Photoshop Document (.PSD)
PSD (Photoshop Document) is the native file format for Adobe Photoshop, capable of storing layered images with full editing capabilities. It preserves layers, masks, adjustment layers, blend modes, text layers, vector paths, and smart objects in a single file. PSD supports color depths up to 32 bits per channel and multiple color spaces including RGB, CMYK, and Lab.
Advantages of Photoshop Document
What the PSD format does well, and why you might choose it.
- Preserves all Photoshop layers, masks, effects, and editing history
- Supports very high bit depths and multiple color spaces for professional work
- Widely supported for import by other design and image editing applications
Limitations of Photoshop Document
What the PSDformat doesn't do well, and when to choose another format.
- Large file sizes, especially with many layers and high-resolution images
- Maximum file size of 2 GB (PSB format required for larger files)
- Full editing capability requires Adobe Photoshop or compatible software
What PSD files are used for
- Professional photo editing and retouching with layered workflows
- Graphic design source files for print and digital media
- Design handoff files between designers and production teams
Convert to PSD
The most common formats people convert to PSD, ready to convert in seconds.
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Convert Photoshop Document files into the format you actually need.
Frequently asked questions about PSD
What is a .PSD file?
PSD (Photoshop Document) is the native file format for Adobe Photoshop, capable of storing layered images with full editing capabilities. It preserves layers, masks, adjustment layers, blend modes, text layers, vector paths, and smart objects in a single file. PSD supports color depths up to 32 bits per channel and multiple color spaces including RGB, CMYK, and Lab.
What is the MIME type of PSD?
The official MIME type for PSD files is image/vnd.adobe.photoshop. This is the value web servers and applications use to identify the format when transferring files.
What category does PSD belong to?
PSD is a Image Converter format. Files in this category share common conversion paths and use cases.
How do I open a .PSD file?
PSD files are typically opened by software that natively supports the Photoshop Documentformat. If you don't have a compatible application, the most reliable approach is to convert the file to a more universal format using the converters listed above. Most Photoshop Document files convert to widely-supported alternatives in seconds.
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