Software & Apps Design What are Native Files in Graphic Design Defaults for software like Paintshop Pro (PSP), Photoshop, and more by Sue Chastain Writer Sue Chastain is a former Lifewire writer and a graphics software authority with web design and print publishing credentials. She's also skilled in WordPress administration. our editorial process LinkedIn Sue Chastain Updated on July 29, 2019 Nick David / Getty Images Design Graphic Design Photoshop Animation & Video 3D Design Tweet Share Email The native file format is the default file format used by a specific software application. The native file format of an application is proprietary and these types of files are not meant to be transferred to other applications. The main reason being, these files typically contain filters, plug-ins and other software that will only work within that specific application. Usually, special software-specific image properties can only be retained when an image is saved in the software's native format. For example, layer styles and text in Photoshop will only remain editable when the image is saved in the native Photoshop (PSD) format. Lens effects and PowerClips in CorelDRAW can only be edited when the document is saved in native CorelDRAW (CDR) format. Major Graphics Applications and Their Native File Formats CDR — CorelDRAWCPP — Corel Photo-PaintPSD — Adobe PhotoshopPDD — Adobe PhotoDeluxeAI — Adobe IllustratorUFO — Ulead PhotoImpactPSP — Paint Shop ProMIX — Microsoft PictureIt and PhotoDraw When an image is being sent to another application it should be converted or exported to a standard image format. The exception would be if you are transferring an image between applications from the same publisher. For example, you should have no problem sending Adobe Illustrator files to Adobe Photoshop, or Corel Photo-Paint files to CorelDRAW. Also, keep in mind that you usually cannot use an earlier version of a program to open files saved from a later version of the same software. In most cases, you'll lose image properties that are specific to the later version. Another interesting aspect of native file formats is that, in certain situations, other applications can be attached to the originating application through the use of a plug-in. A great example of this is Luminar from Macphun. When Luminar is installed on your computer it is also installed as a Photoshop plugin. You can launch Luminar from Photoshop's Filter menu ( Filter>Macphun Software> Luminar) make your changes in Luminar and, when finished, you click the Apply button to apply your work in Luminar and return to Photoshop. Updated by Tom Green Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit