7 ways to open PSD files without Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is attached to the PSD file format . It saves the complete state of a still image being edited so that you can continue the unfinished work later. When working with images, you should always keep a PSD copy in case you need to edit images in the future.

Download Photoshop Download Photoshop for Mac

The problem is that PSD is not an open format, while PNG, JPG and BMP can be opened in almost any photo editing software , PSD can only be opened in certain tools. So without Photoshop , what alternative software can open the best PSD format? Let's find out through the following article.

1. GIMP

7 ways to open PSD files without Photoshop

Download GIMP Download GIMP for Mac

GIMP is the option that you should try first when trying to open and edit a free PSD file after Photoshop. Not only is photo editing software most like Photoshop, it also supports multiple platforms for you to use on your device. To open the PSD file in GIMP, do the following:

  • Go to File> Open .
  • Find and select PSD files.
  • Click Open .

2. Paint.NET

7 ways to open PSD files without Photoshop

Paint.NET

Paint.NET is a better photo editor than Microsoft Paint that is not bulky or complicated to learn like GIMP and Adobe Photoshop . If you want to make it more powerful, you can install a lot of 3rd party plugins. One of the best plugins for you to open PSD files is PSD Plugin.

  • Download PSD plugin .
  • Copy file Photoshop.dll .
  • Navigate to the Paint.NET installation directory.
  • Paste the Photoshop.dll file into the FileTypes subdirectory .
  • Launch Paint.NET.

After installing the plugin, you can open the PSD file without any problems.

3. Photopea Online

7 ways to open PSD files without Photoshop

Access Photopea

Photopea is the web version of Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. Although not as powerful as the software installed on your computer, it is still very useful. To open PSD files on Photopea online, follow the steps for GIMP:

  • Go to File> Open .
  • Search and select PSD files.
  • Click Open .

Photopea can read individual layers - an unexpected feature of a free web application.

4. XnView

7 ways to open PSD files without Photoshop

Download XnView

XnView is a free photo viewer application that allows you to browse and organize your photo collections in a variety of ways, as well as process them with basic image editing tools like: palettes, filters, effects, rotate ...

The great thing about this little-known application is that it can read over 500 formats and export to over 70 formats, so it's not only useful for viewing images but also great for converting them.

  • Go to File> Open .
  • Search and select PSD files.
  • Click Open .

5. IrfanView

7 ways to open PSD files without Photoshop

Download IrfanView

IrfanView is similar to XnView when it is a flexible image viewer and converter. IrfanView may not support as many formats as XnView, but it does support all major formats.

While IrfanView can easily display flat PSD files, it cannot be edited or saved, unless you export to another format.

  • Go to File> Open .
  • Search and select PSD files.
  • Click Open .

6. Google Drive

7 ways to open PSD files without Photoshop

Download Google Drive Download Google Drive for Mac

It may seem strange to use Google Drive as a file viewer, but you can and it works quite well. You can view PSD files on Google Drive web version.

  • Go to the Google Drive website .
  • Click My Drive and select Upload file.
  • Search for and select PSD files.
  • Click on Open .
  • Double click on the file you want to view.

7. Go2Convert

Download Go2Convert

This last option is not a way to view, open or edit PSD files. It is simply a way to convert PSD files into other formats like PNG and JPG. To convert PSD files to another format, follow the steps below:

  • Click on Select File .
  • Navigate and select your PSD file.
  • Click Open> Upload Now .
  • After uploading, you can choose a range of formats to convert PSD files. You can even resize images and choose the type of compression to use (for certain formats).

Above are 7 best tools for you to open PSD files without Photoshop. Keep in mind that you can't really edit, you can only view PSD files as a flattened image.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

6 AI Photo Editing Tools Better Than Photoshop

6 AI Photo Editing Tools Better Than Photoshop

There are many AI photo editors that make Photoshop a second choice and AI features are useful tools for editing photos without having to learn complex Photoshop.

3 Most Favorite Features in Photoshop 2025

3 Most Favorite Features in Photoshop 2025

Photoshop 2025 packs new AI tools, smarter selections, and features you didn't know you needed until now.

How to Create a Monochrome Color Effect in Photoshop

How to Create a Monochrome Color Effect in Photoshop

This tutorial will show you a quick and easy way to add a monochrome color effect to an image using Adobe Photoshop.

How to create a shadow border in Photoshop

How to create a shadow border in Photoshop

This tutorial will show you how to add canvas space and drop shadow to your photo in Photoshop to create a simple yet stylish photo border.

Why is Lens Blur a Photoshop tool used for artistic photo editing?

Why is Lens Blur a Photoshop tool used for artistic photo editing?

Adobe's Lens Blur tool makes it easy to review your photos, adding depth and focus to your photos.

Not AI, Actions is the Photoshop feature that users love

Not AI, Actions is the Photoshop feature that users love

Hidden away in the app, Photoshop Actions is a beloved feature of the popular photo editing tool, meant to speed up workflows without the need for AI.

Why is using both Lightroom and Photoshop overkill for most photographers?

Why is using both Lightroom and Photoshop overkill for most photographers?

Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop are two of the best photo editing tools, but while many professionals use both together, you only need Lightroom if you're an amateur photographer.

How to create Picture in Picture effect in Photoshop

How to create Picture in Picture effect in Photoshop

This tutorial will show you how to create a cool Picture in Picture effect with Adobe Photoshop by taking a single photo and creating the illusion that a smaller, cropped version of the same photo is inside it.

