What is .psd?
A .psd file is the native file format for Adobe Photoshop. It stores an image with support for most Photoshop imaging options, including layers with masks, transparency, text, alpha channels and spot colors, clipping paths, and duotone settings.
This quick guide explains when to use .psd files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .psd files
- You are working on a design project that requires layers and editability.
- You need to save a master copy of your image manipulation work.
- You are exchanging professional graphic assets with other designers.
How to open .psd files
PSD files are best opened with Adobe Photoshop. However, they can also be viewed or edited (with varying degrees of compatibility) by GIMP, Photopea (web-based), CorelDRAW, and some image viewers.
Algorithm details
A PSD file is divided into five major parts: File Header, Color Mode Data, Image Resources, Layer and Mask Information, and Image Data. This structure allows it to store complex editing states.
Browser & platform support
- Direct: Not supported natively by web browsers.
- Rendering: Requires specialized libraries (like psd.js) or conversion to a web-friendly format (JPG, PNG) for display.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Layers | Supports complex layers, masks, and effects, unlike flat formats like JPG or PNG. |
| Editability | Designed for non-destructive editing; you can change text or move elements later. |
| Compatibility | Proprietary format, though widely supported by professional design tools. |
How to create psd files
- Adobe Photoshop: The primary tool for creating PSDs.
- GIMP/Krita: Can export to PSD, though complex features might be lost.
How to convert psd files
- To JPG/PNG: Export from Photoshop ('Save for Web') or use online converters.
- FileXhost: Upload to share design assets.
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Industry standard for digital art and photo editing
- Preserves all editing capabilities (layers, text, effects)
- High quality and lossless
Disadvantages
- Proprietary format
- Large file sizes
- Not suitable for direct web display
Tools & software
Professional
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW
Free/Open Source
GIMP, Krita, Paint.NET (with plugin)
Web-based
Photopea
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a PSD file without Photoshop?
Yes, free tools like GIMP or the web-based Photopea can open and edit PSD files.
Why is my PSD file so huge?
Layers add up quickly. High-resolution images with many layers can easily reach hundreds of megabytes.
Can I post a PSD on my website?
Not directly as an image. You should export it as a JPEG, PNG, or WebP for the web.
Technical specs
- File type
- Image
- Extension
- .psd
- MIME type
- image/vnd.adobe.photoshop, application/x-photoshop, image/x-psd
- Compression
- Uncompressed
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Up to 2 GB. Files larger than 2 GB are saved as .psb (Photoshop Big).
Share .psd files instantly
Upload your .psd file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .psd file