Software & Apps > Design What are Native Files in Graphic Design Defaults for software like Paintshop Pro (PSP), Photoshop, and more By Sue Chastain Sue Chastain Writer St. Petersburg College 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. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 28, 2019 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Design Graphic Design Photoshop Animation & Video 3D Design The default 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 the default CorelDRAW (CDR) format. Major Graphics Applications and Their Default 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, click the Apply button to apply your work in Luminar and return to Photoshop. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit