PSD is the native file format of Adobe Photoshop, used since the 1990s. It stores the full working state of an image: layers, masks, adjustment layers, smart objects, text, paths, channels, color profiles and layer effects.
PSD files support up to 30,000 by 30,000 pixels and 2 GB; larger documents use the PSB (Large Document Format) variant. Because they keep every layer, PSDs are often far larger than the flattened image. Photographers, designers and retouchers exchange PSDs when the recipient needs to continue editing.
| Extension | .psd |
|---|---|
| Full name | Adobe Photoshop Document |
| Type | Design files |
| Typical size | 20 MB–2 GB |
How to open a .psd file
| Device | How to open it |
|---|---|
| Windows | Adobe Photoshop is the full editor; free GIMP, Krita and Photopea (in the browser) open most layered PSDs, and File Explorer shows no thumbnail without extra codecs. |
| Mac | Preview and Quick Look show a flattened PSD; Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Pixelmator Pro and Photopea open layers. |
| iPhone / iPad | Files and Quick Look show a flattened preview; Photoshop on iPhone or Photopea in Safari can open layers. |
| Android | Photopea in the browser opens layered PSDs; most gallery apps cannot display PSD. |
| Linux | GIMP and Krita open PSD layers, and Photopea runs in any browser. |
Converting .psd files
PSDs are commonly flattened and exported to JPG or PNG for sharing or to PDF and TIFF for print via Photoshop's Export As or Save a Copy. Non-Adobe editors may not perfectly preserve smart objects, adjustment layers or some effects.
How to send a .psd file
- Open sendryo.com on the device that has the file and add it.
- Tap Get share code.
- On the other device, enter the code — the .psd file arrives directly, unchanged, at full quality.
Tips for sharing .psd files
- Package or embed linked smart objects and fonts used in text layers, otherwise the recipient sees missing links and substitute fonts.
- PSDs often exceed email and messaging limits; send as a file with a direct transfer, or ZIP several PSDs together.
- Include a flattened JPG or PNG preview so non-designers can check the image without Photoshop.
More: how to send psd files.
Frequently asked questions
How can I open a PSD file without Photoshop?
Free options include Photopea, a browser-based editor that opens layered PSDs, plus GIMP and Krita on Windows, Mac and Linux. Preview on Mac shows a flattened version. Complex features like smart objects and some effects may not render exactly as in Photoshop.
What is the difference between PSD and PSB?
PSB is Photoshop's Large Document Format. PSD files are limited to 2 GB and 30,000 pixels per side, while PSB supports up to 300,000 pixels per side and files much larger than 2 GB. Panoramas and large print files often need PSB.
Why is my PSD file so big?
PSDs keep every layer, mask, smart object and a composite preview, often at 16 bits per channel. Each extra full-size layer adds roughly the size of the whole image. Merging unused layers, rasterizing heavy smart objects or saving at 8 bits reduces size.
How do I send a large .psd file?
Open Sendryo on both devices, add the .psd file and share the 6-digit code. It goes directly to the other device at original quality, with no size limit set by us and no upload to a server.