PNG VS PSD
The ultimate comparison guide. Understanding the technical differences between Portable Network Graphics and Photoshop Document.
PNG
pngLossless format supporting transparency, ideal for logos and digital art.
Pros
- Lossless quality
- Alpha channel transparency
- Wide support
Cons
- Larger file sizes than JPG
- Not good for print (RGB only)
PSD
psdLayered design file supporting masks, smart objects, and high bit depths.
Pros
- Unlimited layers
- High bit-depth color
- Non-destructive effects
Cons
- Requires Adobe apps
- Large file sizes
- Not web friendly
When PNG wins
Stay with PNG when you need logos or screenshots. Its strengths center on lossless quality and a feature set native to PNG Development Group.
When PSD wins
Choose PSD when your workflow prioritizes brand systems or motion graphics. It delivers unlimited layers plus modern compression perks.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | PNG | PSD |
|---|---|---|
| MIME Type | image/png | image/vnd.adobe.photoshop |
| Developer | PNG Development Group | Adobe |
| Release Year | 1996 | 1990 |
| Best For | Logos, Screenshots, Graphics with transparent backgrounds | Brand systems, Motion graphics, Print layouts |
Need to switch?
Where PNG still wins
Keep PNG when you need lossless quality and workflows depend on logos / screenshots. Link those teams directly to the converter above so they can ship PSD deliverables without leaving their browser.
- • Reference the .png glossary from this page.
- • Embed the conversion CTA in docs, wikis, and onboarding runbooks.
- • Use PSD for brand systems while archiving originals as PNG.
Keep crawlers in the conversion hub
Link this comparison to the relevant tool, glossary, and documentation pages so every crawl discovers a monetizable route.