Opening Photoshop PSD Files in GIMP - What Works and What Doesn't
GIMP can open PSD and PSB files natively without any additional plugins. However, PSD is a proprietary format with features that have no direct equivalent in GIMP. This page explains exactly which Photoshop features survive the import and which do not.
GIMP's built-in PSD plugin handles both .psd (files up to 2 GB) and .psb (Large Document format, files above 2 GB). Simply use File → Open and select the PSD file - GIMP will import it automatically. Export back to PSD via File → Export As and choose the PSD format. For a complete list of all formats GIMP supports, see the GIMP file formats guide.
Photoshop Feature Compatibility in GIMP
The table below covers every significant Photoshop layer feature and its fate when the file is opened in GIMP.
| Photoshop Feature | Preserved in GIMP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raster layers | Yes | Fully preserved with pixel content intact |
| Layer groups (folders) | Yes | Displayed as GIMP layer groups; nesting preserved |
| Layer masks | Yes | Fully editable greyscale masks in GIMP - See the layer masking guide for details |
| Text layers | Partial | Text content preserved and editable; font metrics, kerning, and ligatures may differ if fonts are not installed |
| Smart Objects | No | Rasterized to a normal pixel layer on import; non-destructive link is lost |
| Adjustment layers | No | Merged/rasterized on import; the adjustment effect is baked into pixel data |
| Layer effects (Drop Shadow, Glow, etc.) | Partial | GIMP 3.x has its own layer effects system; PS effects are rasterized in GIMP 2.10 and may translate partially in GIMP 3.x |
| Blend modes | Most | Standard modes (Multiply, Screen, Overlay, etc.) map directly; a few PS-specific modes use the closest GIMP equivalent |
| Clipping masks | Yes | Preserved and editable in GIMP |
| Paths / Vector shapes | Partial | Converted to GIMP paths; shape fill and stroke properties are not preserved |
| Channels (alpha and spot) | Yes | Alpha channels preserved; spot color channels imported as additional channels |
| ICC color profiles | Yes | Embedded ICC profile read and applied; GIMP prompts for conversion if profile differs from working space |
| 16-bit / 32-bit color depth | Yes | GIMP 3.x and 2.10 both support high bit depth; file is imported at its native depth |
| CMYK color mode | Limited | GIMP converts CMYK to RGB on import; CMYK color values are approximate after conversion |
Tips for Working with PSD Files in GIMP
Always re-save as XCF for continued editing
Once you have imported a PSD and plan to continue editing in GIMP, use File → Save As immediately to save an XCF version. XCF is GIMP's native format and will correctly preserve all GIMP-compatible features across sessions. Saving directly over the PSD file risks data loss if GIMP cannot losslessly round-trip all the Photoshop-specific data.
Exporting back to PSD
When the file needs to go back to a Photoshop user, use File → Export As, choose the PSD format, and click Export. GIMP will write a valid PSD that Photoshop can open. Keep in mind that features unique to GIMP (such as GIMP-specific GEGL operations applied as layers) may not survive the round trip.
Handling Smart Objects before import
Smart Objects are rasterized by GIMP because GIMP has no equivalent non-destructive embedded-document concept. If you know you will need to edit a Smart Object's contents, open the PSD in Photoshop first, rasterize the Smart Object manually (Right-click → Rasterize Layer), and save before opening in GIMP. This gives you predictable results rather than an automatic rasterization that may not match your intentions.
Fonts and text layers
Text layers are only fully editable if the fonts used in the PSD are installed on your system. If a font is missing, GIMP will substitute the closest available font and display a warning. Install the required fonts before opening the file if you need to edit text. On Windows, install fonts via Settings → Fonts. On macOS, use Font Book. On Linux, copy font files to ~/.fonts/ or /usr/share/fonts/ and run fc-cache -fv.
Layer opacity and blend modes
Most Photoshop blend modes have direct equivalents in GIMP and import correctly. The exceptions are a small number of Photoshop-only modes such as Lighter Color and Darker Color, which GIMP maps to the nearest equivalent. Visually inspect any layer with an unusual blend mode after import to confirm the result is acceptable.
When to Use PSD vs XCF
The choice of working format depends on your collaboration context:
- Use PSD when the file will be shared with Photoshop users, returned to a client who uses Photoshop, or needs to be opened by other applications that support PSD (such as Affinity Photo or Krita).
- Use XCF for all solo GIMP work. XCF preserves every GIMP capability without the limitations of PSD compatibility - Including all layers, masks, and groups. It is smaller than PSD for equivalent content, and GIMP saves and loads it faster.
- Keep both when collaborating: maintain an XCF as your working file and export to PSD only when sharing with Photoshop users.
For a broader comparison of GIMP and Photoshop features, capabilities, and workflows, see the GIMP vs Photoshop comparison page.