How to open a psd file. How to open (edit) a PSD file without Photoshop
What if you need to open a standard PSD file, but you simply don’t have Photoshop installed? Let's look at seven ways to do this.
The problem is that the PSD format is not open source like PNG, JPG or BMP. It was developed by Adobe as a graphic editing project. Once you open such a file, you can always continue editing from where you left off. However, if you don't want to pay for a subscription to Adobe applications, then you'll have to look for an alternative. In functionality, the free analogues will be noticeably inferior to the Photoshop monster; moreover, some will only be able to open the PSD file for viewing. However, this is often quite enough.
GIMP
The first free application to try for opening a PSD file is GIMP. And not only because the rich functionality of this graphic editor is close to Photoshop and even can, but rather due to its availability on all platforms, be it Windows, Mac or Linux. Once you've tried the app, you can then use it on other devices.
To open a PSD file in the GIMP application, no additional plugins or extensions are needed. Just use the “File – Open” menu, select the PSD file and click “Open”.
The project will open not just as a static picture. Available layers will be displayed on which you can perform certain operations. However, you should remember that when you make changes and then save the file, it may later have problems opening in native Photoshop. So you can work with the file, but you shouldn’t make edits this way for a designer who uses Adobe software.
The free graphic editor Gimp can, if desired, be very similar to Photoshop and even inherit its hotcases.
Paint.NET
A much more advanced graphics editor than the standard Microsoft Paint, and at the same time not as intimidating with the abundance of functionality as GIMP or Photoshop. Simple and functional.
However, to open PSD files for the Paint.NET application, you will need to install a special plugin. Download the contents of the plugin, open the archive and copy the PhotoShop.dll library to the directory with the installed editor (most often this is C:/Program Files/paint.net), and more specifically to the FileTypes subdirectory. After that, launch the application itself.
If you did everything correctly, then PSD files should open smoothly in Paint.NET. Like GIMP, the layers of the project will be displayed, but Paint.NET does not support all the features of Photoshop, so some layers may not be available or even give errors when opening the file.
Photopea Online Editor
If you have not heard of Photopea before, then the project will be a pleasant discovery for you. The not-so-famous online editor is certainly inferior in functionality to Photoshop and GIMP, but it’s difficult to expect anything similar from browser-based editors. However, Photopea is really worth a look.
When you open the online editor’s website, you don’t even immediately believe that this is not a separate application. There is a familiar menu through which you can open files from your computer. Therefore, click “File – Open” and indicate the path to the PSD file.
Photopea works well with individual layers, which is very cool for an online editor. Thus, it becomes possible to edit PSD files wherever you are - from any computer.
XnView
The free picture organizer allows you to view and organize your pictures in a variety of ways. It can also be used for basic editing - applying filters, effects, changing the position of the picture, and so on.
XnView is capable of working with more than 500 formats, as well as exporting to 70 different formats. Therefore, the application will be useful not only for viewing images, but also for converting them.
During installation, the application will offer three options - minimal, standard and advanced. At the same time, the minimum is enough to open PSD files, so there is no need to clutter up the disk with the extended version. And yes, you don’t need to install any additional extensions or plugins.
After purchasing a new computer or laptop, the question invariably arises of what programs to install on it first.
IrfanView
Another image browser that also works as a converter. IrfanView does not support as many formats as XnView, but it works with the most common ones. Isn't that what we were trying to achieve?
IrfanView easily opens PSD files. Yes, he cannot edit them, but converting them to another format is easy.
This application is convenient to use as the default photo browser. Chances are, it will never disappoint you, unlike the standard Windows application. IrfanView does not take up much space and is not demanding on resources.
Google Drive
It's a little strange to use Google's cloud service as a file browser, but it is quite capable of opening a wide variety of formats. In particular, you can view the contents of the PSD file uploaded to the online Drive.
Go2Convert
The latter method will not allow you to open, much less edit, a PSD file, but it can easily convert this format into a more common one. If you just need PNG or JPG output, then you don't need to install any application.
Simply visit the Go2Convert website, upload your PSD project and select the format you would like your image to be in. You can also resize it and give it additional compression. Simple and clear. Nothing extra.
PSD is a graphic file format for maximum compression without memory loss. It was created specifically for Adobe Photoshop.
This format delivers not only images, but also graphic layers, text, masks and other information from Photoshop. He supports monochrome pictures and color systems RGB And CMYK.
These pictures can be opened in several ways. The most common applications are the ones listed below.
