PSB File Extension

What is PSB file?

PSB file contains a large Photoshop document project, of size larger then 30 000 by 30 000 pixels, saved in proprietary format developed by Adobe. PSB can store images up to 300 000 by 300 000 pixels. For smaller projects the PSD format is used. Both format are native to Photoshop and are quite similar in structure, yet PSB format offers features that make it suitable for larger images. Detailed specification for PSB is available on Adobe website. PSB file structure contains the following main sections:

• Header,
• Color data,
• Image resources,
• Masks and layers,
• Image data.

PSB can be as large as 2GB and bigger. Similar to PSD file, PSB stores a project data container that may store such data and information as:

• Images,
• Layers and masks,
• Transparency settings,
• Filters,
• Text,
• Alpha channels, colors.

PSB files can store the same project data as PSD files. PSB Large Document format is not supported by Adobe Photoshop by default and must be activated from preferences menu in File Handling pane. Project saved in PSB file must be exported to appropriate format is order to open it in given application

Programs which support PSB file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open PSB files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with PSB suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 09/04/2023

How to open file with PSB extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PSB files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with PSB files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install Adobe Photoshop

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports PSB files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Adobe Photoshop or one of the recommended programs (for example, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support PSB files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Adobe Photoshop installed is by going to developer’s website (Adobe Systems Incorporated) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Adobe Photoshop and update if needed

You still cannot access PSB files although Adobe Photoshop is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why PSB files are not compatible with Adobe Photoshop. The most recent version of Adobe Photoshop is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Adobe Photoshop to PSB files

After installing Adobe Photoshop (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open PSB files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the PSB file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Adobe Photoshop is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open PSB files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected PSB file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with PSB extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the PSB is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the PSB file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the PSB in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the PSB is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the PSB file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the PSB file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the PSB file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Adobe Photoshop

If the systems has insufficient resources to open PSB files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Photoshop Large Document Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with PSB files affecting older versions of given software.

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