PSE File Extension

What is PSE file?

Files with the extension PSE belong to the category of project files.

What do PSE files contain?

The contents of files with the PSE extension are graphic designs, generated in the Photoshop Elements application. It is used for editing and processing digital photos and graphics. Files with the PSE extension store all the changes made during the current session. Therefore, PSE files can contain bitmaps as well as layers, effect settings, and even references to other system resources.

What are PSE files used for?

By using files with the PSE extension, one can easily undo changes made in the project. PSE files are saved, for example, on external memory devices, which allows for their convenient transportation between computers and sharing with other users. The options of dedicated software provide the possibility of saving the contents of files with the PSE extension to the most popular graphic formats, which are easily opened by the most common multimedia programs.

Programs which support PSE file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with PSE files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. PSE files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 04/08/2024

How to open file with PSE extension?

Problems with accessing PSE may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with PSE extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with PSE files.

Step 1. Install Adobe Photoshop Elements software

Problems with opening and working with PSE files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with PSE files being present on your machine. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Adobe Photoshop Elements. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support PSE files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Adobe Photoshop Elements installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Adobe Systems Incorporated website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Adobe Photoshop Elements

You still cannot access PSE files although Adobe Photoshop Elements is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why PSE files are not compatible with Adobe Photoshop Elements. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Adobe Photoshop Elements.

Step 3. Assign Adobe Photoshop Elements to PSE files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate PSE files with latest version of Adobe Photoshop Elements you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the PSE file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Adobe Photoshop Elements is installed, check the Always use this app to open PSE files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected PSE file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with PSE extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the PSE is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the PSE file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The PSE may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the PSE is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the PSE file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the PSE file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the PSE 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. It could happen the the download process of file with PSE extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Photoshop Elements Photo Project file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Adobe Photoshop Elements

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with PSE extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Photoshop Elements Photo Project file. It may be the case that the PSE files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the PSE file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on PSE file.