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PHOTOGRAPHY
Edit graphics and create incredible images with Photoshop Document (PSD) files — the native file format of Adobe Photoshop. Find out more about the history and uses of this file format.
Take a minute. We'll help you figure it out.
Take a minute. We'll help you figure it out.
PSD files are the native file format of Adobe Photoshop. You’ve probably seen files with the .psd extension format, especially if you’ve been an Adobe Photoshop user. Most commonly used by designers and artists, Photoshop Documents are powerful tools for image data storage and creation.
Now considered to be the industry standard file type for digital image manipulation and editing, the PSD emerged alongside Adobe Photoshop. As the software’s native file format, PSDs allowed Photoshop creations to be saved in high-quality, editable documents.
Adobe, then known as Adobe Systems Incorporated, first developed Photoshop in 1988 and released it to the public in 1990. The software — and its PSD file format — have evolved dramatically over time, creating a legacy for the company as the market leader for image editing.
PSDs can store large amounts of image data, including several layers of different images or graphical elements. With PSD sizes ranging up to two gigabytes, they can make distinctly large, editable files.
With Photoshop being the Swiss army knife in many designers’ toolkits, it’s no surprise that PSDs are common files in digital design work. The ability to work across several layers, import, and edit multiple graphics and high-quality images make PSDs a must for digital projects.
Photographers who use Photoshop and other Adobe Creative Cloud products for post processing tasks — like image editing, retouching, and compositing, for example — will be very familiar with PSD files. There’s almost nothing a photographer can’t do inside a PSD, from fixing an underexposed photo to creating high-gloss editorial imagery.
There are trade-offs for using PSDs. Their usefulness will depend on your needs and available tools.
You’ll need additional software, such as Creative Cloud, to open and edit PSD files. While Illustrator or Premiere Pro will open and display PSDs, you’ll need Photoshop to edit the original file.
Similar to Windows users, macOS users will need access to Creative Cloud to edit PSD files. The Preview app in macOS enables you to open and view PSD files by default, though you won’t be able to edit the image. To open in Preview:
When you’ve finished editing your file in Adobe Photoshop, simply hit Save As under File to save your work as a PSD.
Whenever you want to edit your design again, just head back to Photoshop and the File dropdown menu. From there, select Open and search for the PSD in question. Double-click on the file, and it will automatically open in Photoshop, all ready for editing.
A PSB file is a larger-form PSD. PSB stands for Photoshop Big and, as the name suggests, is a Photoshop-compatible file that stores more data than a standard PSD.
You will need to convert a PSD file to PDF before printing. You can do this by saving your PSD as a PDF in the Print menu under File in Photoshop.
You can open PSDs on your iPhone or Android phone if you have access the Adobe Photoshop Express app.
You’ll need to convert your PSD file to a PDF before you can view it in Adobe Acrobat.
Many people use PSD files when they’re working with high-quality graphics data such as large, detailed photographs or other high-resolution graphics and artwork.
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US$54.99/mo US$27.49/mo
Save 50% on 20+ apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and more. First three months only. Ends June 11.
See terms.
See what's included | Learn more
US$54.99/mo US$27.49/mo
Save 50% on 20+ apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and more. First three months only. Ends June 11.
See terms.
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See terms | Learn more
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