PSD file (Photoshop Document)
Photoshop document. Read-only, flattened on import.
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Convert PSD to JPG, free and without uploading it.
What is a PSD file?
In short: A PSD file (.psd) is an image file in the PSD format. A PSD is a working document rather than a finished image. It can be converted to JPG, PNG or WEBP for free in a web browser with iHateFiles, without uploading it.
The native document format of Adobe Photoshop, in use since 1990.
A PSD is a working document rather than a finished image. It keeps layers, masks, adjustment layers, text that is still editable, and smart objects, along with a flattened composite that other programs read. That composite is what a converter can extract.
What PSD is good at
- Preserves an entire editing session, not just the result
- Text stays editable and effects stay adjustable
- The industry standard for handover between designers
Where PSD falls short
- Very large files
- Only Adobe software reads everything in one
- Not viewable in a browser
When to use PSD
Keep the PSD as your working file and export a PNG or JPG for anything that needs to be seen.
How to open a PSD file
Photoshop fully; other editors partially. Converting it flattens the layers.
| Windows | Photoshop, or GIMP and Photopea for free. Windows Photos will not open it. |
|---|---|
| macOS | Photoshop, GIMP, Photopea, or Preview for the flattened composite only. |
| Linux | GIMP reads layers; Krita reads most of them. |
| Phone | Photoshop Express, with layers flattened. |
| In a browser | No browser displays PSD. Photopea runs in a browser but is an application, not native support. |
The thing that usually goes wrong
Converting a PSD gives you the flattened picture. The layers are not in the result, so keep the original if you will need to edit again.
Not sure the file really is a PSD? Identify it by its contents, whatever its extension says.
Questions
What is a PSD file?
PSD stands for Photoshop Document. Photoshop document. Read-only, flattened on import. Files use the .psd extension.
What does PSD stand for?
PSD stands for Photoshop Document.
How do I open a PSD file?
On Windows: Photoshop, or GIMP and Photopea for free. Windows Photos will not open it. On a Mac: Photoshop, GIMP, Photopea, or Preview for the flattened composite only. On a phone: Photoshop Express, with layers flattened. Or convert a PSD here to a format that opens everywhere, free and without uploading it.
Can I convert PSD for free?
Yes. Every conversion here is free and unlimited, because your own device does the work rather than a server we have to pay for.
Is PSD lossless?
Yes. PSD stores every pixel exactly, at the cost of a larger file.