PSD File Extension

What is PSD file?

The .PSD file type stands for Adobe Photoshop Document. The .PSD is one of the most used file types in graphics today. Most of the graphics designers design their work using Photoshop software which is used to encode these designs and save them in the form of .PSD documents. The .PSD documents are also used widely by web programmers to implement the design and convert them into html format. The .PSD file format supports layered design which makes it unique for the designers adding sophistication to their designs. The .PSD is a proprietary file format of Adobe Inc. 

Programs which support PSD file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 4 operating systems that support PSD files. Files with PSD extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 07/11/2023

How to open file with PSD extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PSD files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with PSD extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with PSD files.

Step 1. Install Adobe Photoshop software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PSD files is that no program that can handle PSD files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Adobe Photoshop or one to the listed programs: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop Elements. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Adobe Photoshop website and download the installer.

Step 2. Update Adobe Photoshop to the latest version

You still cannot access PSD files although Adobe Photoshop is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Adobe Photoshop cannot handle files with PSD may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Adobe Photoshop is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Adobe Photoshop Document files with Adobe Photoshop

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate PSD files with latest version of Adobe Photoshop you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the PSD file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Adobe Photoshop installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open PSD files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with PSD extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with PSD extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the PSD is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper PSD file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the PSD in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the PSD is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. PSD file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the PSD file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with PSD extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Adobe Photoshop

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with PSD extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Adobe Photoshop Document files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with PSD files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the PSD file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on PSD file.