Fix the Adobe Photoshop invalid document error

Last updated on Oct 4, 2026

Learn how to fix the Adobe Photoshop invalid document error when a file extension does not match the actual file format.

When you open a file, Photoshop displays the error "Could not complete your request because it is not a valid Photoshop document." This can happen when the extension does not match the file type.

The extension does not match the file type

The file was saved with an extension that does not match its actual format, such as a JPEG file saved with a .psd extension.

Rename the file so its extension matches the correct file type.

Open the renamed file in Photoshop.

The file type cannot be determined from the filename

Open Terminal.

Type file , including the space after file.

Drag the file you want to identify onto the Terminal window.

Press Return to display the file type.

Rename the file so its extension matches the file type.

If the filename contains multiple extensions, remove the incorrect extension and add the extension that matches the file type.

If the error persists after you correct the extension, the file may be damaged. You can recover damaged Photoshop files, troubleshoot program errors opening PSD files, or resolve invalid JPEG marker errors.