What is a PSD File? (And How to Open It)

A PSD file is an Adobe Photoshop Document - the native file format for Adobe Photoshop. If someone sends you a .psd file, they've likely sent you a layered design file that was created in Photoshop.

Need to open a PSD file right now? Use the LinkyHost PSD Viewer to preview any PSD file instantly in your browser — no Photoshop or software install needed.

PSD File Basics

PSD stands for: Photoshop Document

Created by: Adobe Photoshop

File extension: .psd

MIME type: image/vnd.adobe.photoshop

Max file size: 2GB (PSB format for larger files)

What's Inside a PSD File?

Unlike JPG or PNG, PSD files contain:

• Layers - Individual editable elements stacked on top of each other
• Masks - Areas that hide or reveal parts of layers
• Adjustment layers - Non-destructive color/brightness changes
• Text layers - Editable text (not flattened)
• Smart objects - Embedded files that can be edited separately
• Layer effects - Shadows, glows, strokes, etc.
• Paths - Vector shapes and selections

This makes PSDs much larger than regular images but fully editable.

PSD vs Other Image Formats

Format	Layers	Editable	File Size	Best For
PSD	Yes	Fully	Large	Working files
JPG	No	No	Small	Photos, web
PNG	No	No	Medium	Graphics, transparency
TIFF	Sometimes	Limited	Large	Print, archiving
SVG	N/A	Yes	Small	Vector graphics

How to Open PSD Files

Without Photoshop (Free Options)

Online viewers:

• LinkyHost PSD Viewer - Quick preview in browser

Free software:

• GIMP - Free, open-source Photoshop alternative (full layer support)
• Photopea - Free online editor (photopea.com)
• Paint.NET - With PSD plugin

Limited support:

• Preview (Mac) - View only, no layers
• IrfanView (Windows) - View only

With Photoshop

PSD files open natively in:

• Adobe Photoshop (paid)
• Adobe Photoshop Elements (paid, simplified)
• Adobe Illustrator (limited support)

When to Use PSD Files

Use PSD when:

• You need to edit the design later
• Working with a designer who uses Photoshop
• Storing master files with all layers intact
• Creating complex compositions

Don't use PSD when:

• Sharing final images (use JPG/PNG)
• Uploading to websites (use JPG/PNG/WebP)
• Emailing to non-designers (use PDF)

How to Share PSD Files

PSD files are large and require special software. Better options:

Option 1: Export as PDF

1. In Photoshop: File → Save As → PDF
2. Upload to LinkyHost
3. Share the link

Option 2: Export as JPG/PNG

1. In Photoshop: File → Export → Quick Export as PNG
2. Share the image file

Option 3: Use a Service

1. Upload to LinkyHost as PDF
2. Get a trackable link
3. Know when clients view your designs

Converting PSD Files

PSD to PDF

Best for sharing designs while preserving quality:

1. Open in Photoshop or GIMP
2. Export/Save as PDF
3. Share with LinkyHost PDF Link

PSD to JPG/PNG

Best for web use:

1. Open in any PSD viewer
2. Export as JPG (photos) or PNG (graphics)

PSD to SVG

For vector elements only - use Illustrator or export paths.

PSD File Size: Why So Large?

A typical PSD can be 50-500MB or more because it stores:

• Full resolution of every layer
• History states (if saved)
• Preview thumbnails
• Metadata and color profiles
• Layer effects data

To reduce size:

• Delete hidden layers
• Merge layers you don't need separate
• Reduce image dimensions
• Save as PSB for files over 2GB

Common PSD Problems

"Cannot open - not compatible"

The PSD may use features from a newer Photoshop version. Try opening in Photopea (web-based, supports modern features).

"File is corrupted"

Try recovery tools or ask for the file to be resent. PSD corruption can happen during transfer.

"Layers look wrong"

Different programs render effects differently. View in Photoshop or Photopea for accurate display.

PSD for Different Industries

Graphic designers: Standard working format Photographers: For retouching and compositing Web designers: For mockups (though Figma/Sketch more common now) Print designers: Master files before export to PDF

FAQ

Can I open PSD without Photoshop?

Yes. Use GIMP (free software) or Photopea (free online) for full editing. Use LinkyHost PSD Viewer for quick previews.

Are PSD files safe?

PSD files themselves are safe - they're just image data. But like any file, only open PSDs from trusted sources.

Can I convert PSD to editable format?

GIMP and Photopea preserve layers when opening PSD files, allowing full editing.

Why do designers send PSD files?

PSDs contain all the original layers and elements, making future edits possible. It's like sending the "source code" of a design.

Summary

PSD files are:

• Native Photoshop format
• Layered and fully editable
• Large but preserve all design elements

To open them:

• Free: GIMP, Photopea, LinkyHost Viewer
• Paid: Adobe Photoshop

To share them:

• Export as PDF or PNG
• Use LinkyHost for trackable links