Question 1

How do I extract text from a PSD layer using PSD.rb?

Accepted Answer

Access the text data via layer.text[:font], which returns a hash with font name, size, color, and CSS string, as shown in the layer data extraction example in the README. This works for text layers with engine data support.

Question 2

PSD.rb vs other Ruby PSD parsers like ruby-psd – which should I use?

Accepted Answer

PSD.rb is actively maintained with features like layer comps and slices, while others may be outdated. For speed, integrate psd_native, but if you need minimal dependencies, compare based on your specific use case and compatibility.

Question 3

How to save a specific layer comp as a PNG with PSD.rb?

Accepted Answer

Use psd.tree.filter_by_comp('comp_name') to get a filtered tree, then call save_as_png on it. The README shows this with examples for generating previews of layer comps or groups.

Question 4

Does PSD.rb work with Photoshop files saved without Compatibility Mode?

Accepted Answer

For flattened image export via psd.image.to_png, it relies on the rasterized preview; if Compatibility Mode is disabled, the image may be empty. The built-in renderer can help but has limitations as noted in the to-do list.

Question 5

Can I use PSD.rb in a Rails application for asset processing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, integrate it into Rails for tasks like batch processing PSDs, but be cautious of performance with large files—use background jobs and consider psd_native for speed improvements as recommended.

Question 6

What are the limitations for exporting images with PSD.rb?

Accepted Answer

Exporting supports common cases but lacks some image modes and depths, and layer styles aren't fully rendered, as admitted in the to-do section. Always test with your specific PSD formats.

PSD.rb

What is PSD.rb?

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