PSB (Photoshop Big) files are the extended version of PSD files, designed to handle images larger than the 2GB limit of the regular PSD format. PSB files are often used by graphic designers, photographers, and digital artists who work with high-resolution images, large documents, and complex graphics. Unfortunately, just like any other file format, PSB files can become corrupted due to various reasons, such as system crashes, file transfer issues, or even problems with Photoshop itself.

When you find that your PSB file is corrupted, it can be a major setback, especially if the file contains hours or even days of work. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to repair corrupted PSB files on your Mac. In this article, we will walk you through common causes of PSB file corruption and share practical solutions for fixing the problem.

Common Causes of PSB File Corruption

Macbook

Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand what can cause PSB file corruption. Some of the common reasons include:

  1. System Crashes or Software Errors: If Photoshop crashes while you’re working on a PSB file, it may lead to corruption. Additionally, bugs in the software or a glitch during a file save can result in an incomplete or damaged file.
  2. Improper File Transfers: If you’re transferring a large PSB file from one location to another (e.g., from an external drive or over a network), interruptions or unstable connections can cause file corruption.
  3. Disk Errors: Bad sectors on your hard drive or SSD, or a failing disk, can result in corrupted files when saving or loading PSB files.
  4. Virus or Malware: Malicious software can damage your files, leading to corruption, especially if the file is being accessed through an infected application.
  5. Insufficient Storage Space: When your disk or storage device runs out of space, it can cause Photoshop to fail when attempting to save your PSB file, leading to corruption.

How to Fix Corrupted PSB Files on Mac

1. Restore from Backup

The easiest and most reliable method to recover a corrupted PSB file is to restore it from a backup. If you use Time Machine or another backup solution on your Mac, follow these steps:

  1. Open Time Machine from the System Preferences or the menu bar.
  2. Navigate to the date before the file became corrupted.
  3. Locate the corrupted PSB file and select it.
  4. Click the Restore button to retrieve the file.

If you regularly back up your work, this should be your first step.

2. Try Opening the File with Photoshop’s Auto-Recovery

Photoshop has an auto-recovery feature that may have saved a backup version of your file during the last session. To check for auto-recovery files:

  1. Open Photoshop on your Mac.
  2. Go to the File menu and choose Open Recent. If there’s an auto-recovered version of your file, it should appear here.
  3. If not, navigate to your AutoSave folder, which is typically located in: 
    ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe Photoshop/AutoRecover
  4. Look for any backup files there and try opening them in Photoshop.

3. Use a Third-Party File Repair Tool

If you don’t have a backup or an auto-recovered file, you may need to use a third-party PSB repair tool. Several software solutions can help repair corrupted PSB files by scanning and fixing the damaged data. Here are a few popular options:

  • Stellar Repair for Photo: A robust file repair tool that supports PSB files. It scans for corrupt sections and attempts to restore them.
  • Photoshop Repair Toolbox: A dedicated file repair tool that specializes in recovering corrupt Photoshop files (including PSB).
  • DataNumen PSD Repair: This tool is known for fixing corrupted PSD and PSB files by repairing layers, image data, and other elements.

These tools usually work in a similar way:

  1. Launch the software and select the corrupted PSB file.
  2. Let the tool scan and repair the file.
  3. Save the repaired file to a new location.

4. Open the File in a Different Program

If Photoshop is unable to open the corrupted PSB file, try using other programs that support the PSB format, such as GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) or Affinity Photo. These programs may be able to bypass Photoshop-specific issues and allow you to open the file, enabling you to save it in a new format or recover some data.

5. Open the File in Photoshop’s Safe Mode

Running Photoshop in Safe Mode can help resolve issues caused by faulty plugins or settings. To open Photoshop in Safe Mode:

  1. Close Photoshop completely.
  2. Hold the Shift key while launching Photoshop.
  3. Select Yes when prompted to start in Safe Mode.
  4. Try opening the corrupted PSB file. If it opens, you can attempt to save it as a new file or work with it further.

6. Recreate the File from Scratch

If none of the above methods work, your last resort may be to recreate the file manually. You can try to extract any salvageable elements from the corrupted file by opening it in Photoshop or another editor and isolating specific layers or components. While this may not always be possible, it’s worth trying if you have crucial parts of the file you need to recover.

Preventing PSB File Corruption in the Future

After repairing a corrupted PSB file, it’s important to take steps to prevent future issues. Here are some tips to protect your PSB files:

  • Save Regular Backups: Use Time Machine or cloud storage solutions like Dropbox or Google Drive to back up your files regularly.
  • Avoid Overloading Your Disk: Ensure that your hard drive or SSD has enough space to handle large PSB files.
  • Check Disk Health: Periodically check your disk for errors using Disk Utility or a third-party disk health tool.
  • Update Photoshop Regularly: Ensure that you’re using the latest version of Photoshop, as updates often fix bugs that could contribute to file corruption.
  • Save Files Frequently: Avoid working for extended periods without saving. Use Photoshop’s auto-save feature and save manually every few minutes to minimize data loss.

FAQ: Fixing Corrupted PSB Files on Mac

1. Can a corrupted PSB file be fixed?

Yes, a corrupted PSB file can often be repaired using methods like restoring from a backup, using Photoshop’s auto-recovery feature, or employing third-party repair tools.

2. What causes PSB files to become corrupted?

PSB file corruption can occur due to system crashes, file transfer issues, disk errors, software bugs, or insufficient storage space.

3. How can I recover my corrupted PSB file if I don’t have a backup?

You can attempt to recover a corrupted PSB file using third-party file repair tools like Stellar Repair for Photo, Photoshop Repair Toolbox, or DataNumen PSD Repair.

4. Can Photoshop automatically recover a corrupted PSB file?

Yes, Photoshop’s auto-recovery feature may save a backup version of your file, which can help you recover unsaved work after a crash.

5. Are there any free tools to repair corrupted PSB files on Mac?

Some free tools like GIMP or Affinity Photo may allow you to open and salvage parts of the corrupted PSB file, but dedicated repair tools typically require a paid license for full functionality.

6. How can I prevent PSB file corruption?

To prevent file corruption, regularly back up your files, keep your system and Photoshop up to date, avoid overloading your disk, and save your work frequently.

By understanding the causes of PSB file corruption and using the right tools and techniques, you can fix corrupted files and avoid potential issues in the future. Stay proactive with backups, and make sure your system is in good health to safeguard your creative work.