Dev Depot: PSD Validator, Virtual Validation Comes to Photoshop

Experienced web designers and coders are no strangers to online validation tools that are intended to analyze a specific URL; testing its code against established standards as a way of “grading” the site’s structural quality. This isn’t just a matter of ego on the part of those who successfully validate their work; it is the foundation of interoperability, which is a vital part of today’s mixed Internet access device ecosystems.

While validation is usually applied to HTML and CSS code, other validators exist.

Working with images is all about being non-destructive, you certainly don’t want to limit the shelf life of a photo or button by recklessly adding any irreparable filters or effects. -Dan Rose, Photoshop Etiquette

According to its publisher, PSD Validator (www.psdvalidator.com) allows users to find out how well their PSD files are structured, using some of the rules and techniques detailed on the PhotoshopEtiquette.com site, which calls itself “A Guide to Discernible Web Design in Photoshop.”

With PSD Validator, no files are stored, but are rather instantly deleted after they have been parsed through the system, easing any concerns about sharing your PSD files.

Using the tool is as easy as it gets: simply select a file from the standard dialog box, or drag and drop it onto the online upload panel. Click the “Validate” button and mere moments later, a report detailing various parameters and stylistic observations about your PSD file will be displayed.

Although PSD files are not subject to the same W3C standards as are HTML and CSS files, ensuring that they are structured correctly will not only improve your workflow but portability as well, which can be vital when sharing files with outsourced artists or others.

So what are we looking at when analyzing PSD files?

Photoshop Etiquette contains a number of best practices beginning with the handling of any external files.

According to Photoshop Etiquette’s Dan Rose, it is important to begin optimization outside of the Photoshop document, by being careful with their external file organization.

“I mean, if you can’t get your files organized in a reasonable way, what would anything else that you do inside the PSD matter?” Rose asks, outlining valuable steps that help along the way — such as consolidating PSDs, naming files appropriately and storing assets relative to the PSD. Rose also advises the use of templates for UI elements and the proper storage of files on servers to make them easier to share.

Next comes the handling of layers, with considerations such as accurate naming and the use of folders. Deleting unnecessary layers, globalizing common elements and using layer comps or smart objects also falls under the guidelines.

“Arguably the biggest source of angst amongst PSD inheritors, messy and unnamed layers suck the fun out of any situation,” Rose notes, adding, “If you do nothing else, name your layers!”

Tips for images include not stretching or flattening buttons, globalizing masks, using snap alignments and being careful with blending modes, all while being non-destructive.

“Working with images is all about being non-destructive,” Rose notes. “You certainly don’t want to limit the shelf life of a photo or button by recklessly adding any irreparable filters or effects.”

Other areas define best practices for using type, special effects, exporting and more. Review what Photoshop Etiquette has to offer, and then drop your PSD into the free PSD Validator for a gauge of how well your own Photoshop skills are stacking up.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

What France's New Law Means for Age Verification Worldwide

When France implemented its Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law on April 11, it marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing global debate surrounding online safety and access to adult content.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

From Tariffs to Trends: Staying Resilient in a Shaky Online Adult Market

Whenever I check in with clients these days, I encounter the same concerns. For many, business has not quite bounced back after the typical post-holiday-season slowdown. Instead, consumers have been holding back due to the economic uncertainty around the Trump administration’s new tariffs and their impact on prices.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Optimizing Payment Strategies for High Ticket Sales

Payment processing for more expensive items, such as those exceeding $1,000 per order, can create unique challenges. For adult businesses, those challenges are magnified. Increased fraud risk, elevated chargeback ratios and heavier scrutiny from banks and processors are only the beginning.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Lexi Morin

Lexi Morin’s journey into the adult industry began with a Craigslist ad and a leap of faith. In 2011, fresh-faced and ambitious, she was scrolling through job ads on Craigslist when she stumbled upon a listing for an assistant makeup artist.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Still Rocking: The Hun Celebrates 30 Years in the Game

In the ever-changing landscape of adult entertainment, The Hun’s Yellow Pages stands out for its endurance. As one of the internet’s original fixtures, literally nearly as old as the web itself, The Hun has functioned as a living archive for online adult content, quietly maintaining its relevance with an interface that feels more nostalgic than flashy.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Digital Desires: AI's Emerging Role in Adult Entertainment

The adult industry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing new technology. From the early days of dial-up internet and grainy video clips to today’s polished social media platforms and streaming services, our industry has never been afraid to innovate. But now, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in ways that are exciting but also daunting.

Steve Lightspeed ·
opinion

More Than Money: Why Donating Time Matters for Nonprofits

The adult industry faces constant legal battles, societal stigma and workplace challenges. Fortunately, a number of nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of adult performers, producers and industry workers. When folks in the industry think about supporting these groups, donating money is naturally the first solution that comes to mind.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Consent Guardrails: How to Protect Your Content Platform

The adult industry takes a strong and definite stance against the creation or publication of nonconsensual materials. Adult industry creators, producers, processors, banks and hosts all share a vested interest in ensuring that the recording and publication of sexually explicit content is supported by informed consent.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

Payment Systems: Facilitator vs. Gateway Explained

Understanding and selecting the right payment platform can be confusing for anyone. Recently, Segpay launched its payment gateway. Since then, we’ve received numerous questions about the difference between a payment facilitator and a payment gateway. Most merchants want to know which type of platform best meets their business needs.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Reinventing Intimacy: A Look at AI's Implications for Adult Platforms

The adult industry has long revolved around delivering pleasure and entertainment, but now it’s moving into new territory: intimacy, connection and emotional fulfillment. And AI companions are at the forefront of that shift.

Daniel Keating ·
Show More