Basic Smart Objects

1. In CS5, If I drag a layer from one file to another, does PS always place the image as a smart object into the new file?
2. I understand that the idea behind smart objects is that I can edit the smart object without making permanent changes, though what does that really mean? I could always go back to the new layer and revert it to the way it was when I first dragged it in?
Thanks.

1) No. Use File > Place to place a doc as a smart object, or convert the dragged layer to a smart object using Layer . Smart Object > Convert to smart object.
2) For resizing the smart object layer, that would be a way of thinking of them. Another thought would be filters applied to smart objects are editable, so you can change their settings if, and when, you need. You can also stack smart filters on top of each other, which can be quite useful. Yes, you can revert the new layer, just open the smart object (SO) and copy/paste out the original layer.
An example would be a square sheet of paper with type on it that you've made into an SO and then warped to make it look like it's fluttering in the wind. You can open the SO and add more type to the piece of paper -- the type you add is typeset with straight baselines, but the final object has those curves you desired (and got just right) -- maybe some rotation or even a blur to simulate depth-of-field. Decide you'd like to make that paper the constitution? Just copy and paste a pic of the constitution into the SO and presto! It's a-fluttering.

Similar Messages

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    Preferences > General > Place or Drag Raster Images as Smart Objects

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  • Smart Objects in CS4 not opening correctly

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  • How to place raster images as smart objects?

    I'm trying to duplicate Photoshop's File:Place menu functionality and I'm experiencing something that I can't figure out. (I've added my code to the end of this message.)
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    If you want to go with Batch I would recommend creating an Action of more or less these steps:
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    • move it behind the image layer
    • Image > Reveal All
    • make Selection from that layer’s transparency (cmd-click its icon in the Layers Panel) and use Image > Crop
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    This would naturally work out best if the images had the same size and proportions.
    For the reflection on the floor duplicate the image, flip it vertically, move it in position and reduce its opacity to maybe 10%.
    Realistically you may have to hide it partially behind the pillows, a Vector Mask would be an option.

  • Smart objects not updating.

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    Boilerplate-text:
    Are Photoshop and OS fully updated and have you performed the usual trouble-shooting routines (trashing prefs by pressing command-alt-shift/ctrl-alt-shift while starting Photoshop until the appropriate dialog appears after making sure all customized presets like Actions, Patterns, Brushes etc. have been saved and making a note of the Preferences you’ve changed, 3rd party plug-ins deactivation, system maintenance, cleaning caches, font validation, etc.)

  • Smart objects uneditable -- bug ?

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    OK, going back to the issues I was (a bit incorrectly) describing in my OP:
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  • Smart Objects between Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver while managing the version in Vesion Cu

    Ok, so the title of this post sounds confusing. First off, I created a graphic in Illustrator CS3. It is to be used on a web page created in Dreamweaver CS3. I want to be able to streamline the editing process by using the Smart Object linking feature between Dreamweaver and Photoshop CS3.
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    My assumption was, when I double clicked on the Smart Object layer in Photoshop, I would get the local copy of the Illustrator file to edit. But, that wasn't the case. Problem is, I got a temp file of the Illustrator graphic and NOT the original source file I linked to in Photoshop.
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    Ok, so far I have come up with this solution. Usually after editing the Illustrator file I would check it in. But, as mentioned, I can't just do that because the file I'm editing is the temp file and not the original file syncronized with Version Cue.
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  • Smart Objects - File size issues

    Hey All,
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    FentonDesigns wrote:
    when using a nested smart object (meaning a smart object within a smart object) Photoshop CS5 doesn't display the correct file size (at bottom left) or seem to account for the nested smart object file size.  Is there a "setting" I’m missing to accurately display what the true file size is?
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