2 | 30,000 x 30,000 pixels | Duotone support |
| PSD3 | 30,000 x 30,000 pixels | IEEE Floating Point support |
| PSD4 | 30,000 x 30,000 pixels | expanded color gamut |
| PSD5 | 300,000 x 300,000 pixels | Advanced compositing effects |
Photoshop CC 2017 and newer versions can open PSD file formats 1 through 7. Older legacy versions may not support the newest PSD file features.
PSD File Size and Resolution
The size and maximum resolution of your PSD files will depend on the version format:
- PSD – Base 2GB limit, 30,000 x 30,000 pixel max size.
- Large Document Format PSD (PSB) – Up to 4 exabytes in size, 300,000 x 300,000 pixel max dimensions.
- TIFF (TIF) – Up to 4GB size limit, can save layers.
Higher resolution PSD files will have larger file sizes. But they maintain image quality if you need to resize or repurpose the image.
PSD File Compression
PSD files can be compressed on save to reduce file size. Photoshop offers several compression methods:
- RLE – Basic run-length compression, medium performance.
- LZW – Lempel-Ziv-Welch compression, used in GIF files.
- ZIP – Increased compression, lossless.
- JPEG – JPEG compression, some quality loss.
The best option depends on your priorities for image quality vs. small file size. RLE and LZW provide lossless compression. JPEG compresses better but is lossy. ZIP balances both reasonably well.
Opening PSD Files Without Photoshop
Since PSD is a proprietary Photoshop format, you need Photoshop to open and edit PSD files fully. But there are a few other options to open PSD files for viewing if you don’t have Photoshop:
- Adobe Illustrator – Can open PSD for viewing but not editing.
- Affinity Photo – Alternative to Photoshop that can work with PSD files.
- GIMP – Free image editor, limited PSD support.
- Adobe Photoshop Express – Web and mobile app can view PSD files.
- Preview (Mac) – Built-in Mac app provides basic PSD previews.
- Fileconverters.com – Online PSD viewer to preview files.
There are also standalone apps and plugins that provide basic PSD viewing capability in Windows File Explorer or Mac Finder for previewing thumbnails and metadata.
How to Export and Save a PSD File
When working on images in Photoshop, it’s good practice to use PSD as your working file format while editing. Then when done, export a copy to JPG, PNG, GIF, or other flattened formats for distribution or use online/digitally.
To export from PSD, there are a few options:
Save As
Use the “Save As…” command in Photoshop, choose a file format like JPG and options. This will export a copy of your PSD to other file types.
Export As
Use the “Export As…” command to export copies in different formats like JPG, PNG, and TIFF. You can select export settings like quality and resolution.
Save for Web
The “Save for Web” command allows you to downsample images to smaller resolutions optimized for web use and export formats like JPG, GIF, and PNG.
Photoshop Plugins
There are various Photoshop plugins that give you more options when exporting from PSD like setting sizes, batch exporting, watermarking, etc.
By default, Photoshop will save your original working file as PSD when you save your work. Always keep this PSD source file, and export copies as needed to share or use your image elsewhere.
Tips for Working with PSD Files
Here are some tips to keep in mind when working with Photoshop’s PSD file format:
- Turn layers into Smart Objects before applying effects – This lets you modify effects later.
- Use layer comps to store different layer visibility options.
- Collapse down layers into a single image layer when done editing those layers.
- Try not to upgrade file formats when opening old PSD files in new versions of Photoshop.
- Separate complex projects into multiple PSD files rather than one huge file.
- Use folders and grouping to organize layers and keep large PSD files manageable.
- Save incremental versions as you work in case you need to revert back.
Mastering use of layers, smart objects, and masks will give you the most benefit when working with PSD files for non-destructive editing.
Why Editable PSDs Are Important
For designers and Photoshop users, having access to fully editable PSD source files is very valuable versus just exporting flattened image files. There are several key reasons for this:
- Makes it easy to edit and update the image in the future.
- Allows modifying layers, effects, colors, styles separately.
- Preserves any vector content for scaling without quality loss.
- Provides more creative flexibility for repurposing images.
- Gives you full access to alter the image non-destructively.
For all these reasons, PSD files play an essential role in smooth, efficient creative workflows. PSD files bridge the gap between initial design concepts and exported image assets.
Conclusion
PSD files provide Photoshop users with a powerful image format that retains layers, effects, adjustments, and other editing capabilities. This enables non-destructive workflows and easy repurposing of images. While other programs can view PSDs, Photoshop provides full editing access. PSD files combine comprehensive creative features with a standardized image format for reliable cross-app compatibility.