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.

How to Create a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to Prank Your Friends

How to Create a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to Prank Your Friends

Blue screen of death (BSOD) is a common and not new error of Windows when the computer is experiencing some serious system error.

Summary of common Run CMD commands

Summary of common Run CMD commands

Instead of performing manual and direct access operations on Windows, we can replace them with available CMD commands for faster access.

Try these Wi-Fi tips while on vacation to reduce roaming costs!

Try these Wi-Fi tips while on vacation to reduce roaming costs!

Coming home to expensive data roaming charges probably isn't what you want. Luckily, there are some handy ways to cut those roaming costs.

How to fix network adapter not found error on Windows 10

How to fix network adapter not found error on Windows 10

Many people have encountered the problem of network adapter disappearing from Device Manager or receiving a missing network adapter message. This article will guide you on how to fix the missing network adapter driver problem on Windows 10.

How to delete individual system restore points in Windows

How to delete individual system restore points in Windows

Windows automatically creates system restore points up to a set limit, leaving you with dozens of restore points you never use.

Must-Have Windows Desktop Visual Enhancement Tools

Must-Have Windows Desktop Visual Enhancement Tools

If you're tired of staring at the same interface every day, these tools will enhance your desktop experience.

Windows 11 wont respect your privacy until you make these changes!

Windows 11 wont respect your privacy until you make these changes!

Windows 11 has a reputation for being a privacy-poor operating system, with many default settings that can cause privacy problems. But don't worry - there are ways to regain some control in this area.

How to View All Accounts on Windows 11

How to View All Accounts on Windows 11

On Windows 11, checking all the accounts on your computer can be useful in many cases. Here is a guide to view all accounts on Windows 11.

Learn about dark web tracking service F-Secure ID Protection

Learn about dark web tracking service F-Secure ID Protection

Many people never considered the dark web a real threat until one of their favorite services issued a warning about a data breach.

Fix error of not being able to open Windows Security on Windows 11

Fix error of not being able to open Windows Security on Windows 11

This article will help you fix the error Windows Security cannot run on Windows 11.

12 Most Useful PowerShell Commands for Windows

12 Most Useful PowerShell Commands for Windows

Most IT admins use PowerShell for scripting and automation, but it's not just for IT pros—anyone who deals with messy folders needs these commands.

12 Best Custom PC Building Websites

12 Best Custom PC Building Websites

Building a custom PC is no easy task, especially for beginners. Luckily, there is plenty of help available on the Internet.

How to delete old Windows restore points to free up space

How to delete old Windows restore points to free up space

By checking your storage usage, deleting old restore points, and setting reasonable storage limits, you can keep your storage under control without sacrificing its protection.

How to fix Microsoft Store not working error

How to fix Microsoft Store not working error

Microsoft Store (Windows Store) is not the most popular app store, as it is full of bugs, issues, and tends to be unstable.

What is Windows Superfetch (SysMain)? How to disable Superfetch?

What is Windows Superfetch (SysMain)? How to disable Superfetch?

SuperFetch is available on Windows versions but is known by very few users. In the article below, WebTech360 will guide you how to enable or disable SuperFetch on Windows 10/8/7.