How to Convert Different File Formats Using Photoshop

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Adobe Photoshop has the capability of converting one file format to 20+ other file formats. Rather than converting file format using Photoshop, the users mostly prefer to convert using online tools though there are chances of quality compression. Hence, this article will guide you to convert file formats for free without losing quality using Photoshop.

However, not all the file formats that are listed in the Save as dialog box of Adobe Photoshop are crucial. This informative write-up explains some of the essential file formats in detail to help you choose the appropriate format while converting files using Photoshop.

Note: PSD files can be very large in size and hence are more prone to corruption. Hence, users should aim to reduce PSD image file size without sacrificing quality.

JPG to Photoshop File Format PSD

PSD stands for “Photoshop document” which is Adobe Photoshop’s native file format. PSD is a file format that gives access to all the key features like layers, adjusting layers, layer masks, channels, paths, and so on. PSD file is also known as a working file or source file format for Photoshop applications. Regardless of the file type that the original file has, Photoshop temporarily converts it into a PSD file so that the tools and features of the application can be used to work on that file.

PSD files can always be saved as a backup copy after exporting the project as this helps you to revisit, edit, or convert it into any other format when needed. However, the only disadvantage of having a PSD file is the file can take a lot of storage space, especially when you are working on an image that has a lot of layers or edits within. Hence, it is suggested to always save your desired PSD files on an external storage drive to maintain the Photoshop applications’ efficiency.

If you want to convert .jpg to .psd using Photoshop, follow the simple steps as explained below:

  • Run the Photoshop application and open your .jpg file
  • Click on File from the toolbar and select Save as
  • Select Photoshop (*.PSD; *.PDD) from the format tab and click on Save

Note: This same method can be used to convert PSD to GIF by selecting CompuServe GIF (*.GIF) from the format tab.

If you want to convert .jpg to .ai using Photoshop, follow the steps mentioned below.

  • Open the .jpg file in Photoshop and click on File from the toolbar
  • Click on Export and select Paths to Illustrator…
  • Select the desired folder and click on Save to convert JPG to AI

If you want to change the color profile of your JPG images and convert RGB to CMYK using Photoshop, follow the steps mentioned below-

  • Run the Photoshop application and open your .jpg file
  • Click on Image from the toolbar and select Mode
select-mode
  • Click on CMYK Color and select OK when prompted, your RGB image will be converted to CMYK.
select-cmyk-color

Note:

If your .jpg or .psd file has gone corrupt or inaccessible while converting using a malicious third-party tool, you can make use of a professional PSD repair tool if you want to fix that .psd file.

Remo Repair PSD is one such tool that segregates the layers and fixes the Photoshop file without modifying the quality. Your original PSD file will be kept from modifications as this tool is built with read-only mode. A copied version of the affected file is created and the software fixes that file. Download the free version now to quickly fix any of the corrupted PSD files.

Remo Repair PSD is one such tool that segregates the layers and fixes the Photoshop file without modifying the quality. Your original PSD file will be kept from modifications as this tool is built with read-only mode. A copied version of the affected file is created and the software fixes that file. Download the free version now to quickly fix any of the corrupted PSD files.

PSD to PNG File Format

PNG stands for “Portable Network Graphics” which was introduced to replace GIF format. However, GIF format is still used widely on social media platforms. PNG is considered as an improvement for JPEG and GIF formats as the JPEG format supports only 24-bit color whereas PNG format supports 40-bit color. PNG file format has two major advantages that are listed below.

  1. Unlike JPEG, PNG is a lossless file format that does not decrease the image quality when they are compressed
  2. GIF file format has 256 color limit and PNG file format has 256 levels of transparency that automatically matches the background of your JPG or PSD file

However, PNG is not compatible with the older versions of internet browsers. Hence, GIF file format is still widely used for its versatile compatibility.

If you want to convert PSD to PNG using Photoshop, follow the steps mentioned below.

  • Run the Photoshop application and open your .psd file
  • Click on File from the toolbar and select Save as
  • Select PNG (*.PNG; *.PNS) from the format tab and click on Save

PSD to TIFF File Format

TIFF stands for “Tagged Image File Format” which is a lossless file format that also supports all the Photoshop features. To archive or store images, TIFF file format is the most preferred as the images are saved with the highest possible image quality with lossless compression. However, TIFF file format images are stored with a very large file size as it is used for commercial or billboard printing and can lead to insufficient storage space. It is suggested to archive your TIFF files on an external storage device.

