Save the editable PSD first, then choose File > Save As, select Photoshop PDF, choose whether to preserve layers and embed the color profile, select an Adobe PDF preset for the intended use, and inspect the new PDF before delivery.
1
Save the editable Photoshop document
Save the working document as a PSD before creating the delivery file. Confirm the required dimensions, color profile, fonts, and whether the recipient needs editable Photoshop layers or a smaller viewing copy.
2
Preserve the editable PSD
Reopen the PSD and check that the important layers, text, masks, and Smart Objects remain editable. Keep this master file separate from the PDF destination.
3
Create the Photoshop PDF
Choose File > Save As, select Photoshop PDF from the format menu, and choose whether to embed the color profile and preserve Layers. Select Save to open the Adobe PDF options.
4
Choose the PDF export settings
Choose an Adobe PDF preset that matches the intended print or screen use. Review compatibility, compression, output, and security settings, then select Save PDF to create a new file.
5
Inspect the delivered PDF
Open the PDF in a current viewer and inspect text, images, transparency, color, page dimensions, and file size at useful zoom levels. Verify any password or permission setting before sending the file.
6
Choose editing data deliberately
Photoshop PDF options can flatten, compress, or preserve editing data and greatly change file size; it is not a multi-page layout replacement for InDesign.
7
Export again without overwriting the master
If the PDF is too large or looks wrong, return to the PSD, create a new PDF filename, and change only the relevant preset, compression, output, compatibility, or layer setting. Do not flatten or overwrite the only editable master.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
If the PDF looks different, compare colour, font, transparency, and compression settings against the PSD and delivery specification before overwriting the export.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Platform not recorded.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.