We use Adobe Photoshop
This is a full-fledged multifunctional graphics editor developed by Adobe System. This application is designed for professional processing images and creation of graphic files. An indispensable assistant for web design and creating layouts and sketches.
To get started with PSD in Adobe Photoshop you need run the program, then click " File" in the upper right corner. 
Further " Open». 
Then find document and press Enter or " Open" If there are several pictures, then highlight right click: 
This method of working with documents is only suitable for the licensed version of the editor, which is expensive. If it is not possible to purchase a license, you can use other photo editors or convert the necessary pictures.
Paint.NET + PSD Plugin Application 
Most simple photo editing software developed by the .NET Framework company. Runs on Windows OS. For working with graphic images, the software's capabilities are minimal. In addition, you can install PSD Plugin, for processing documents of this format.
GIMP Editor 
Free analogue of Adobe Photoshop. Has open source data. This allows the user to make changes to documents. An excellent service for creating website templates, posters and photo collages. A user-friendly interface that anyone can understand.
Using InfanView 
Program for viewing graphic files, audio recordings and video files on the computer. Can view with high quality any digital image. Works with Windows and ReactOS. Works with many formats, including Photoshop image format. Distributed on the Internet for free.
Open with Go2convert 
Free service for converting documents. It works with images formats PSD, JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, WMF, TIFF, TGA. File Transformer does not have a separate program that can be downloaded. You can only use its services online.
The most common problem that prevents users from opening this file is an incorrectly assigned program. To fix this in Windows OS, you need to right-click on the file, in the context menu, hover the mouse over the “Open with” item, and select “Select a program...” from the drop-down menu. As a result, you will see a list of installed programs on your computer, and you can select the appropriate one. We also recommend checking the box next to “Use this application for all PSD files.”
Another problem that our users also encounter quite often is that the PSD file is corrupted. This situation can arise in many cases. For example: the file was downloaded incompletely as a result of a server error, the file was damaged initially, etc. To resolve this problem, use one of the recommendations:
- Try finding the file you need in another source on the Internet. You may have luck finding a more suitable version. Example Google search: "File filetype:PSD" . Just replace the word "file" with the name you want;
- Ask them to send you the original file again, it may have been damaged during transmission;
- The computer determines the file type by its extension.
- By default, Windows does not show file name extensions.
- Some characters cannot be used in the file name and extension.
- Not all formats are related to the same program.
- Below are all the programs with which you can open the PSD file.
PicPick is one of the best screenshot software. Among the special features, it is worth highlighting the ability to capture the entire screen, the active window, a separate area of the screen, entire web pages (with the ability to scroll), or an arbitrary part of the desktop. In addition to the fact that the program is distributed free of charge for non-commercial use and is available in Russian, it also has such useful functions as a ruler, magnifying glass, slate, color palette, etc. In the program settings, you can assign hotkeys for all necessary actions, specify FTP data to automatically send screenshots to a remote...
XnView is a fairly powerful program that combines many functions for working with images. This can be a simple viewing of files, their conversion, and minor processing. It is cross-platform, which allows it to be used on almost any system. The program is also unique in that it supports about 400 different image formats, including the most used and popular ones, as well as non-standard formats. XnView can batch convert images. True, they can only be converted into 50 formats, but among these 50 formats there are all popular extensions...
Blender is a program for working with 3D graphics, which differs from other utilities in that it is open source. This program was developed in one of the studios involved in 3D modeling, but after this studio went bankrupt, the program began to be distributed free of charge. Blender can run on almost any operating system. There are versions of the program even for little-known systems. The package itself includes tools that allow you to work with skeletal animation, layers, architectures, textures, etc. We must warn you that to work with this program, you must have basic knowledge of English...
Recently, more and more electronic books, magazines, brochures are appearing on the Internet, and all these files are usually in PDF or DjVu format. This program will help you view DjVu, PDF, TIFF and similar files on Windows OS. STDU Viewer is lightweight, simple and a worthy replacement for Adobe Acrobat. The program contains all the necessary tools for reading and searching for fragments in a document. The program is available in several languages, including Russian. Among the advantages, we can note a wide range of scaling options: scale to the screen, scale to the selection, display the entire page on the entire screen or only...
Chasys Draw IES is a multifunctional editor that includes a number of utilities such as a graphics editor, a utility for viewing images and photos, a module for batch graphics conversion, and a module for converting digital photos to RAW format. From the main application window, you can personalize the worksheet by selecting the type of project you want to create. The application allows you to carry out complex manipulations with images, such as creating a composition for printing, animation for web resources, an image for a CD, DVD. The program allows you to scan an image if you have the necessary equipment. In addition to this set...
