The short answer
A PSD file is a Photoshop Document. It is the file format Adobe Photoshop saves in. The thing that makes a PSD special is that it keeps every layer, text element, mask, and effect separate, so the design stays fully editable.
That is also why a PSD can be large and why most people cannot open it without the right software.
How to open a PSD file
- Adobe Photoshop opens PSD files natively, with all layers intact.
- Photopea is a free browser tool that opens PSD files with layers, no install needed.
- GIMP is a free desktop editor that can open and edit many PSD files.
If you only need to look at the image and not edit it, the simplest path is to export a PNG or JPG preview from any of these tools.
How to share a PSD file
PSD files are often too big for email. The easy way to send one is as a link.
- Export a preview (PNG or JPG), or zip the PSD if the other person needs the layers.
- Upload it to snapy.
- Share the link. The person clicks and gets the file, no account needed.
Upload a file to get a shareable link, or learn how to share images and pages.