PSD comparison
PhotoCraft and Photoshop PSD compatibility: what to check
“Opens a PSD” is only the first check. Appearance, saved output and the recipient’s ability to edit it are separate questions.
Separate three kinds of compatibility
| Check | Question | Evidence to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Does the document load, and does it report warnings? | Version, warnings and layer structure. |
| Appearance | Does the render match the original reference? | Reference PNG and close comparisons of difficult regions. |
| Editable exchange | Can the recipient edit the necessary content after saving? | Reopened file and a note on tested elements. |
Official documentation lists PSD read/write support and current fidelity gaps. Test-corpus results describe those samples and operations; they cannot establish that every customer PSD will behave the same way.
Official sources: File-format assessment (opens a new tab) · PhotoCraft README (opens a new tab).
Try a controlled exchange with a copy
- Export a reference image from the original application.
- Duplicate the PSD and open the copy in PhotoCraft.
- Compare typography, smart-object content, masks, effects and color.
- Make one small edit and save to a new name.
- Reopen that output in the recipient’s Photoshop version and test the elements they must edit.
Make a note of missing fonts and external dependencies before blaming the file format. Use the same available resources on both sides when possible.
Handle a failed check before delivery
If an important element changes, keep the original project and return to the established tool for that deliverable. A flattened PNG may be acceptable for preview approval, but it cannot replace a required editable PSD.
For a bug report, reduce the issue to a shareable example and include both versions, the exact operation and the visible difference. Do not upload a confidential client project merely to demonstrate a failure.
The layers practice guide provides a smaller starting exercise.