FireAlpaca is a simple editor for editing and converting pictures and photographs. Contains a basic set of tools to help you quickly edit an image. The program has such ordinary tools as a pen, an eraser, a magic wand, a lasso, and various brushes. The user can adjust the following parameters: color, brightness, contrast. Images can be cropped, resized, rotated. FireAlpaca copes well with layers, which makes the program a good replacement for the well-known graphics editor. The interface is very simple and resembles another similar graphic editor, so a person who has previously worked in...
XnConvert is a useful utility for converting and primary processing of photographs and images. Works with 400+ formats. Supports all popular graphic formats. With XnConvert's simple tools you can adjust brightness, gamma and contrast. In the application you can change the size of photos, apply filters and a number of popular effects. The user can add watermarks and do retouching. Using the application, you can remove meta data, trim files and rotate them. XnConvert supports a log in which the user will see all the detailed information about his recent image manipulations.
IrfanView is a free graphic file viewer, the distinguishing features of which are its small size and functionality. IrfanView supports a large number of formats, has a clear interface and the necessary set of functions. So, with its help you can not only view images, but also rotate them at any angle, do minor color corrections, remove red-eye from photos, etc. Also, using IrfanView, you can take screenshots (both of the entire screen and individual areas), tear out icons and icons from various files, rename files according to a predefined template, and...
Honeyview is a simple and beautiful photo viewer. Supports all popular image and photo formats, including those that are “raw”. There is also a convenient interface where you can view a photo in full screen, or two photos in parallel, which is very convenient if you need to choose the best one. You can immediately save your favorite photos to a separate folder. If the photo contains location data, then the program will open Google Maps, where it will be possible to see the place where the photo was taken. Using hot keys, the program will open in Windows Explorer a photo that is open in...
FastStone Image Viewer is a program for viewing images. This program is one of the popular viewers because it has a wide range of functions. First of all, I would like to note its interface. The main program window looks almost the same as standard Windows Explorer. Double-clicking on the file expands the image to full screen and also allows you to edit it, for which the program has several additional panels. In addition, FastStone Image Viewer is capable of batch conversion of various files, which saves a lot of time. It is possible to save...
Alternate Pic View is a simple program with a clear interface designed for viewing images. In addition, it allows you to apply a number of other actions to images. This application allows you to navigate through catalogs and view images using an easily customizable interface. Works with almost all commonly used file formats: bmp, gif, png, jpg, ico and others. It is open source, developed on CBuilder 5. With Alternate Pic View, the user can edit colors, make mirror images, change color, contrast and sharpness of the image.
Xlideit Image Viewer is a lightweight and convenient utility designed to facilitate image and photo editing. The application allows you to simultaneously view pictures of interest and edit them. The built-in editor helps you adjust the size, rotate images, and create your own slideshow. Also, using the program, you can crop pictures to the desired size and change their scale. The user can change a wide range of configuration settings to suit his own needs. Supports full screen mode, just press F11 and the mode will be launched. The operating principle of Xlideit Image Viewer is simple: just load...
Pictus is an extremely convenient application that helps you view graphic documents. Instead of the usual icons for programs that work with images, the user will see a miniature view of the desired picture. It is built into Explorer and helps display thumbnails in the required formats. Works with many different formats. Using the application's capabilities, the user can scale, flip, and adjust parameters such as brightness, contrast, and color gamma. Using the program, you can assign the desired image as your desktop wallpaper. The user can launch full-screen map display mode...
Vintager is a small utility designed for editing photographs, which has several necessary functions built-in. Using the program, you can not only change the photo, but also crop it, rotate it and change the pixel size of the image. Vintager also has a built-in photo aging function, which makes the photo look old. Due to its small size, installation of the program takes a few seconds. The utility differs from other editors in its high speed and has a comfortable interface, making it perfect even for novice users. The program settings menu is very easy to use...
Artweaver is a small free graphic editor with a nice interface and a wide range of functions and capabilities. This editor can work with layers and also has the ability to process the image according to your wishes. To do this, this program has a large number of different brushes that allow you to simulate almost any effect. For example, you can draw something with chalk or charcoal. In addition, this graphic editor contains all the standard image processing tools, for example, an eyedropper. Another feature of this program is the ability to install...
