PSD File Extension
Adobe Photoshop Document
- File Type psd
- Developer Adobe Systems
- Popularity
- Application Adobe Photoshop
- Category Raster Image Files, Graphics Files
- Format Binary
What is a PSD file?
Files with the PSD extension are associated with Adobe Photoshop Document and are categorized as Raster Image Files and Graphics Files, making up 1131 files.
The Adobe Photoshop Document (PSD), created by Adobe, is one of file format they developed, and they also built 81 programs to support them.
PSD file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS, as well as mobile devices running Apple iOS. When working with PSD files, you can rely on 31 programs, including FastPictureViewer Pro, XnView and PhotoScape X.
MIME types
- image/x-photoshop
- zz-application/zz-winassoc-psd
- image/psd, application/photoshop
- image/photoshop
- application/psd
File Signature
HEX code: 38 42 50 53 00 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00. ASCII code: 8BPS.
Programs that support PSD files
Windows
FastPictureViewer Pro
XnView
Affinity Photo
ACDSee Photo Manager
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe InDesign
PhotoFiltre Studio
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Creative Suite
PhotoWebber
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Affinity Designer
Corel Painter- SignLab
SketchBook- Advanced PSD Repair
CorelDraw Graphics Suite- Real-Draw
Xara Page & Layout Designer
PaintShop Pro
TexturePacker
Image Composite Editor
Mac OS
Apple iOS
Online Services
How to open a PSD file?
If you can’t open a PSD file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
Thanks to their popularity, FastPictureViewer Pro, XnView and PhotoScape X are often the go-to programs for managing PSD files. To install the updated version of Adobe Photoshop, simply go to the Adobe site and download the installer compatible with all major platforms.
When you finish installing Adobe Photoshop, the system will automatically launch PSD files with it.
Set Adobe Photoshop as your default PSD viewer
Set default app to open files on Mac
- Right-click or Control + left-click on the desired PSD file to open a menu of available actions;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu. It is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
- Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then search for Adobe Photoshop. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Change a default app in Windows
- Take the first step by right-clicking on your PSD file. Next, select "Open With" and then choose "Choose another app" from the available options;
- From the list of applications in the pop-up window, find and select Adobe Photoshop as your desired application;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to set your chosen app as the default for opening PSD files.
Solving Common PSD File Challenges
When facing challenges with PSD files, simple adjustments in your software can often solve the problem. Find helpful troubleshooting guidance below.
Why does Adobe Photoshop stop responding or crash intermittently?
Lack of software updates is a possible reason behind Adobe Photoshop crash. Keep your Adobe products up to date by installing the latest updates.
A simple restart of your computer can often fix many common problems, which is why it is the recommended first step before making any adjustments to your software settings.
What are the best practices for repairing a PSD file that has gone bad?
In Advanced PSD Repair, open the damaged PSD file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged raster image files.
How do I know if my PSD file has been damaged?
Characteristics of corrupted PSD raster image files can include:
- Error alerts occur when actions are performed on the file;
- Editing the archive in Adobe Photoshop is hampered by poor overall performance;
- When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
- Unexplained PSD file size inflation;
- Adobe Photoshop or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
How to edit a PSD file?
To modify PSD files, you need to install special software that makes it possible to open and edit raster image files. Online PSD editors are more restricted compared to software designed for Adobe Photoshop Document.
Best PSD Editor Software in 2026
After analyzing the criteria, we have created a list of PSD editors available for use.
| PSD Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.9 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
| Adobe Photoshop Elements | Adobe | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (41 review) |
| Photopea | Photopea | Online Services | 4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| PaintShop Pro | Corel | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (41 review) |
| SketchBook | Autodesk | Windows, Mac OS | 4.6 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Affinity Photo | Serif Europe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.1 out of 5 (41 review) |
Convert files to and from PSD
If obstacles arise while working with a PSD file, you may convert it to formats like AVI, DWG, JPG, JPEG, GIF or other similar types for smoother handling.
After converting a PSD file, some capabilities may be limited, but you can often convert it back to the original format.
Offline software options such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements and Picture Resize Genius guarantee lossless conversion of PSD files.