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

What is the best AI photo background remover?

What is the best AI photo background remover?

People spend too much time manually removing backgrounds, and AI isn't always the magic it claims to be.

How to Turn a Photo into a Pencil Sketch in Photoshop

How to Turn a Photo into a Pencil Sketch in Photoshop

This tutorial will show you how to easily turn a photo into a pencil sketch using Adobe Photoshop.

How to Resize Images Properly in Photoshop

How to Resize Images Properly in Photoshop

Many people used to find resizing images very annoying until they learned about Photoshop's simple channel-based protection method.

How to create poster effect for photos in Photoshop

How to create poster effect for photos in Photoshop

Add a quick and easy poster effect to your images using Photoshop to recreate the classic look of posters printed with limited ink colors.

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.

Recover Deleted Data with Recuva Portable in Windows 7

Recover Deleted Data with Recuva Portable in Windows 7

In the following article, we will present the basic operations to recover deleted data in Windows 7 with the support tool Recuva Portable. With Recuva Portable, you can store it in any convenient USB, and use it whenever needed. The tool is compact, simple, easy to use with some of the following features:

How to delete duplicate files to save computer memory using CCleaner

How to delete duplicate files to save computer memory using CCleaner

CCleaner scans for duplicate files in just a few minutes, then lets you decide which ones are safe to delete.

10 Windows Settings You Should Never Leave as Default

10 Windows Settings You Should Never Leave as Default

Windows doesn't come with security set up by default, which means there are some default settings you need to change.

How to Download, Update, and Troubleshoot USB Drivers on Windows 10

How to Download, Update, and Troubleshoot USB Drivers on Windows 10

USB devices have become indispensable in everyday life, allowing us to connect a wide variety of essential hardware to our PCs.

How to Lock Guest Wi-Fi Network So No One Can Spy

How to Lock Guest Wi-Fi Network So No One Can Spy

If you properly lock down your guest Wi-Fi network, you can share your Internet connection with any visitors without sharing any other information.

Lost Admin rights on Windows 10, heres how to fix it

Lost Admin rights on Windows 10, heres how to fix it

For some reason, your Windows 10 computer lost Admin rights, every time you open an application on the screen you receive an error message. So how to restore lost Admin rights, please refer to the article below of WebTech360.

3 ways to turn off Windows 11 firewall

3 ways to turn off Windows 11 firewall

In this article, WebTech360 will guide you how to turn off the firewall on Windows 11.

Windows 11 22H2: Moment 1 update with many notable features

Windows 11 22H2: Moment 1 update with many notable features

After a long wait, the first major update of Windows 11 has officially been released.

How to fix Unhandled Exception Has Occurred error on Windows 10

How to fix Unhandled Exception Has Occurred error on Windows 10

The Unhandled exception has occurred error is not related to a specific application, making it more difficult to resolve. This article will guide you through some ways to fix the Unhandled exception has occurred error on Windows 10.

9 Ways to Convert MOV Files to MP4

9 Ways to Convert MOV Files to MP4

These days, most PCs and Apple devices can handle both MOV and MP4 files, at least to some extent. However, the need to convert MOV video files to MP4 files has not diminished.

What is end-to-end encryption? How does it work?

What is end-to-end encryption? How does it work?

Recognizing this need, major online messaging services use a technique called end-to-end encryption, to secure and protect users' conversations.

How to set different wallpapers on each monitor Windows 10/11

How to set different wallpapers on each monitor Windows 10/11

Setting up multiple monitors on Windows is quite simple and only takes a few minutes to do. After setting up multi-monitor mode (multiple screens), you can set up separate wallpapers for each screen. To do this, please refer to the article below from WebTech360.

How to use Command Prompt, how to use cmd on Windows

How to use Command Prompt, how to use cmd on Windows

Hidden deep within Windows is a world of command lines that few people know about. In this article, we will guide you on how to fix errors and make your computer more secure using the cmd command line tool.

How to enter BIOS (UEFI) on Windows 10, how to fix the error of not being able to enter BIOS Win 10

How to enter BIOS (UEFI) on Windows 10, how to fix the error of not being able to enter BIOS Win 10

Instructions on how to enter BIOS on Windows 10 for you, with video illustration.

How to use hidden video editor on Windows 11

How to use hidden video editor on Windows 11

Clipchamp is the default video editor on Windows 11, but if you just need to make a quick cut, split a simple photo, or add music to a clip, the classic editor inside the Photos Legacy app is a much better choice.