A PSD (Photoshop Document) file or image is a native file format that supports multiple objects, images, and layers within a single file, often in high resolution, created in Adobe Photoshop. Such files are created and shared among graphics professionals for complex image editing and design tasks.
PSD stands for Photoshop Document, which can be identified using the .psd file extension at the end of the file name. PSD is also referred to as Adobe Photoshop Document.
A PSD file comprises file information, annotations, keywords, layer masks, adjustment layers, image layers, and additional photo-specific elements.
Its closest variant is the Adobe Larger Document Format (PSB), which supports all PSD features. However, compared to other raster file formats such as PNG or JPG, the PSD file format is unique as it supports image manipulation, including the addition of clipping paths, alpha channels, texts, transparency, masks, and layers.
PSD files comprise different layers or multilayers prearranged for separate editing. Each PSD file can be edited in isolation, allowing for complex image features to be altered. The file format has filters and effects, paths, smart objects, adjustment layers, and masks, which can be easily embedded.
History of PSD Files
Adobe Systems Incorporation created and launched PSD version 1.0 in 1990 for Macintosh operating systems. However, in 1993, the company launched PSD version 2.5, which is compatible with Windows operating systems.
Each PSD version added new functionalities and complexity to the file format. For instance, in 1994, Adobe released PSD version 3.0, which integrated additional layers, although version 6.0, launched in 2000, featured the type tool and vector shapes.
The PSD format was created to store multilayered image files and serve as the primary printing format. It permits users to store various layers of an image, such as effects, shapes, and text.
Sample PSD files include Multi-Value Items, Vector Shapes, Image Placeholders with Frames, Image Placeholders, Rich-Formatted Text, and Plain Text. The files can support pixel-based fonts and images as well as vector images.
The PSD file format is widely recognized and used in the design and photography industries. It is a key component of Adobe Photoshop, a popular tool among professional content creators. Adobe Photoshop and its associated PSD format are integral to Adobe Creative Cloud, which boasts millions of users worldwide. The popularity of the PSD format is reflected in its widespread usage in complex image editing and graphic design tasks.
Properties of PSD Files
PSD is a powerful and versatile file format that Adobe Photoshop uses to store layered images. The file format offers high-quality color or detail preservation, non-destructive workflows, and editing capabilities, making it the preferred option among professional artists, photographers, and designers.
Structure
PSD files are raster-based and used in multilayered and detail-heavy designs, such as photo editing tasks. They support multiple layers of different graphical elements, text, and images. Compared to standard image formats, including GIFs, PSD is exclusively structured, offering a multidimensional design perspective.
PSD structure comprises the file header, color mode data, image resources, layer and mask data, and image data. The file header has the primary features of the image, including the pixel width and height, the number of bits per channel, the number of channels in an image, the version, and the color of the file.
The number of supported channels in the image header, including the alpha channels, ranges between 1 and 56. The supported bits per channel include 1 bit, 8 bits, 16 bits, and 32 bits. The 'Image Mode Menu' allows changing the PSD color mode.
PSD file’s bit depth is vital since it defines the quantity of information stored for each pixel in an image. It supports multichannel color modes like lab color, indexed color, duotone, monochrome, grayscale, CMYK, bitmap, and RGB. It uses a 24-bit RGB color model, meaning PSD technically renders over 16 million colors.
The color mode data component of a PSD file specifies the color data's length. It is set to 0 (zero) unless the color mode is duotone or indexed as defined within the header profile. If so, the duotone image color and indexed color data are processed and stored under this section.
For all other modes, this section is represented by 4-byte zeroed values. For Indexed color images, the length is 768, and the color data contains the image's color table in non-interleaved order. For Duotone images, the color data contains the Duotone specification.
The image resources specify the length of the resource section, which comprises a sequence of blocks, each with a resource ID indicating the data type stored within the block. Such blocks store non-pixel data related to the PSD image, namely the pencil or pen tool paths.
The layer and mask information section contains data about the masks and layers, including the mask parameters, effects layers, adjustment layer keys, blending ranges, channels in the layers, and the number of layers. It is uniquely structured and offers a multi-sample pixels’ design perspective.
The image data component contains the actual image information, the compression technique adopted, and the pixels’ data in the image. PSD hardly supports compression techniques, such as Zip with prediction coding, Zip without prediction coding, RLE compression, or raw image data.
PSD files can be larger, reaching a size limit of 2 gigabytes and accommodating complex, high-quality, high-resolution designs. The file format can support up to 30,000 x 30,000 pixels in width and height, offering its files an appealing color spread and image depth range.
Storage
PSDs store large amounts of image data, including several layers of different images or graphical elements. The image data layers are stored independently for easy editing. However, the stored data requires more storage space because a PSD file can be as large as 2GB.
A PSD image format can be stored indefinitely. It stores all image layers, including hidden ones, enabling users to edit them later. PSD images can be stored on hard drives, Cloud storage, File Systems, DVDs, CDs, Content Delivery Networks, and Floppy Drives.
Compression
A PSD file is an example of a file type that is always uncompressed. However, external tools can perform a lossless compression method like RLE (Run-Length Encoding) or ZIP to reduce the PSD file size.