ViewFD is a file manager with many different features. This program is distributed free of charge and is an excellent alternative to paid clients. The main features of this program include not only the presence of a built-in player and image viewer, but also the ability to view text files of any format, as well as edit database tables. In addition, the program can control the autostart of various services. Process management is also supported, although it is better to use other software for these purposes. In addition, this one supports working with tabs.
Unity is a multi-platform tool for creating 3D and 2D custom games. The user can create his own heroes and their enemies, clothes, buildings, structures, and the surrounding exterior. The program allows you to import additional textures, models, various background sounds, scripts, sprites. Unity supports all known texture formats (jpeg, png, gif). Works with 3D models in 3DS, DXF format. Supports audio formats such as MP3 and WAV. The tool allows you to create games without serious programming skills. The main code of most library elements is written in Javascript, but...
VSDC Video Editor is designed for editing video and audio files. It has two modes, one for beginners and the other for professional use. This is not a linear editor, unlike other analog programs. The advantage of the program is that it supports many formats, which will allow you to import videos of any format, combine them into a clip and export them in one, without loss of quality. It can also apply many effects to audio and video. The interface is as intuitive as possible, which will allow the user to work without any overlays. Just in case, the program has a very good and detailed manual that explains...
FileOptimizer is a convenient file compression application created by one of the independent teams of programmers. This application features improved compression algorithms and high speed. The program allows you to compress files of almost all types, including archives, text formats, image formats, etc. Also, this program can work with scripts, as well as through the command line, which will be especially useful for experienced users. For novice users, everything is very simple. The program is integrated into the context menu, which allows you to very quickly compress files located on any drive and in any folder.
ImBatch makes editing any image quick and easy. Just open it or drag it into the program window and you can get to work. Allows you to enable previews of effects and changes and is suitable for simple color changes or scaling, as well as for more professional work. The program is also good because it is lightweight and does not load the processor when working, everything is very fast - open the image, apply an effect, save it. It has a wide selection of tools and capabilities, can apply effects such as blur, color settings and much more. ImBatch supports many languages, including...
WildBit Viewer is a program for viewing digital photos, characterized by an abundance of functions and capabilities. For example, the program contains a standard effects editor, and it is also possible to use a finished image as a background for your desktop. You can also view your images in a slideshow mode, which is convenient if you're showing your photos to someone and don't want to manually scroll through them. The program has more than 70 transition effects when displaying a slide show. Another function of the program is to display all metadata, as well as rename images. Batch transfer is also supported...
One of the most popular office packages, characterized by an abundance of features, including the ability to check spelling. First of all, this package is notable for the fact that it is completely free, which allows you to use it on any computer. Allows you to perform all common tasks. So, it includes a text editor, a spreadsheet editor, and a program for creating templates or presentations, as well as slides. In addition, it is open source, which allows you to make changes to it if necessary. Also, the application can be installed on almost any operating system...
AVS Media Player is a full-fledged multimedia center that can be used to play almost all multimedia content. For example, the AVS Media Player program not only supports playback of most video formats, but can also work with images and audio files. It should be said that the list of supported formats is very large and includes all popular audio, video, and graphic formats. The player has a user-friendly interface and allows any user to start working with it without the need to study special manuals and additional materials.
The Gimp is a graphics editor that can compete with well-known editors. The program itself has a clear and simple interface that almost any user can understand. Nevertheless, the range of functions of this program is quite extensive. For example, you can do professional photo retouching. The program's tools even contain modules such as healing brush, image cloning, etc. It is possible to clone the color of almost any window. So, you can drag a color from the toolbar onto the image, and it will turn into the color you want...
Photoshop is by far the best editor for working with a PSD file. It saves your entire conversion history so you can close at any time and resume later. The difficulty here is that licensed Photoshop() is a very expensive pleasure. If you only need to open and view a few files created in Photoshop, then there is no need to use such heavy software.
Luckily, there are free options. Are they as good as Photoshop? - No. How powerful or flexible? - Not at all. In fact, most of these applications will only be able to view the PSD, without the ability to work with layers. But often a review and minor edits are all we need.
GIMP
Paint.NET
Google Drive
- It seems strange to use Google Drive as your picture viewer, but don't be confused—it works pretty well. Log in to the service, Click “My Drive” and select “Upload files...”.
- Find and open the PSD file. Double click the file to view. This is probably the easiest way to view one or more files in the proprietary PSD format.
Video: Review of the GIMP graphics editor