PSD (Photoshop Document) is a Adobe Photoshop format commonly used for layered design files, retouching projects, handoff to designers. This guide covers compatibility, compression, transparency, and conversion choices.
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Yes |
| Animation | No |
| Layers | Yes |
| Primary uses | layered design files, retouching projects, handoff to designers |
Extension
.psd
MIME type
image/vnd.adobe.photoshop, application/x-photoshop
Family
Adobe Photoshop
Compression
layered editing document
Browser support
design apps
Preserves editable layers
Supports masks and effects
Central in Photoshop workflows
Large files
Not for browser delivery
Best opened in compatible design apps
PSD is the ImageHQ reference page for Photoshop Document. It explains where the format works well, what tradeoffs to expect, and how to choose between PSD and related formats in production image workflows.
Use PSD when the workflow values layered design files, retouching projects, handoff to designers. This is the practical fit that matters before tuning compression or conversion settings.
- layered design files
- retouching projects
- handoff to designers
The main advantages of PSD are predictable in real projects: preserves editable layers, supports masks and effects, central in photoshop workflows.
- Preserves editable layers
- Supports masks and effects
- Central in Photoshop workflows
PSD is not always the best delivery choice. Watch for large files, not for browser delivery, best opened in compatible design apps before using it as a default.
- Large files
- Not for browser delivery
- Best opened in compatible design apps
PSD uses layered editing document compression behavior. That affects file size, editability, transparency, and whether repeated export cycles can visibly change the image.
Convert PSD files when a recipient, browser, archive, or editing tool needs a different balance of compatibility, transparency, file size, or preservation.
PSD is web-ready when browser support and file size match the use case. Compare it with WebP, AVIF, PNG, and JPG before choosing a default.
PSD transparency support: yes. Use PNG, WebP, AVIF, SVG, or PSD when alpha transparency is required.