When you want to give someone an image or design created in Photoshop, exporting it as JPEG or PNG is easy, but if you want to share a PSD file with layers intact, the process is slightly different.
In design work, there are often occasions where designers exchange intermediate PSDs or seek client feedback. However, PSD files tend to be larger than image files, making them difficult to send via email.
This article outlines easy ways to share Photoshop data based on different needs.
If you simply want to hand over a PSD file, using a file uploader is an easy method.
By uploading the PSD file to an uploader, you can obtain a URL for downloading. You can send that URL to the recipient via email or chat, allowing them to download the file from the URL.
For example, a free file uploader like UploadF can be used from both PCs and smartphones. It also supports drag and drop, meaning you can upload the PSD file directly by opening the browser.
This can also be used if you want to send multiple data files together, and it supports password settings and the deletion of individual files.
If you want to pass the Photoshop PSD to someone just once, uploading and sending the URL is particularly simple.
If you're using Adobe services, another way is to share using Photoshop's cloud documents.
By saving Photoshop files as cloud documents, you can access them from multiple devices and share them with other users. Currently, in Photoshop, you can save using “File” → “Save As” to “Save as Cloud Document”.
Photoshop also has a sharing feature, allowing you to share cloud documents with other users for review and collaborative editing.
This method is useful for continuous editing of the same file at work or for collaboration in an Adobe environment.
| Method | Suitable Uses | Features |
|---|---|---|
| File Uploader | Sending PSD to someone | Easy by just sending a URL |
| Adobe Cloud | Collaborative Work/Continuous Use | Convenient integration with Photoshop |
| Convert to JPEG/PNG | Showing completed images | Reduces file size |
| Compress to ZIP | Sending multiple files at once | Can combine multiple materials into one |
Depending on whether you simply want to “hand over a PSD” or “edit together with someone,” the appropriate method will differ.
If there's no need for the recipient to do editing, you can also share the PSD by exporting it as JPEG or PNG.
For instance, if you're just having a client review a completed design, there's no need to provide the PSD itself. By exporting to JPEG or PNG, you can reduce the file size and make it easier to check on standard image viewers.
On the other hand, if the recipient needs to edit text, images, or layers in Photoshop, it's important to share the PSD as is.
PSD is the file format for Photoshop that retains layers, masks, effects, and more. According to Adobe, PSD can be saved up to 2GB, and larger Photoshop files over 2GB can use PSB (Large Document Format).
If you'd like to hand over multiple files, including image materials, fonts, or documents, there's a method for packaging them into ZIP format.
On Windows, you can select files, right-click and choose “Send to” then select “Compressed (zip format) folder” to create a ZIP file.
This is convenient when you want to share data such as:
However, if the PSD file itself is large, compressing it to ZIP may not significantly reduce its size. Therefore, large data files can be compressed into ZIP and then uploaded to a file uploader as a method.
If you just want to hand over Photoshop data, using UploadF is also an option.
The basic flow is very simple.
For PCs, it supports drag and drop, so you can upload the PSD file just by dragging it onto the browser.
Moreover, UploadF allows you to upload multiple files simultaneously, which is useful when you want to send not just the PSD but also related materials together.
The storage period can be set from one day to unlimited, and it can be extended as needed. Additionally, password settings can be applied, making it easier when you don't want anyone to download it without knowing the URL.
If you just want to temporarily give Photoshop data to someone, uploading the file and sending the URL is easier than preparing a dedicated sharing service.
If you'd like to share completed images rather than the PSD itself, processing the images before uploading can be useful.
UploadF also offers image-related online tools when you upload images.
For example, you can add mosaics to areas with personal information before having the recipient check the product, or reduce the image size for sharing.
This is a feature that can be used not only for handing over the PSD, but also for processing images before sharing for review.
When sharing Photoshop data, confirming the following points can help prevent troubles.
Particularly important to note is that the PSD file may contain not only the completed image but also information from the production process. There may be hidden layers or unnecessary materials left, so it’s best to check the contents of the file before passing it to external parties.
There are several ways to share Photoshop data, but the options vary based on the purpose.
If you want to hand over the PSD as is, use a file uploader. If you want to continuously collaborate within the Adobe environment, Photoshop cloud documents are suitable.
On the other hand, if you only need to show the completed image, it may be easier to export it as JPEG or PNG and share that.
If you need to “hand over the PSD file once to a friend or colleague” and “the file is too large for email,” a file uploader like UploadF, which lets you upload and send a URL, can make sharing Photoshop data easy.
Choose the method that fits your needs and smoothly transfer large Photoshop data.