However, the TIFF file format cannot be considered as a source file of Photoshop as TIFF files are flattened and merged, unlike PSD file format. If you want to convert PSD to TIFF file format using Photoshop, follow the steps mentioned below.

  • Run the Photoshop application and open your .psd file
  • Click on File from the toolbar and select Save as
  • Select TIFF (*.TIF; *.TIFF) from the format tab and click on Save

PSD to PDF File Format

PDF stands for “Portable Document Format” which is popularly known for sharing, viewing and printing electronic documents. Nowadays, JPG images are also converted to PDF so that the image doesn’t lose quality while trying to take print. PDF is a lossless file format that makes it easier for editing or working on Photoshop. While saving PDF files for printing or online sharing, you can choose between two of the settings given below.

  • If there are any images involved in the PDF file, the JPEG compression allows you to alter the quality settings to balance the PDF file size
  • A lossless compression that saves the PDF file without altering the file or its content

However, if you want to convert a PSD to PDF file format or vice-versa, just follow the steps mentioned below.

  • Run the Photoshop application and open your .psd file
  • Click on File from the toolbar and select Save as
  • Select Photoshop PDF (*.PDF; *.PDP) from the format tab and click on

Convert SWF File Format to GIF Using Photoshop

SWF stands for “Small Web Format” which is used within short videos and vector-based animations. This file format is a native file format of Adobe Flash Player software which basically delivers text, video, and any kind of graphics on the webpage over the internet. SWF file formats are designed to maintain efficiency between On-screen display, scalability, speed, response and Network.

If you want to convert SWF to GIF using Photoshop, follow the steps mentioned below.

  • Run the Photoshop application and open your .swf file
  • Click on File from the toolbar and select Save as
  • Select CompuServe GIF (*.GIF) from the format tab and click on

Convert CR2 File Format to JPG Using Photoshop

CR2 stands for “Canon Raw Version 2” which is a file format that is generated when you click RAW photos from a Canon DSLR camera. To open CR2 file type on a Windows computer, you will need Microsoft Camera Codec Pack or Canon RAW codec software. However, if you have Adobe Photoshop application, CR2 files can be accessed to edit, filter or retouch the RAW files.

CR2 files are known to be 3-6 times larger than a JPEG file which means that you need a lot of storage space to archive such files. Or, you can also convert them to a JPG file format using the Adobe Photoshop application. Follow the steps mentioned below to convert CR2 to JPG easily using Photoshop.

  • Run the Photoshop application and open your CR2 file
  • Click on File from the toolbar and select Save as
  • Select JPEG (*.JPG, *JPEG, *JPE) from the format tab and click on

BMP File Format

BMP stands for “Bitmap Image File” or also “Device Independent Bitmap” (.dib). This raster graphic image file format is used to store bitmap digital images and real-world landscape images. BMP files are known for their flexibility as pixel data can be restored by using a set of coordinates even after shrinking the file. Moreover, pixel values can be modified individually or as a group.

However, modifying pixel values might deform the image files while printing and restoring BMP files to their previous state becomes difficult. Thus, it is suggested to print the BMP file with the same resolution that was used in the source file to prevent distortion in the image.

If you can afford to compromise the overall BMP file, then converting BMP to PSD using Photoshop application is the right choice. Converting BMP to PSD will not reduce the quality but the dpi will be slightly decreased while printing. Follow the steps mentioned below if you want to convert PSD to BMP for free.

  • Run the Photoshop application and open your PSD file.
  • Click on File from the toolbar and select Save as.
  • Select BMP (*.BMP, *RLE, *DIB) from the format tab and click on it.

Your PSD file will be quickly converted to BMP.

Conclusion:

This informative write-up must have explained to you some of the most essential file formats with their uses and how to convert these file formats using Photoshop. Also, comment below if you are aware of any other essential file formats that can be used in specific scenarios.

About the Author: Molly Owen

Molly is the Lead Technical Specialist with distinguished knowledge and understanding of Mac computers and operating systems. Being a veteran photographer and video recovery specialist, Molly’s expertise in video formats and file repair has helped restore a lot of videos and cherished memories of users. As a technical specialist, she also believes in learning and…