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PSD File Format Specification

File Name Format .psd
Type Raster graphics
Platform IA-32 and x86-64
OS Mac and windows
Developer Adobe Systems
Type Code 8BPS

What do you understand by PSD file format?

PSD is a photoshop’s native file format. This file format is one of the few file types that fully support all of the powerful features that photoshop give us adjustment layers, layer masks, channels etc. It is a lossless file format, its means when you save an image, photoshop doesn’t remove any data from the image file. The PSD format is not overlyed concerned with preserving file size. Its mission in life is to retain all information. PSD file format support multiple pictures, object filters, text, vector path, shapes and transparency. PSD format is photoshop’s proprietary default file format and it hold both vector and bitmap data. PSD file can be easily manipulated in other types of adobe applications such as adobe flash, adobe fireworks and adobe illustrator etc. The PSD format Maximizes file compatibility and provides a more portable file that can be read by other applications including previous version of photoshops. It also maintains the appearance of blended layers. It is the only format that stores all your work so you can finetune your adjustments later. PSD file have 30,000 * 30,000 pixel dimension limit. Psd file format has a 2 GB file size limit. In other terms PSD is an application specific format is a huge drawback to hold-hearted support from non -adobe applications.

PSD Format

Advantages of PSD file

  • This file format ca be open in adobe photoshop CS.
  • It is a famous and good format for manipulating and changing images with control over separate image channels, layer and path.

Disadvantages of PSD file

  • This file format can be open in adobe photoshop CS.
  • PSD file work within some applications, this is not useful for online services.

How to Open PSD file?

  • STEP1: Select the PSD file, Right click the PSD.
  • STEP2: Now, choose “Open with” option and select default program.
  • STEP3: If default program option not available, then choose Adobe photoshop in the list of program
  • STEP4: Click Ok.

Reasons of PSD file corruption

  • Due to wrong shutdown procedure, sometimes user directly off the PC from the main switch.
  • Due to malware and virus attack.
  • PSD file corrupted by hardware failure.
  • Software related problems.

PSD Format

PSD file not showing thumbnail

  • STEP1: Firstly, Download the “psicon.dll” file.
  • STEP2: Now this .dll file copy it to the location “c:\program files\common files\adobe\shell” (sometime shell folder doesn’t exists create it manually).
  • STEP3: Now again download from another file “PSD.reg” and run it.
  • STEP4: Reboot your PC for the changes to take effect.

PSD File Features

  • PSD usually are large in size, especially when you edit with many layers.
  • It is the very useful format, if you need to maintain transparency.
  • The User can easily save as a photoshop PSD, when you have many layers that you want to preserve.
  • Some graphics programs and other Adobe product will be able to PSD file.
  • In other terms PSD file, it is known as professional lab.

Conclusion

In this article describe the concept of PSD format. Also tell us about its features, advantages, disadvantages, specification and way to open PSD file. PSD format is photoshop’s proprietary default file format and it holds both vector and bitmap data. PSD file format has a 2 GB file size limit.