Format Atlas

Compare

PSD vs PNG

PSD is an editable Photoshop working file that can retain layers and text; PNG is a lossless raster image for viewing and sharing, including transparency. Keep the source and use each for its role.

Which format should you choose?

Keep PSD to revise layers, masks, or text; export PNG when you need a lossless transparent image for web or documents.

Good fit for PSD

Image editing master

  • Handing off a layered design that another editor will revise

Good fit for PNG

UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images

  • Images requiring transparency
  • Text and line art

Basic information

FieldPSDPNG
Extension.psd.png
MIME typeimage/vnd.adobe.photoshopimage/png
Common usesImage editing masterUI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
How to openOpen in Photoshop or a PSD-capable editor and verify important effects in the target software.Most operating-system viewers, web browsers, and image editors can open PNG files.
Export or convertExport JPEG or PNG for viewing, then inspect appearance and keep the source PSD.Export PNG to JPEG only when transparency and lossless quality are no longer needed. Keep the original PNG for editing, and use a proper export command rather than changing the filename extension.

Choose by use case

Handing off a layered design that another editor will revise

Image editing master

PSD

Images requiring transparency

UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images

PNG

Text and line art

UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images

PNG

Key point 1

PSD can preserve layers and editable components.

More on the differences

Key point 2

PNG stores a flattened raster image with lossless compression and transparency.

More on the differences

More on the differences

Save PSD separately and review the PNG at its intended size. Check transparency, color, dimensions, and effects or text after export.

  • PSD supports continued editing in compatible software.
  • PNG is convenient to share and supports transparency.
  • The exported PNG does not replace the layered source.

Frequently asked questions

Can PNG preserve Photoshop layers?

No. PNG is a raster image; keep PSD for layers, masks, or editable text.

Learn more

PSDLearn morePNGLearn more

Related comparisons

BMP vs PNGBMP appears in older Windows bitmap workflows. PNG is a lossless format useful for graphics, screenshots, and transparency. Choose by existing requirements or new delivery.DDS vs PNGDDS is used for GPU-oriented game textures. PNG is a general lossless image format useful for transparent graphics and web distribution.ICO vs PNGICO is a Windows icon container that can hold multiple image representations at different sizes and color depths. PNG is a general-purpose raster image format with broad support and transparency, but it does not by itself define an icon set for every operating system.JPEG vs PNGJPEG commonly uses lossy compression and suits many photographs, while PNG preserves pixel values losslessly and supports transparency. The choice depends on image content, editing needs, and the destination's requirements.

References and specifications