File Extension Database

Open PSD File

PSD file extension is most commonly associated with a Photoshop Document, a proprietary format developed by Adobe for storing layered images. PSD files are not commonly found by end users, as their use is usually restricted to design and development environments.

PSD is the default file format of Adobe Photoshop, which allows images to be saved whilst retaining fully editable layering. As a result, PSD files are usually only used in design environments where an image may need to be modified. Final images are usually stored in alternative formats such as File extension TIFF, File extension PNG or File extension JPG depending on how they are to be used. Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard application for the manipulation of bitmap images, and as a result the PSD file format is widely used and to an extent supported by rival applications.

PSD files store images in layers, with each layer comprising of separate raster or vector images, effects or filters. Layers within PSD files may also contain masks, colour spaces, transparency, alpha channels, text or clipping paths. These are stacked on top of one another, allowing elements to be placed or effects applied on top of the original image. Each layer is referenced by a name and description which can be altered to reflect its contents, making PSD files easy to work with, even if they are worked on by multiple designers. PSD files are most frequently encountered in the design industry, though they are also widely used to distribute editable image files such as web page templates over the Internet.

Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Photoshop Elements can be used to open PSD files on both the Windows and Mac platforms. Corel Paint Shop Pro and ACDSee Photo Manager can also be used to open PSD files in Windows, though some features of the document may not be fully supported.

For more information about PSD files and Photoshop you can refer to Adobe customer support.

Typical PSD application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\PictureViewer.exe "%1"

Frequently used application names to open PSD files:

QuickTime

Frequently associated Windows objects:

QuickTime.psd

How Can I Open PSD File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PSD file is to find a PSD file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PSD file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PSD file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PSD file opener then try to search online for "PSD viewer", "application to open PSD file" or "open PSD file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PSD file

How Can I Open PSD File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PSD file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PSD file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PSD file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PSD file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PSD file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PSD file then try to search for "PSD viewer", "application to open PSD file" or "read PSD file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PSD file

How Can I Open PSD File on Android

If you downloaded a PSD file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PSD file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PSD".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PSD viewer", "PSD file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PSD File on iPhone or iPad

To open PSD File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PSD file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PSD". This way you can find apps which can open PSD files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PSD viewer" or "PSD file" online in your favorite search engine.