How to use PhotoVim

How to open a PSD file without Photoshop

Updated 2026-09-11

PhotoVim can open PSD files in your browser without installing Photoshop. Start with a copy: supported layers and masks can be edited, but complex files may look or behave differently.

Steps

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  1. Open the editor and drop the PSD onto the canvas, or pick it from File > Open.

    Open the editor and drop the PSD onto the canvas, or pick it from File > Open. — How to open a PSD file without Photoshop

  2. Wait for the PSD reader to load and the document to open. File size, layer count and your device affect loading time.

    Wait for the PSD reader to load and the document to open. File size, layer count and your device affect loading time. — How to open a PSD file without Photoshop

  3. Inspect the Layers panel. Toggle visibility and compare the document with the original before editing.

    Inspect the Layers panel. Toggle visibility and compare the document with the original before editing. — How to open a PSD file without Photoshop

  4. Select a layer to move, resize, or color-correct it, or refine its mask with the brush.

    Select a layer to move, resize, or color-correct it, or refine its mask with the brush. — How to open a PSD file without Photoshop

  5. Export PNG, JPG or WebP for sharing. Save a separate project or PSD copy to continue editing; a flattened export does not keep editable layers.

    Export PNG, JPG or WebP for sharing. Save a separate project or PSD copy to continue editing; a flattened export does not keep editable layers. — How to open a PSD file without Photoshop
Worth knowing

Keep the original PSD. Font availability and unsupported text, styles or smart-object features can affect appearance and editability. Browser autosave is local recovery, not cloud backup; download a project copy before clearing browser data.

Try it in the editor

Questions

Do type layers open as text?

Supported type data can open as editable text, but not every PSD text feature is supported. Missing fonts may change layout. Test the layers you need and check the exported copy rather than assuming full compatibility.

What about layer styles and smart objects?

Support depends on the effect and object. Some settings may be preserved or displayed without being fully editable. Compare the imported and exported copies with the original.