PSD VS PNG
The ultimate comparison guide. Understanding the technical differences between Photoshop Document and Portable Network Graphics.
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
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)
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 PNG wins
Choose PNG when your workflow prioritizes logos or screenshots. It delivers lossless quality plus modern compression perks.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | PSD | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| MIME Type | image/vnd.adobe.photoshop | image/png |
| Developer | Adobe | PNG Development Group |
| Release Year | 1990 | 1996 |
| Best For | Brand systems, Motion graphics, Print layouts | Logos, Screenshots, Graphics with transparent backgrounds |
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 PNG deliverables without leaving their browser.
- • Reference the .psd glossary from this page.
- • Embed the conversion CTA in docs, wikis, and onboarding runbooks.
- • Use PNG for logos 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.