I cannot open a PSP file. What should I do? Help!

Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with PSP files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening PSP will be resolved!

PSP File Extension

File
  • File type Paint Shop Pro Image Format
  • File developer Corel
  • File category Raster Image Files
  • File popularity rating
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What is a(n) PSP file?

The PSP (Paint Shop Pro Image Format) file format is a proprietary image file format created by Corel for use with their Paint Shop Pro software. PSP files store complex bitmap images with objects, layers, vector data, mask layer information and more. PSP is capable of supporting a full range of image types such as RGB, CMYK, Grayscale, Indexed, Duotone and Lab colors.

This file format contains more than just bitmap graphics, it offers additional support for vector objects, the ability to add various effects and filters to images, 2D text objects used for labels or notes, and support for editing 3D objects. Paint Shop Pro also supports animation in this file type. It has become popular with digital photographers and web designers due to its ability to easily produce high-quality images that can be used in web browsers.

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How to open PSP file?

If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with PSP extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.

Step 1. Download and install application that supports PSP files

After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open PSP files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:

Programs that support PSP files

Step 2. Verify whether PSP files are associated with appropriate software

It is possible that an application that supports PSP files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with PSP files (right-click on the file icon → PropertiesGeneral Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support PSP files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open PSP files with the selected program.

Changing PSP file association in registry

File association for PSP files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.

Step 3. Check PSP file for other errors

  • PSP file was not copied properly from storage medium.
  • Antivirus application prevents opening PSP files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected PSP file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
  • For PSP files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.

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