How to use it
- Drop in a PSD.
- Each pixel layer is saved as a numbered PNG named after the layer.
- Download them all as a zip.
What you get
Each layer that contains pixels is saved as a PNG the size of the whole canvas, with the layer in its original position and everything else transparent. Files are numbered from the bottom layer up and named after the layer, for example design-03-logo.png, and hidden layers are marked -hidden. Groups are opened up, so layers inside folders are included.
Who uses this
- Game and animation artists pulling sprites and parallax layers out of a Photoshop scene.
- Web developers cutting assets from a mock-up when the designer is not around.
- Anyone who needs one element from a PSD without owning Photoshop.
What is not included
Each PNG holds the layer's own pixels. Layer effects such as drop shadows and strokes, adjustment layers, blend modes and masks are not baked in, and text layers export as the pixels Photoshop last rendered for them. To trim the empty space around a layer, use the crop tool afterwards.
PSD and PNG compared
| PSD | PNG | |
|---|---|---|
| First released | 1990 | 1996 |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes, including soft edges |
| Animation or pages | Layers | Only as APNG, rarely used |
| Best for | Working files in Photoshop | Screenshots, graphics, text and transparency |
| Support | Adobe and many editors; not browsers | Universal |
Questions people ask
Why are the PNGs the full canvas size?
So they line up exactly when stacked. Crop individual layers afterwards if you want them trimmed.
Are hidden layers included?
Yes, and their filenames end in -hidden.
Are layer effects applied?
No. Each PNG contains the layer’s own pixels only.