GIMP file exported to Photoshop's PSD format won't import into AD

[MickM]

I've previously had success importing Photoshop PSD files into AD but have just come across a native GIMP file (with extension XCF) that comes up just fine in GIMP but won't import into AD after GIMP exported it to PSD. I'm unclear if it's a GIMP export issue or an AD import issue. Is anybody out there able to look at the attached PSD file in Photoshop (which I don't have) or confirm/deny if this is an AD import issue. Thanks.

Plus42.psd

[walt.farrell]

Your file can be Opened by Gimp, and by Photopea, so it seems to be a valid form of PSD file.

That does not mean it is one that would be accepted by Affinity Photo, though, as it doesn't handle all PSD functions. I don't have Photoshop to try it there.

[David in Яuislip]

It's Indexed color which I suspect is stuffing Photo
If you convert it to rgb with Imagemagick

magick Plus42.psd -colorspace rgb Plus42IM.psd

then it opens in Photo

Plus42IM.zip

[MickM]

Thanks guys. It appears the file David attached has been "flattened" i.e. I can no longer select some individual things that I could in GIMP. For now, let's drop this issue. I've realized the .xcf file isn't going to work for me anyway, so converting it to something AD can deal with is only going to carry those issue across.

On a separate note, I tried GIMP years ago and thought it's GUI was disgusting. When I gave the newest version a try today - I still think it's awful. Couldn't even find a basic point and click selection tool. Oh well...

[v_kyr]

5 hours ago, MickM said:

I've previously had success importing Photoshop PSD files into AD but have just come across a native GIMP file (with extension XCF) that comes up just fine in GIMP but won't import into AD after GIMP exported it to PSD. I'm unclear if it's a GIMP export issue or an AD import issue. ...

Well, exporting from GIMP and reusing that export with keept intact layers is always a problematic theme here. As even exported PDFs aren't generated by GIMP on a kept layers basis and instead would export as PDF image pages. SVG isn't handled well too by GIMP (as it needs outdated third-party Python scripting) and only exports paths. - So all in all GIMP exports layers mostly as images and everything else needs a bunch of workarounds and other third-party helper tools!

• https://github.com/kamilburda/gimp-export-layers
• Multi-Layer TIFF editing with GIMP
• Export multiple layers as a layered PDF, not a mulitpage PDF
• Convert xcf to psd (with paths)
• How Do I Convert GIMP to Photoshop?
• GIMP export layered pdf
• ...etc.

[lphilpot]

17 hours ago, Red Sands said:

GIMP is an overwhelmingly successful argument for paying money for a commercial program - or finding another one for free. GIMP is excruciating to work with.

I voluntarily moved from GIMP to AP for my photo work and I certainly agree GIMP is far from perfect in terms of product (and even philosophy / attitude, at least from some sources), particularly on a non-Linux OS. But your assessment seems a bit over the top. An axe to grind, maybe?  🙂

Have a nice stroll. It's too hot here to get out (95F at 9 PM)