Uncompressed PSD files are larger and could increase loading times. However, compressed PSD files require less storage space than their uncompressed counterparts, leading to more efficient storage and potentially lower storage costs.
Editing
Different tools, applications, or software, including GIMP, InDesign, CoralDraw, Corel PaintShop, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, MAGIX Xara Designer Pro X, Affinity Photo, Paint.NET, Krita, Photoline, Pixelmator, Snap Converter and Apple Preview can be used to open and edit PSD files.
PSD images can also be resized using Photopea Online Editor, Corel PaintShop, CorelDraw Graphics Suite, Adobe InDEsign, Illustrator, Pixelmator Pro, File Helper, and Immagine Pixlr.
Animation
PSD has no inherent support for animation. However, its high-definition quality and multiple layers can be integrated into other designs for animation and lively content creation.
Transparency
The PSD file format supports transparency, including alpha transparency channels. These channels allow the creation of images with complex compositions or transparent backgrounds that can be integrated seamlessly into other objects or projects.
Best Use Case of PSD Files
- Photo Retouching and Editing: PSD files allow photographers to work with multiple files to retouch certain parts, apply filters, make non-destructive alterations, or combine various images. Their layered structure permits easy modification and fine-tuning at every editing stage.
- Print Design: Used in print design workflows to create print-ready materials, including business cards, posters, brochures, and many more. The high-quality image preservation and layered structure ensure professional output and color reproduction.
- Web Design: Designers use PSD files to create web graphical elements, user interfaces, and website layouts in Photoshop Document Format. The format's layered structure enhances the exportation and modification of specific tools for website development.
- Professional Design: Illustrators, photographers, and graphic designers use the PSD file format to create and edit professional-quality designs. It offers the control and flexibility necessary for precise editing, complex compositions, and image manipulation.
Unrecommended Use Cases of PSD Files
Limited Storage Space: PSD files are unsuitable for larger projects with limited storage space. Its files can be huge, necessitating more storage space.
Native Support: PSD is natively supported by Adobe Photoshop and may not work well with non-Adobe-supported programs or applications, necessitating additional plug-ins or extensions.
PSD Browser Support
The Adobe Photoshop Document (. psd) files are supported by modern mobile or desktop web browsers such as:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Apple Safari
- Microsoft Edge
- Opera Mini
- Vivaldi
On the other hand, PSD files are not compatible or supported by web browsers like:
- Internet Explorer
- Discord
- Brave
However, for web browsers that do not support PSD files, users may need to install some third-party software to show the PSD as a thumbnail.
Possible PSD Browser Errors
PSD files are associated with or encounter the following errors:
- Scratch disks are full
- Images removed
- Could not complete your request because of a program error
- Damaged file
- An unknown error has occurred on Export in Photoshop
- Corrupted Photoshop file
- Illustrator Photoshop file could not be read due to an error
- Not enough RAM
- Image not included
- Could not be saved because of a disk error
- Error in Photoshop file: wrong signature
Advantages of PSD
- High-Quality Preservation: PSD file format stores image information losslessly, guaranteeing that the original image details and quality are retained. This makes it ideal for professional print production and design work where image fidelity and detailed color representation are crucial.
- Flexibility and Control: PSD files support different features and tools in Photoshop, allowing designers complete control over their design work. Designers can experiment using various creative methods, adjust colors, apply effects, and manipulate layers to attain the desired visual outcome.
- Non-Destructive Editing: PSD files' layered structure enables non-destructive editing, permitting users to hide or modify specific image layers without interfering with the overall composition. Such flexibility is essential when making iterative changes or working with complex designs.
- Future Editability: PSD files can be reopened in Adobe Photoshop, enabling users to make further modifications or edits even after saving the files. The flexibility level allows users to make future adjustments to ongoing projects as required.
- Compatibility: The PSD file format flawlessly assimilates with various Adobe Creative Suite programs, including After Effects, InDesign, and Illustrator, allowing for streamlined workflows and effective collaboration between different design tools.
Disadvantages of PSD
- Lacks Native Support: Without Creative Cloud software, MacOS and Windows operating systems do not inherently support PSD files.
- Larger Files: PSD files can be as large as 2GB, depending on usage, making them difficult to transfer or store.
- Requires Subscription: PSD is a native file format of Photoshop, and only Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers can use it.
How to open PSD files
A PSD file can be opened and edited using a wide range of software. Major professional editing software includes Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Fireworks, Corel PaintShop Pro, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, and Corel Painter. Other notable software includes GIMP, Serif Affinity Photo, Canvas GFX Canvas X Pro, ACD Systems ACDSee Photo Studio, and Pixelmator Pro. Utility and viewing software like File Viewer Plus, Periscope, Design II, DXTBmp, Snap Converter, File Helper, Apple Preview, and web-based tools like Photopea and Immagine Pixlr also support PSD files.
PSD files are compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Unix Systems, and DOS. Numerous software options are available to open and edit PSD files on both macOS and Windows, even without Adobe Creative Cloud.
Converting PSD
PSD files can be converted to Adobe AI, EPS, DICOM Image (DCM), Bitmap Image (BMP), WebP Image (WEBP), GIF, TIFF, PNG, PDF, and JPG using online PSD converters such as “convertjack."