How to Solve "Photoshop File Format Module Cannot Parse the File"

Eleanor Reed

Jan 26, 2024 • Filed to: Photo/Video/Audio Solutions • Proven solutions

Photoshop could not parse the File is an error message you get when the file extension of the photo has been changed accidentally. Various factors can cause this error. We will discuss here what this error is and how to fix it. You will also learn how to repair corrupted Photoshop files and some tricks on parsing photoshop files.

Part 1: What’s the Error: Cannot Parse File?

Imagine you are working on the Adobe Photoshop application for some crucial project. Now, before you think that everything is going so smoothly and you’ll be able to complete the project within the deadline, you get a Photoshop error. Even though it feels annoying at first, you might be able to get rid of the error if you know what’s causing it.

1. What Does "Parse the File" Mean?

Well, ‘parse the file’ literally means reading in a data stream and creating an in-memory structure of the syntactic content of that data. The error occurs in the Adobe Photoshop application when the extension of any picture is changed to some other extension type.

People often complain that the file format cannot parse the file error when using the Photoshop tool to edit photos. The issue can occur if you have downloaded a picture in the PNG file format and changed the extension to PSD after editing. Now, if you try to open the revised version of the PSD file, you will get the error. In other terms, it means that the Photoshop file is corrupted.

2. Why Does the "Photoshop Could Not Parse The File" Error Appear?

The extension of a photo file decides the quality of a photo. Photoshop application has an efficient and unique UI interface that creates graphics as per your requirements. As briefly mentioned earlier, when you save a file in different extensions, it compromises the integrity of the photo. Often, it makes the file unreadable, and you get the Photoshop cannot parse file error.

The issue is evident in the Adobe Photoshop application because it sometimes doesn’t open a JPEG image. But the problem isn’t always with the application and happens due to technical glitches.

Part 2: How to Fix the "File Format Module Cannot Parse The File."?

If the ‘cannot parse the file’ error is frequent, it may disrupt the smooth functioning of your work. You might get frustrated, but you can solve the issue with the methods discussed here.

Method 1: Open the File in Paint

One of the efficient ways to solve ‘Could not parse the file issue' is by opening the File in the paint. When you open the JPEG format photo file in the paint and click on 'Save as,' it corrects any misconfigurations in the File.

Method 2: Change the DWORD Value for Adobe Photoshop in Windows Registry

If you change the integer value of the JPEG data, you might be able to fix any issue with the photo. Here are the steps to change the DWORD value in the registry.

Step 1: Tap on Windows and R simultaneously to open the 'Run' dialogue box.

Step 2: Write ‘Regedit' in the box to open the Windows registry.

Step 3: Open ‘Computer’ and click on ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER.’

Step 4: Now, follow the path, Software->Adobe->Photoshop-> 120.0 (or whichever folder you see there).

Step 5: Double-tap on the 'OverridePhysicalMemoryMB’ File, and you'll get an option to edit DWORD value.

Step 6: Now, check the hexadecimal in the ‘Base’ option and enter the value 4000 (1000=1GB).

Step 7: Tap on the 'OK' button, close the dialogue box and restart your computer.

Try opening your photo in Photoshop and check if the parsing issue is solved or not.

Method 3: Take A Screenshot of the Picture and Edit It

The screenshot method is as efficient as the first method of the list. Now, follow the steps below to solve the 'cannot parse the file’ error.

Step 1: Open the image in your default application for the image viewer and take its screenshot.

Step 2: Now open the Adobe Photoshop application, click on the 'File' tab, and select 'New.' Press on 'OK' to complete the process.

Step 3: Paste the image on the plain screen using ‘Ctrl and ‘V’ and take a screenshot of the image.

Step 4: Now, copy the screenshot image and go to the 'File' tab, paste it and click on ‘OK.’ When you save the file as .png, it should fix the Photoshop issue.

Though the above steps may solve the issue, you must know the basics of Photoshop to be able to use this method.

Part 3: How to Repair Corrupted Photoshop Files?

One of the side effects of the ‘file format cannot parse the file’ error is it corrupts the Photoshop files. It also leads to longer response times by Photoshop application start. If you are using multiple applications simultaneously, you might suffer from the sudden crashing of the application.

1. What Causes Photoshop Files to Be Corrupted?

Several factors lead to the ‘Photoshop cannot parse file’ error. As you never know what causes the issue in the first place, it would be best if you knew about all of them to solve the error efficiently.

• Malware Attack

A malicious virus-like Trojan can affect the smooth functioning of your computer. From system files to the software application, it can affect any aspect of your system.

