How to open a .psd file
Quick, free ways to open PSD on any system.
A .psd file is a Photoshop Document. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads PSD yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .psd file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .psd. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Photoshop or GIMP.
- On Mac, use Photoshop or GIMP.
- On Linux, try GIMP or Krita.
- Still stuck? Convert the .psd to PNG, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .psd files
Windows
- Photoshop
- GIMP
- Photopea (web)
- Affinity Photo
macOS
- Photoshop
- GIMP
- Affinity Photo
- Preview (flattened)
Linux
- GIMP
- Krita
Web
- Photopea
!
Before you open it: Safe to open. A PSD is a design document. As with any file, only open PSDs from sources you trust.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .psd file?
Almost always because no installed app understands PSD. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
Can I open a PSD without Photoshop?
Yes. GIMP, Krita, Affinity Photo and the free web app Photopea all open PSD files, though very complex layer effects may not render perfectly.