Tips to open PSF file

Can't open the PSF file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open PSF files as well as a list of programs that support PSF files.

PSF file extension

File Name Photoshop Proof Settings Format
File Developer Adobe Systems
File Category Settings Files

The PSF file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the PSF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the PSF file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is PSF file?

The file in the PSF format belongs to the Settings Files category. The creator of this file is Adobe Systems. In addition to this file, the Settings Files category includes 1305 related files. Photoshop Proof Settings Format appears on 2 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. It is recommended to use Adobe Photoshop to handle this file. This is a program created by Adobe Systems Incorporated. This file type can also be opened by 5 other programs. The PhotoStudio, XnView, Adobe Photoshop Elements programs will also handle the file when the Adobe Photoshop program does not fulfill its role.

How to open PSF file?

The main problem with Photoshop Proof Settings Format is that the PSF file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that PSF files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the PSF file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Adobe Photoshop

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Adobe Photoshop is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Adobe Photoshop into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below is a list of programs that support the file PSF.

Step 2. Create association of Adobe Photoshop with PSF files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the PSF file to open in the Adobe Photoshop application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the PSF file with the Adobe Photoshop application.

Step 3. Update Adobe Photoshop to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Adobe Photoshop program with the Photoshop Proof Settings Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Adobe Systems Incorporated page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the PSF file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. Usually this applies to PSF files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file PSF or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected PSF files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the PSF files changes over time. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular PSF file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Adobe Systems
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted PSF files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the PSF file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file PSF to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the PSF file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.