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Image Conversion

Convert X3F to PSD — Free Online Converter

Convert Sigma/Foveon RAW (.x3f) to Photoshop Document (.psd) online for free. Fast, secure image conversion with no watermarks or registration....

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How to Convert

1

Upload your .x3f file by dragging it into the upload area or clicking to browse.

2

Choose your output settings. The default settings work great for most files.

3

Click Convert and download your .psd file when it's ready.

About X3F to PSD Conversion

PSD (Photoshop Document) is Adobe's native format for professional image editing. Converting Sigma X3F files to PSD brings the Foveon sensor's extraordinary per-pixel quality into Photoshop's editing environment. This is particularly significant because X3F has extremely limited third-party support — PSD conversion provides reliable, permanent access to Foveon photography in the world's most widely used professional editor.

The Foveon X3 sensor's stacked silicon architecture captures true RGB at every pixel without Bayer interpolation. In Photoshop, this means every pixel contains genuine measured color — a fundamentally cleaner starting point for retouching, compositing, and color grading than any Bayer-origin PSD.

Why Convert X3F to PSD?

PSD provides full access to Photoshop's editing toolset for Foveon photography. Since Sigma Photo Pro — the only reliable X3F decoder — has limited editing capabilities compared to Photoshop, PSD conversion opens Foveon output to professional-grade retouching, compositing, and creative work.

For Foveon photographers frustrated by the X3F ecosystem's limitations, PSD conversion is liberating. It takes the exceptional sensor output and places it in an editing environment that matches the quality with world-class tools.

Common Use Cases

  • Open Sigma SD1 Merrill photographs in Photoshop for professional retouching
  • Create layered composites in Photoshop from DP2 Merrill street captures with Foveon sharpness
  • Deliver Sigma photography as editable PSD files to design teams and clients
  • Apply Photoshop's advanced tools to Foveon's per-pixel RGB data for creative editing
  • Prepare SD Quattro photographs for professional editing beyond Sigma Photo Pro's capabilities

How It Works

The conversion decodes X3F Foveon layer data through color separation, producing true-RGB output without Bayer interpolation artifacts. This is written as a PSD with a single background layer at 8-bit or 16-bit depth. The PSD includes ICC profile and EXIF metadata. Internal compression uses lossless RLE or ZIP. A 15.3 MP SD1 Merrill at 8-bit produces a PSD of approximately 30-45 MB.

Quality & Performance

PSD uses lossless internal compression, preserving the Foveon's full quality. At 16-bit depth, the complete tonal range from the three stacked silicon layers is available for editing. The per-pixel RGB data — with no Bayer interpolation artifacts — provides an unusually clean starting point for Photoshop editing. Retouching at pixel level reveals the Foveon's unique clarity.

SHARP EngineFastMinimal Quality Loss

Device Compatibility

DeviceX3FPSD
Windows PCPartialPartial
macOSPartialPartial
iPhone/iPadPartialPartial
AndroidPartialPartial
LinuxPartialPartial
Web BrowserNoNo

Tips for Best Results

  • 1Process X3F in Sigma Photo Pro first for optimal color, then export to PSD for Photoshop editing
  • 216-bit PSD preserves maximum Foveon tonal range for color grading in Photoshop
  • 3The Foveon's clean pixel data is an exceptional starting point for frequency separation retouching
  • 4Embed the ICC profile for consistent Foveon color across Photoshop and other editing tools
  • 5Keep original X3F files — Sigma may improve Photo Pro's decode in future updates

X3F to PSD liberates Foveon photography from X3F's extreme compatibility limitations into Photoshop's professional editing environment. The per-pixel RGB quality provides an exceptional foundation for creative work.

Frequently Asked Questions

At pixel level, yes. Foveon PSD has genuinely sharp pixel boundaries and true per-pixel color. Bayer PSD has interpolation-softened edges. At normal viewing, the difference is subtle but measurable.
16-bit for serious editing and fine art work. The Foveon's three-layer data benefits from the extra tonal precision during color grading.
Yes. The PSD opens as a single background layer. Add adjustment layers, masks, and compositing layers freely.
Sigma Photo Pro has the most accurate X3F decode. However, Photoshop offers vastly superior editing tools. Convert after achieving optimal color in SPP.
Yes. GIMP and Affinity Photo both read PSD with good compatibility.

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