PSD File Definition

The file type known as PSD, or .psd, is Adobe Photoshop's built in file format system that can accommodate layered file elements. This unique layer based format is essential for creating most of today's complex web graphics, which consist of multiple individual images stacked on top of each other, creating the overall or final image. Each of these layers is independent, and can be moved around in order to achieve a desired aesthetic effect. These layers can be merged with other layers, or completely flattened to a standard bitmap image, the later being the case when PSD files are converted to most other standard file types, such as JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or GIF. Another great thing about PSD files, is that you can save various photo effects that have been used with any particular layer, such as a drop shadow effect, outer glow effect, color gradient insertion, and many others. Once the effects are saved within your PSD files, you can reopen the file at any time and still have the option of adjusting them.