How to save a photo in Adobe Photoshop

Updated: 12/31/2020 by Computer Hope

After creating or modifying an existing photo, graphic, or image in Adobe Photoshop, you'll want to save the file. Below are details on how to save a file in Photoshop.

Saving a file as a PSD

PSD file icon

Saving a file in the PSD (Photoshop document) format preserves all the information you must continue editing the file later. For instance, your layers, opacity masks, and smart objects are saved in a PSD. If you save your file in another format, such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) or PNG (portable network graphics), this important editing data is not preserved. The following sections show you how to save a Photoshop file in the PSD format, and JPEG and PNG. To save a file as a PSD, follow these steps.

  1. Click File in the top-left corner of the program window.
  2. Select Save As.
  3. Enter the desired file name.
  4. From the Format drop-down menu, choose Photoshop (.PSD).
  5. Click Save.
Tip

While editing your file, you can save using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+S. Save your work frequently to avoid data loss in case of a program error.

Saving a file as a PNG or JPEG image

Saving your image as a PNG or JPEG will flatten the image to a single layer, for use in other software. To save your file as a PNG or JPEG, follow these steps.

  1. Click File in the top-left corner of the window.
  2. Select Save As.
  3. Enter the desired file name.
  4. Select .PNG or .JPEG from the Format drop-down menu.
  5. Click Save.
Tip

For maximum compatibility, we recommend you do not include spaces in your file names. For example, use "computer-hope.png" rather than "computer hope.png."