Three different meanings of “compatible”
| Check | Question |
|---|---|
| Opens | Can the file be parsed and displayed? |
| Looks right | Do text, effects, masks and colors match the reference? |
| Round-trips | After saving and reopening, are the appearance and required editable parts preserved? |
Passing one check does not prove the others. A flattened preview can look correct while the editable structure differs.
What the upstream project documents
Upstream documents PSD version 1 and PSB version 2 parsing and writing, with preservation of unknown blocks intended to improve round trips. Actual editing and rendering also depend on how the rest of the application maps those structures into its document model.
PhotoCraft remains early alpha. A test-corpus result describes the files and checks in that test; it is not a guarantee for your client project or for every Photoshop effect.
Inspect these areas first
- Fonts and text: line breaks, substitutions, spacing and editable type.
- Masks and blending: edges, clipping relationships, opacity and blend modes.
- Layer effects: shadows, strokes and effect bounds.
- Smart objects: appearance, transforms and the editability you need.
- Color: profile handling, document mode and exports viewed in the same environment.
- External dependencies: linked content, fonts and plugin-dependent effects.
This is a review checklist, not a declaration that each item is unsupported.
A repeatable compatibility test
- Keep an untouched copy of the source PSD and record its originating app.
- Export a reference PNG from that app at the intended dimensions.
- Open the copy in PhotoCraft and record the PhotoCraft version and operating system.
- Inspect the high-risk areas at 100% zoom and compare an export with the reference.
- Save to a new PSD filename, close it, and reopen it in both applications when possible.
- Record the differences and decide whether they affect the actual delivery requirements.
A file that passes your thumbnail workflow may still be unsuitable for print production or later editing by another designer. Evaluate against the task you actually need.
Report a reproducible difference
Include app versions, document dimensions, color mode, the affected layer and a before/after screenshot. Reduce the problem to a small sample if possible. Share a redacted or synthetic document rather than private client material.
Sources & scope
Written from official documentation and editorial guidance. Not an exhaustive compatibility test. Menu names and behavior can change between releases.