Go Toolstack

PSD & PSB Layer Viewer

Inspect Photoshop PSD/PSB layers, view nested groups, compare authentic composite with layer re-renders, and export PNG assets locally.

PSD & PSB Layer Viewer

Inspect Photoshop PSD/PSB layers, view nested groups, compare authentic composite with layer re-renders, and export PNG assets locally.

How It Works

1
Upload PSD or PSB File
Drop your Photoshop document to instantly validate the 8BPS header signature and 100-Megapixel safety budget locally without any server uploads.
2
Inspect Layer Tree & Composite
Explore nested folder groups, layer opacity, and blend modes; switch between authentic embedded composite and dynamic live layer stack views.
3
Export Layers as PNG or ZIP
Export any supported raster layer as a 32-bit transparent RGBA PNG, or batch-download all layers in an organized ZIP archive.

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Concept & Knowledge Hub

In-Browser PSD & PSB Layer Inspector: ag-psd Architecture, Composite Verification & Asset Extraction

Adobe Photoshop Document (.psd) and Photoshop Big Document (.psb) formats store complex multi-layer graphic designs combining raster bitmaps, vector paths, layer masks, type descriptors, and non-destructive adjustment layers. GoToolstack PSD & PSB Layer Viewer executes deep binary inspection of local Photoshop files completely inside your web browser using the ag-psd engine. It operates with zero telemetry, zero server uploads, and strict client-side privacy.

Concrete Implementation Scenario: A digital designer, web developer, or content creator receives a 45 MB Photoshop PSD file containing branding assets, UI icons, and banner graphics, but does not have an active Adobe Creative Cloud subscription or desktop workstation. By dropping the PSD file into the viewer, the engine performs instantaneous 26-byte header signature validation (verifying the authentic '8BPS' magic signature, version, bit depth, and color mode) while enforcing a 100-Megapixel client-side decompression bomb safety budget. The embedded flattened composite render is extracted for instant full-document verification alongside an interactive layer hierarchy tree. The user can expand nested folder groups, inspect individual layer blend modes and opacity, toggle layer visibility to live-preview a dynamic layer stack re-render, and export individual layers as 32-bit transparent RGBA PNGs or batch-download all supported assets as an organized ZIP archive with sanitized filenames.

The system distinguishes authentic embedded Photoshop composite renders from canvas-based layer stack re-assembly, preserves alpha transparency, handles nested layer groups, and guarantees that your original file remains 100% unaltered in memory.

Core Architecture & Mathematical Formula

PSD Extraction Pipeline = HeaderValidate('8BPS', Budget<100MP) → DecompressRLE/ZIP(ByteStream) → ExtractComposite(Photoshop Flattened) → BuildLayerTree(Hierarchy, Masks, BlendModes) → Export(PNG 32-bit RGBA / JSZip Batch)

Client-side binary parsing pipeline: magic byte and decompression bomb defense, RLE/deflate pixel stream decompression, authentic composite separation, live canvas layer stack synthesis, and sanitized asset archiving.

Best Practices & Essential Guidelines

  • Distinguish Embedded Composite vs. Layer Stack: The 'Embedded Composite' mode displays the authentic flattened image generated by Photoshop itself (with proprietary layer styles and typography exactly preserved). The 'Layer Stack Composite' dynamically re-renders visible layers in real time on an HTML5 canvas to test layer visibility changes.
  • Preserve Transparency with PNG Export: Isolated layer exports maintain 32-bit RGBA channels with full alpha transparency. Transparent icons and cutout layers will retain crisp transparency without black borders.
  • Inspect Layer Properties in the Inspector Panel: Click any layer in the tree to view its exact pixel dimensions (width × height), canvas offsets (top, left), opacity percentage, blend mode, and text font metadata.
  • Understand Non-Raster Layer Handling: Adjustment layers (e.g. Curves, Hue/Saturation) and empty folder groups contain mathematical parameters rather than raster pixels; they are clearly flagged as non-raster and safely documented in the export manifest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are my PSD files or graphic assets uploaded to any server or cloud API?
No. The entire parsing and extraction pipeline runs 100% locally in your web browser using ag-psd and Web Workers. Your files and graphic assets never leave your local device.
What is the difference between the Embedded Composite and Layer Stack Composite?
The Embedded Composite is the authentic flattened image written into the PSD file by Adobe Photoshop when the document was saved. It accurately reflects all proprietary Photoshop effects, adjustment layers, and system fonts. The Layer Stack Composite is dynamically assembled in real time from individual visible layers using browser canvas compositing, allowing you to hide or isolate specific layers.
Why are text layers and adjustment layers flagged differently during export?
Photoshop stores text layers as vector typography descriptors and adjustment layers as mathematical color matrices. Unless rasterized prior to saving, adjustment layers have no independent pixel bitmap. Our engine extracts text strings and font metadata while preventing inaccurate font substitution.
Are large PSB files (Photoshop Big Document) supported?
Yes. PSB files (version 2 in the header) are fully parsed by the ag-psd engine. For browser tab stability, a client safety budget of 100 Megapixels is enforced to prevent decompression memory crashes.