PSD VS GIF
The ultimate comparison guide. Understanding the technical differences between Photoshop Document and Graphics Interchange Format.
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
GIF
gifSupports simple animations and limited color palette, a classic internet format.
Pros
- Simple animation
- Universal support
- Small size for simple graphics
Cons
- Limited to 256 colors
- No audio
- Inefficient compression for video
When PSD wins
Stay with PSD when you need brand systems or motion graphics. Its strengths center on unlimited layers and a feature set native to Adobe.
When GIF wins
Choose GIF when your workflow prioritizes memes or simple banners. It delivers simple animation plus modern compression perks.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | PSD | GIF |
|---|---|---|
| MIME Type | image/vnd.adobe.photoshop | image/gif |
| Developer | Adobe | CompuServe |
| Release Year | 1990 | 1987 |
| Best For | Brand systems, Motion graphics, Print layouts | Memes, Simple banners, Loading spinners |
Need to switch?
Where PSD still wins
Keep PSD when you need unlimited layers and workflows depend on brand systems / motion graphics. Link those teams directly to the converter above so they can ship GIF deliverables without leaving their browser.
- • Reference the .psd glossary from this page.
- • Embed the conversion CTA in docs, wikis, and onboarding runbooks.
- • Use GIF for memes while archiving originals as PSD.
Keep crawlers in the conversion hub
Link this comparison to the relevant tool, glossary, and documentation pages so every crawl discovers a monetizable route.