What the official sources describe

  • PSD is its main format; layered opening and saving are documented
  • Layers, masks and text workflows
  • Ordinary file processing is described as running on your device

Before you choose

  • Optional AI or other services may have different network requirements.
  • Complex PSD structures still need a task-specific round-trip check.

What makes Photopea useful?

Photopea is a browser image editor whose official introduction identifies PSD as its main format. Its documentation explains opening and saving layered documents. That makes it a useful starting point when you receive a PSD and need to inspect layers or make an edit without installing a desktop editor.

The editor offers free access and paid options. Browser access is not an open-source license, and a familiar interface does not guarantee feature-for-feature parity with Photoshop. Choose it because the required task works, not because two interfaces look similar.

Local files, online services and offline use

Photopea describes ordinary file processing as taking place on your device. “Browser-based” therefore should not be rewritten as “all your images must be uploaded.” Optional AI or connected services are a separate question and can have their own network and privacy conditions.

Offline availability depends on the browser state and the particular feature. Opening the website, loading resources and calling a remote service are different operations. If offline work is essential, check the official instructions and test your required task with the network disconnected.

A reference point for newer editors

For ImageFlow or another new browser editor, compare the same file and the same action: change a text layer, edit a mask, save a PSD and reopen the result. This reveals useful differences without pretending that a feature list measures reliability.

For a desktop workflow with local selection models, compare Photon Studio. For source-code access, inspect PhotoCraft or Patchy. None of these comparisons here is a hands-on review; our PSD checklist explains the evidence needed for one.

Need to verify your files?

Start with text, masks, effects and a save-and-reopen round trip. Record the exact build.

Use the PSD checklist ↗

Sources and scope

Public information checked 2026-10-10. Platform, pricing and capability statements come from the official sources below. This page does not publish independent test scores.