A .psd file is Adobe Photoshop's native format. Its big advantage is that it keeps all your work: layers, editable text, masks, effects and adjustments. Its downside is that it's large and not every program can open it.
Why it's so large
A JPG image stores a single, already compressed layer. A PSD stores each layer separately, with no loss of information, plus masks and effects. That's why it's normal for a PSD to weigh tens or hundreds of megabytes, even if the final image is light.
How to view it without Photoshop
- Convert it to an image. With PSD to PNG, JPG or WebP you get the final flattened image, ready to share. It's processed in your browser, without uploading the file.
- A free editor. GIMP opens PSD files and keeps the layers in most cases. Photopea is a browser-based editor that opens them too.
- System viewers. Some systems show a PSD preview, but it's not reliable for checking details.
What "Maximize Compatibility" is
When saving, Photoshop can include a flattened version of the image inside the PSD. That's the view viewers and converters read. If it's missing, many tools can't display the file.
In Photoshop, you turn it on under Preferences > File Handling > Maximize PSD and PSB File Compatibility. If you receive a PSD that won't open in any viewer, ask whoever created it to save it again with this option.
Which format to choose when converting
| I need to | Format |
|---|---|
| Keep transparency | PNG or WebP |
| Share by message or email | JPG |
| Publish on a website | WebP |
If you're not sure which to use, see our guide JPG, PNG or WebP: which to use.
What you can't do
Converting a PSD to an image flattens the layers: you'll no longer be able to move the text or remove an element on its own. If you need to edit, use the original file in an editor that supports layers.