.psd — Adobe Photoshop Document
Photoshop's layered working file format for editable designs, masks, text, and effects.
About this format
PSD is a working format, not a final web image. It preserves layers, masks, adjustment layers, text, channels, and other Photoshop editing data.
Use PSD when you need to continue editing. Export to PNG, JPG, WebP, SVG, or PDF when you need to publish or share a flattened result.
Real-world samples & file sizes
PSD samples should be judged in the sizes people actually receive, upload, or export. These reference cards show the common shapes and settings to check before choosing a conversion target.
wide preview
Use for wallpapers, video frames, and desktop previews.
square crop
Use for profile images, album art, and social posts.
feed portrait
A common portrait export for social feeds.
story frame
Use for phone-first previews and vertical posts.
Reference dimensions are platform-style targets. Compatibility and format facts are verified from the linked online sources below.
Pros
- +Preserves editable Photoshop layers
- +Supports masks, text, channels, and effects
- +Common in design handoff
Cons
- −Large files
- −Limited support outside design apps
- −Not browser-renderable as an image
PSD vs other formats
| vs | Size | Quality | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNG | PNG is smaller after flattening | PNG is final output | PNG cannot preserve editable Photoshop layers. |
| TIFF | Varies | Both can preserve high quality | TIFF is better for archival or print interchange. |
Where it works
- Requires an app to open fully
- Preview support is limited
- Browsers do not render PSD directly
- Adobe Photoshop
- Affinity Photo
- Photopea
- GIMP with limitations
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
- Can browsers display PSD?
- No. Export a flattened image such as PNG, JPG, or WebP for browsers.
- Is PSD good for final delivery?
- Only when the receiver needs editability. For publishing, export a smaller final format.
Sources
- Adobe Photoshop file formats - Photoshop format capabilities and usage
- Library of Congress file format descriptions - archival format descriptions and sustainability notes