5 Reasons Why Photoshops Generative Workspace Is Adobes Best Feature

5 Reasons Why Photoshops Generative Workspace Is Adobes Best Feature

Generative Workspace is one of the top AI features announced at Adobe Max 2024. It will be the new home for your Generative AI images and files.

How to Create a Water Reflection Effect Using Generative Fill in Photoshop

How to Create a Water Reflection Effect Using Generative Fill in Photoshop

With Generative Fill, powered by Adobe's Generative AI called Firefly, anyone can add realistic water reflection effects to their photos simply by drawing a selection, typing a few words, and clicking a button.

How to Paste an Image into a Selection in Photoshop

How to Paste an Image into a Selection in Photoshop

This tutorial will show you how to copy an image and paste it into a selection in another image using the Paste Into command in Adobe Photoshop.

How to Convert to High Contrast Black and White Photos Instantly in Photoshop

How to Convert to High Contrast Black and White Photos Instantly in Photoshop

This tutorial will show you how to instantly convert a high contrast black and white photo in Photoshop using Gradient Map.

How to blur an image to a background color in Photoshop quickly with Live Gradients

How to blur an image to a background color in Photoshop quickly with Live Gradients

In this tutorial, we will look at the newest and easiest way to fade an image to a background color in Photoshop, which is using Live Gradients.

Reasons to use the Font browser feature in Photoshop

Reasons to use the Font browser feature in Photoshop

Font indecision is real. Help is just a few clicks away, because Adobe has a time-saving feature built into Photoshop. It's called the Font Browser!

Why is Photoshop more valuable than Canva Pro for creators?

Why is Photoshop more valuable than Canva Pro for creators?

Canva's simplicity makes it a popular tool. Photoshop, on the other hand, is not for the faint of heart - it has many features and takes time to learn.

How to fix high memory usage issue on Microsoft Edge

How to fix high memory usage issue on Microsoft Edge

Are you getting a High Memory Usage Detected warning while browsing on Microsoft Edge? It means that some browser processes are using too much memory (RAM).

How to set up speech recognition in Windows

How to set up speech recognition in Windows

Follow these steps to set up speech recognition on your Windows laptop or PC.

Restore hidden folders in Windows when infected with virus

Restore hidden folders in Windows when infected with virus

In many cases, it is usually due to virus attacks that the hidden folders of the system cannot be displayed even after activating the “Show hidden files and folders” option in Folder Options. Some of the following methods will help to handle this problem.

3 ways to turn off Windows 10 firewall

3 ways to turn off Windows 10 firewall

Sometimes you still need to turn off the firewall to perform certain functions. The 3 ways to turn off the Win 10 firewall below will help you in such situations.

How to add Shutdown desktop shortcut in Windows 11

How to add Shutdown desktop shortcut in Windows 11

If you're looking for a quicker method, here's how to add a dedicated shutdown shortcut to your Windows 11 desktop or taskbar.

How to add JPEG XL support in Windows 11

How to add JPEG XL support in Windows 11

Windows 11 doesn't support the JPEG X image format by default, but you can install an add-on that does. Here's how to add JPEG XL support in Windows 11.

Instructions to fix the error of not being able to pin applications to the Windows 11 Taskbar

Instructions to fix the error of not being able to pin applications to the Windows 11 Taskbar

In the process of pinning applications, sometimes we encounter some errors such as not being able to pin the application to the Taskbar. Below are some ways to fix the error of not being able to pin the application to the Windows 11 Taskbar.

Should I use Windows BitLocker to encrypt my hard drive?

Should I use Windows BitLocker to encrypt my hard drive?

Windows BitLocker offers an easy-to-use solution for encrypting your hard drive. However, it also has its drawbacks, so it may not be a great choice for everyone.

How to Overwrite Deleted Data on a Drive in Windows 11/10

How to Overwrite Deleted Data on a Drive in Windows 11/10

This guide will show you how to overwrite (securely erase) deleted data on a drive so that it cannot be recovered or accessed in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Tips to add Copilot to Windows 11 right-click menu

Tips to add Copilot to Windows 11 right-click menu

If you regularly use Copilot on Windows 11, there is a very simple way to quickly access Copilot, which is to add Copilot to the right-click menu.

How to add a printer to Windows 10

How to add a printer to Windows 10

Adding a printer to Windows 10 is simple, although the process for wired devices will be different than for wireless devices.

This PowerShell script can bypass Windows 11 system requirements, Microsoft Account

This PowerShell script can bypass Windows 11 system requirements, Microsoft Account

A new utility is being developed that will help remove the strict system requirements of Windows 11.

10 Important Mistakes to Avoid When Maintaining Your Computer

10 Important Mistakes to Avoid When Maintaining Your Computer

PC maintenance is essential for long-term, efficient performance. However, there are some mistakes you can make that can do more harm than good to your PC.

How to enable Smart App Control Windows 11 protection

How to enable Smart App Control Windows 11 protection

Smart App Control (SAC) is a security feature included in the Windows Security application that locks down the system, allowing only trusted applications to run.

How to configure TCP/IP settings in Windows

How to configure TCP/IP settings in Windows

Your computer needs a way to communicate with other devices, and that's where TCP/IP comes in. TCP/IP ensures that data moves smoothly across the network, whether you're browsing the web or sharing files.