Where Does Pixelmator Pro Save PXD Files?
Pixelmator Pro saves layered .pxd files where you choose, with flat exports to Photos or folders for sharing.
Last updated
Pixelmator Pro uses .pxd to keep layers, text, and nondestructive edits. File > Save writes that package where you pick: Documents, Desktop, iCloud Drive, anywhere. It looks like one file in Finder but behaves like a bundle under the hood, which matters for backups.
Exports are separate. Use File > Export or Share to make JPG, PNG, TIFF, HEIC, or PSD for other apps. Saving straight to Photos is handy for phone viewing. Keep the .pxd if you plan to reedit, since flat files drop the adjustment layers.
Where Pixelmator Pro stores this, by platform
User-chosen folder (.pxd files)
Default save location follows the last folder you used. Avoid third party sync tools that split macOS packages into plain folders, since that corrupts .pxd files.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my .pxd file look like a folder on some drives?
Some cloud or NAS providers do not understand macOS package folders and show the insides instead. Copy it back to APFS storage or zip it before uploading to keep the bundle intact.
How do I keep an editable copy plus a shareable copy?
Save the master as .pxd in a backed up folder, then export a flat JPG or PNG for sharing. Reopening the flat file loses adjustment layers, so treat the .pxd as the original.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.