How do you use smart objects and linked layers to save time and space in Photoshop?

3 How to use masks in Photoshop and Illustrator

To create a mask in Photoshop, you can select a layer and click the Add Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel, or use the keyboard shortcut Alt+Click (Windows) or Option+Click (Mac). To create a mask in Illustrator, you can select a layer and choose Layer > Create Clipping Mask, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+7 (Windows) or Command+7 (Mac). To edit a mask, you can click on it in the Layers panel and use the Brush tool or the Shape tools to paint or draw on it. To invert a mask, you can press Ctrl+I (Windows) or Command+I (Mac). To disable or enable a mask, you can Shift+Click on it.

4 How to use smart objects in Photoshop

Smart objects are layers that preserve the original data of an image, vector, or text. They allow you to resize, transform, filter, or link them without losing quality or editing the source file. To create a smart object in Photoshop, you can select a layer and choose Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object, or right-click on it and choose Convert to Smart Object. To edit a smart object, you can double-click on it in the Layers panel and make your changes in a new window. To apply a smart filter, you can select a smart object and choose Filter > Filter Gallery, or any other filter option. To link a smart object, you can choose File > Place Linked, or drag and drop a file from your computer or Adobe Bridge.

5 How to use linked layers in Photoshop and Illustrator

Linked layers are layers that are connected to external files, such as images, vectors, or text. They allow you to update the content of the layer automatically when the source file changes. To create a linked layer in Photoshop, you can choose File > Place Linked, or drag and drop a file from your computer or Adobe Bridge. To create a linked layer in Illustrator, you can choose File > Place, or drag and drop a file from your computer or Adobe Bridge, and make sure the Link option is checked. To edit a linked layer, you can double-click on it in the Layers panel and make your changes in the source file. To update a linked layer, you can choose Layer > Update All Modified Content, or right-click on it and choose Update Modified Content.

6 How to use layers and masks together

Layers and masks work together to give you more flexibility and creativity in your graphic design projects. You can use them to combine different images, create collages, add text effects, apply gradients, adjust colors, and more. Smart objects and linked layers can also help you save time and space, and keep your files organized and consistent. To use layers and masks together, you can create a new layer or a smart object for each element you want to add to your composition, arrange the layers in the order you want them to appear, and change their opacity or blending mode if needed. Then, add a mask to each layer you want to modify and use the Brush tool or the Shape tools to paint or draw on the mask. Experiment with different mask options, such as inverting, disabling, or feathering the mask, and save your file as a PSD or AI format to preserve the layers and masks.