Export GIMP layers to Photoshop

What’s the easiest way to get GIMP layers to work in Photoshop?

Short answer: use the right file format—PSD. I found this out by trial and error.

I work with TIFF files in Photoshop because I can see their thumbnails in the Windows File Explorer. (I don’t use Lightroom because it’s too slow for my needs.) The Photoshop native PSD/PSB file formats don’t add anything to my workflow, and TIFF is more universally supported in other image programs.

Sometimes I work with an image in GIMP before shifting the workflow to Photoshop (more on that later). But when I export a multi-layer image from GIMP to Photoshop as a TIFF, GIMP only exports the top-most layer. The GIMP developers’ interpretation of the TIFF format specifications conflicts with Adobe’s:

Apparently, PS hides the layer information somewhere in these tiffs’ metadata therefore, the tiffs show up as single page pictures in other applications but their information can be recovered when re-opening the files within PS.

https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/-/issues/3890#note_751945

But I discovered that exporting a GIMP image with layers as a Photoshop PSD file allows Photoshop to recognise the GIMP image layers.

Why would you want to use both GIMP and Photoshop?

If you have a Photoshop subscription, why would you use GIMP? Conversely, if you have GIMP why would you pay to use Photoshop? I use both—different tools for different tasks.

In my case I sometimes use GIMP to take advantage of the filters, plug-ins, and other features that are unique to GIMP. But I use Photoshop for the bulk of my editing because I use several plug-ins that have no equivalent in GIMP.

And when it comes time to prepare images for the Internet—on my website as well as social media—I rely on Greg Benz’s Web Sharp Pro (take a look at my rave review here). Web Sharp Pro automates the process of flattening, colour profile conversion, sharpening and much more.

What do you think?

Please let me know if you have any questions or thoughts you want to share in the comments below.

FAQ

How can I export a GIMP file with layers into Photoshop?

Export the multi-layer GIMP file as a Photoshop PSD file format. You can’t use any other file format, like TIFF, because the GIMP developers’ interpretation of file format specifications conflicts with Adobe’s. In GIMP, use File > Export As… > Select File Type > and choose PSD.

Can I use Save As PSD in GIMP instead of Export As?

No, because the GIMP Save As function only saves files in GIMP-specific formats. You need to use GIMP’s Export As function to save files in any other format. Fortunately, GIMP supports many file formats for export.

Why would I use both GIMP and Photoshop?

GIMP has a lot of filters and plug-ins that open up a wide range of cool deformations. They’re especially useful for anyone interested in abstract images. But Photoshop offers a much wider range of features, integrations, and workflows that would be difficult or impossible in GIMP.