How can you use Photoshop smart objects?

1 Creating smart objects

You can create smart objects from any layer or group of layers in Photoshop. To do so, select the layer or layers you want to convert, right-click on them, and choose Convert to Smart Object from the menu. Alternatively, you can go to Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object. You will see a small icon on the bottom right corner of the layer thumbnail, indicating that it is a smart object. You can also create smart objects from external files, such as images or vector graphics, by placing them into your document. Go to File > Place Embedded or File > Place Linked, and choose the file you want to insert. It will automatically become a smart object.

2 Editing smart objects

One of the main advantages of smart objects is that you can edit them non-destructively, meaning that you can always revert to the original state or make changes without affecting the quality or resolution of the image. To edit a smart object, double-click on its layer thumbnail. This will open a new window with the source file of the smart object. You can make any adjustments or modifications you want, such as cropping, resizing, rotating, adding text, or applying effects. When you are done, save and close the window, and the changes will be reflected in the smart object layer in your main document.

3 Applying filters to smart objects

Another benefit of smart objects is that you can apply filters to them and still have the flexibility to edit or remove them later. Filters are effects that alter the appearance of an image, such as blur, sharpen, distort, or stylize. When you apply a filter to a smart object, it becomes a smart filter, which means that it is attached to the smart object layer as a separate sub-layer. You can access the filter settings by double-clicking on the filter name in the Layers panel. You can also hide, show, reorder, or delete filters by clicking on the eye icon, dragging them up or down, or right-clicking on them and choosing Delete Filter.

4 Linking and embedding smart objects

When you create a smart object from an external file, you have two options: embedding or linking. Embedding means that the file is stored within the Photoshop document, while linking means that the file is referenced from its original location on your computer or network. Embedding makes your document larger and more self-contained, while linking makes it smaller and more dependent on the external file. You can choose which option suits your needs better depending on your workflow and preferences. To switch between embedding and linking, right-click on the smart object layer and choose either Embed Linked or Convert to Linked.

5 Replacing smart objects

Sometimes you may want to replace the content of a smart object with another image or graphic, while keeping the same transformations, filters, and effects. This can be useful for creating mockups, templates, or variations of a design. To replace a smart object, right-click on its layer and choose Replace Contents. Then, browse and select the new file you want to use. The smart object will update with the new content, but retain the same appearance and attributes as before.

6 Nesting smart objects

Nesting smart objects means placing one smart object inside another, creating a hierarchy of smart objects. This can be helpful for organizing complex or layered designs, or for applying multiple transformations or effects to a smart object. To nest a smart object, simply drag and drop it onto another smart object layer. You can then edit the nested smart object by double-clicking on its layer thumbnail, which will open another window with the source file. You can nest as many smart objects as you want, but be aware that this may affect the performance and file size of your document.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?