• Forceful System Shut-down

It's no wonder you get the message to close all the applications before shutting down your computer or laptop. For example, if you use the Adobe Photoshop application but didn’t close the application before turning it off, it might corrupt the Photoshop files. So, make sure you double-check before shutting down the computer.

• Usage of 3rd Party Application to Open PSD Files

If you're using a third-party application or an unknown resource to open PSD files, it may also affect the files and corrupt them.

• Inefficient Antivirus Application

While opting for an antivirus application, make sure that it is reliable and works against all viruses. Check out the customer reviews to ensure the credibility of antivirus before downloading.

• Sudden Loss of Power

If you had no back power supply and witnessed a sudden loss of power, you might suffer data loss or corruption.

2. How to Fix Corrupted Photoshop Files?

If you know of different reasons that give rise to the ‘could not parse the file’ error, it'll be much easier for you to fix the issue. It might feel like all the hard work is done once your PSD files are corrupted, but it’s not! Numerous ways can be used to solve the error. Here are some of the most efficient solutions to fix the corrupted Photoshop files issue.

Method 1: Fix with Repairit Photo Repair

‘Photoshop could not parse the file’ error occurs suddenly. You might witness data corruption due to the inconvenience. If you are in the middle of some critical work on the Adobe Photoshop application and the error occurs, it may corrupt all the photos. While it’s annoying to lose all the PBD files, numerous ways can be used to retrieve them back.

Repairit Photo Repair is among the best in repairing corrupted PBD files. Now, to recover the lost data, follow the below steps and give Repairit a try!

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Step 1: Select a Location

Click on the ‘Add file’ tab located at the center. Select the corrupted Photoshop files from the drive where it was saved.

Step 2: Repair Corrupted Files

Once you select all the corrupted files from their source location, click on the 'Repair' tab. It will initiate the repair process.

Step 3: Save Repaired Files

The repair process may take some time to complete, depending on the photos and the file size. Once the process completes, you can preview the files. When you are assured that you got all the pictures you wanted, click on 'Save Repaired Files.'

Tip: Make sure that you store the files at a different location and not from where you selected them in the first place. The above steps from the Repairit Repair tool will help you repair the corrupted Photoshop files.

Method 2: Restore from Backup

Considering the importance of the work, you might have created a system restore for the PSD files. If yes, all you have to do is restore the files to a previous date. If not, you must create a backup as there's always a chance of file corruption, computer crash, or accidental deletion.

So, if you have already enabled the System Restore, follow the steps mentioned below to fix the corrupted Photoshop files.

Step 1: Navigate to the ‘Control Panel’ and tap on ‘System Protection.’

Step 2: When you open the ‘Protection Settings,’ make sure it is in the ‘ON’ status.

Step 3: Click on ‘OK’ to complete the process.

Now, boot your computer and check whether you have got all the PSD files (uncorrupted) back.

Method 3: Recover Photoshop Files from Temp Files

Now, if your system got crashed due to a power surge or insufficient backup, you can use temp files to recover the PSD files. Follow the process mentioned below to restore the corrupt files.

Step 1: Open the hard drive and click on the 'Document and Settings' option.

Step 2: Search the folder that is labeled under your name and click on ‘Local Settings > Temp.’

Step 3: Look for the files labeled with ‘Photoshop,’ open it in the Photoshop application. Alter the extension of all the files with .temp extension to .psd and save the files.

Part 4: Useful Tips and Tricks on Parsing Photoshop Files?

Although you won’t be able to do much once the ‘Photoshop cannot parse file’ issue occurs, you can take several measures to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. Here are some valuable tips to prevent Photoshop errors.

Make Multiple Copies of PSD Files

If the PSD files you are working on are an essential part of your work, you must save them from getting compromised. You can make multiple copies of the PSD files. Even when one source is lost or corrupted, you will always have another source to get it back.

Avoid Interruptions While Transferring Files

When transferring the PSD files from one source to another, avoid sudden interruptions as they may corrupt the files. Also, when you are working on Adobe Photoshop, you must avoid running any big application.

Do Not Turn Off Computer Abruptly

If your system hasn't turned off entirely with some of the applications like Adobe Photoshop running in the background, it may lead to this error. So every time you shut down your computer, make sure all the documents, files, tabs, and applications are closed.

Install Reliable Antivirus

Getting a reliable antivirus is one of the significant assets to prevent the 'File module cannot parse the file' error from occurring. If you keep your Windows Defender updated, you won't necessarily need an antivirus.

Closing Words

Although the ‘Photoshop cannot parse file’ error is beyond our control, it's not a complicated issue to resolve. And often, it leads to inaccessible or corrupt PSD files. We have discussed different solutions to fix Photoshop errors. Moreover, if this error corrupts the PSD files, you may use the Repairit Photo Repair application to repair the files.