PSB vs PNG — What’s the Difference?

Short answer: PSB is a Photoshop Big Document format used for extremely large layered raster files and complex projects. PNG is a web-friendly raster format for final delivery that supports lossless compression and transparency. They serve very different stages of a creative workflow.

What is PSB?

PSB stands for Photoshop Big (sometimes called "Large Document Format"). It is Adobe Photoshop's proprietary file format for documents that exceed the size limits of the standard PSD file. A PSB file stores pixel layers, masks, adjustment layers, smart objects, layer comps, and other Photoshop-specific features designed for complex images and extremely large dimensions (for example, files larger than 30,000 pixels or several gigabytes).

Key characteristics of PSB:

• Supports very large canvas sizes and file sizes (multi-GB projects).
• Preserves layers, masks, adjustments, and non-destructive edits.
• Is mostly used in Photoshop-centric workflows (print posters, billboards, large composites).
• Not widely supported by general image viewers; requires Photoshop (or compatible editors) to open and edit.

What is PNG?

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is an open, lossless raster image format commonly used on the web. PNG compresses image data without losing quality and supports an alpha transparency channel. It's ideal for graphics, UI assets, screenshots, diagrams, and any image where crisp edges and transparency are important.

Technical differences

Below is a practical comparison between PSB and PNG:

• Purpose: PSB = editable master file with layers; PNG = flattened final image for delivery.
• Compression: PSB preserves uncompressed or internally compressed layered data; PNG uses lossless DEFLATE compression for pixel data.
• Transparency: PNG supports alpha transparency natively; PSB supports transparency via layers and alpha channels inside the layered document.
• Color depth: PSB supports high bit depths and color profiles (16/32-bit/channel depending on content); PNG commonly used in 8-bit or 16-bit variants (PNG-8, PNG-24/32).
• Editability: PSB is fully editable with layers and non-destructive features; PNG is a flattened image with no layer structure.
• Compatibility: PSB requires Photoshop or compatible apps; PNG is supported by essentially every browser and image viewer.
• File size: PSB files can be huge (multi-GB); PNG files are larger than lossy JPEGs but typically much smaller than layered PSB masters for final photographic images.

When to use PSB and when to use PNG

Use PSB when:

• You are working on extremely large documents (gigapixel images, billboards, signage).
• Your project requires complex layer structures, many smart objects, or extensive non-destructive edits.
• You need to preserve all Photoshop-specific data for future editing.

Use PNG when:

• You need a final, lossless raster image for the web or user interfaces.
• Your image requires transparency (logos, overlays, icons).
• You want broad compatibility and small-to-moderate file sizes without JPEG artifacts.

How to create/export PSB & PNG

Saving as PSB

1. In Photoshop, choose File > Save As.
2. If the canvas exceeds PSD limits, Photoshop will suggest saving as PSB — choose PSB to preserve layers.
3. Include layers, metadata, and color profiles when prompted for full fidelity.

Exporting to PNG

When the design is finalized and you need a flattened PNG for delivery:

1. Choose File > Export > Export As or File > Save As and select PNG.
2. Pick the bit depth (8-bit is common for web; use 24/32-bit for full RGBA with alpha).
3. Set the pixel dimensions — resize to the intended display size before export.
4. Choose transparency options and export.

Photoshop quick export example: File → Export → Export As → Format: PNG → Scale: 1x → Transparency: checked → Export

Converting PSB ↔ PNG

PSB → PNG is the normal direction: flatten and export the final PSB composition to PNG for use on the web, in apps, or for presentation.

PNG → PSB is possible (you can import or open a PNG in Photoshop and then save as PSB), but converting a flattened PNG into a layered PSB will not recover the original layer structure — you'll have a PSB that contains a flattened layer unless you manually recreate layers and masks.

FAQs

Can any program open PSB files?

No — PSB is primarily supported by Adobe Photoshop and a few high-end editors. Many image viewers won't open PSB directly.

Is PSB better than PSD?

PSB is for files larger than PSD limits. If your file fits within PSD limits, PSD and PSB are functionally similar; PSB simply handles much larger dimensions and file sizes.

Should I upload PSB files to my website?

No — PSB contains layers and non-standard complexity and is not meant for web delivery. Export flattened images (PNG, JPEG, WebP) for the website and store PSB as your editable master in backups.

Can I use PNG for prints?

PNG can be used for print but is not typical. For professional print workflows prefer TIFF, high-resolution PDF, or PSD/PSB with embedded color profiles (CMYK) depending on printer requirements.

Conclusion

PSB and PNG serve different steps of the design pipeline: PSB is a heavyweight, editable master format for complex, large Photoshop projects; PNG is a universal, flattened format for delivery—especially where lossless quality and transparency matter. Keep PSB as your working/archival format and export optimized PNGs (or WebP/AVIF/JPEG where appropriate) for web and delivery.