How do you link and update graphics in Photoshop?

1 What are linked graphics?

Linked graphics are images or vector graphics that you place in your Photoshop document, but that are stored in a separate file on your computer or a network location. When you link a graphic, Photoshop creates a reference to the original file, and displays a low-resolution preview of it in your document. You can resize, rotate, crop, or apply effects to the linked graphic, but you cannot edit its pixels or vector paths.

2 How to link graphics in Photoshop?

To link a graphic in Photoshop, you must have the source file ready and accessible. To start, go to File > Place Linked and select the file you want to link. Next, adjust the position and size of the graphic on your canvas, and press Enter or click the checkmark icon to confirm. Finally, you'll notice a link icon on the layer thumbnail of the graphic, which indicates that it is linked to an external file.

3 How to update linked graphics in Photoshop?

If you make any changes to the source file of a linked graphic, Photoshop will detect them and prompt you to update the graphic in your document. Alternatively, you can manually update the linked graphic by selecting the layer of the linked graphic in the Layers panel and selecting Layer > Smart Objects > Update Linked or right-clicking on the layer and choosing Update Linked. This will replace the preview of the graphic with the latest version of the source file.

4 How to edit linked graphics in Photoshop?

If you want to edit the pixels or vector paths of a linked graphic in Photoshop without affecting the source file, you need to embed the graphic in your document. This will copy the full-resolution data of the source file into your document. To accomplish this, first select the layer of the linked graphic in the Layers panel. Then, go to Layer > Smart Objects > Embed Linked or right-click on the layer and choose Embed Linked. Afterward, Photoshop will remove the link icon from the layer thumbnail and you'll be able to edit the graphic as a smart object.

5 What are the benefits of linking graphics in Photoshop?

Linking graphics in Photoshop has several advantages, such as saving disk space and memory since Photoshop only stores a reference and a preview of the graphic, not the full-resolution data. This also helps maintain consistency and accuracy, since any changes you make to the source file are automatically reflected in your document. Additionally, linking graphics can preserve the quality and format of the graphic as Photoshop does not rasterize or convert it when you place it.

6 What are the drawbacks of linking graphics in Photoshop?

Linking graphics in Photoshop has some drawbacks, such as the potential to lose the connection if you move, rename, or delete the source file. Additionally, you are limited in the editing options since you cannot modify the pixels or vector paths of the graphic in Photoshop unless you embed it. Lastly, linking graphics can increase the complexity and size of your document since you need to keep track of the linked files and include them when you save, export, or share your document.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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