"Smart object" message prevents editing layer

When I create a new layer by placing an image from another file and then try to edit it (like removing the background from an image) I keep getting this message, "Could not complete your request because the smart object is not directly editable."
What does this mean?

When you 'place' an object into an exisiting image doument, you are doing so as a 'Smart object' which can not be edited inside the new image. If you just paste the object instead of placing it, it will do so as an ordinary layer. If you don't want objects dragged into the new document to be Smart objects, uncheck that option in General Preferences.

Similar Messages

Is there a way to read/write original .xmp settings of a CR2 loaded as smart object onto a .psd layer?

Hello all. This has been asked in varying degrees before, but many of the discussions I found relative to my question are from the period 2010 to 2013. Thought I would throw this out there again medio 2014 to see if anything new has developed that I'm somehow missing.
Here's the situation:
1. In the filesystem, a CR2 file and a sidecar .xmp file with ACR settings applied via Bridge (CS6).
2. CR2 file is opened in Photoshop (CS6) as a smart object (.xmp sidecar settings are applied in the process).
3. CR2 file and .xmp now exist on a .psd layer as a smart object...in some unknown form.
4. File is saved as .psd
My question is this:
Is there ANY way at all via Bridge and/or Photoshop scripting to read/write/access/touch/poke/prod the original ACR "development" settings, originally stored in the .xmp sidecar file, that apparently now exist in some form on the smart object layer in the .psd? Via scripting in Bridge, one can alter the metadata on this saved .psd file, no problem, but this is not the same .xmp data that is being referenced by the image loaded as a smart object onto the .psd layer in that file. Where is this second set of data? Can it be accessed?
Any info, enlightenment would be much appreciated. Thanks.

No, not too late.
InDesign is for layout for press in this case.
Photoshop is for design, which is using the .jpg's.
I'm half way there, but stuck at:
Getting a file location reference when the .jpg is first brought into PS as a layer.
Getting a script to write the location of the file into the medata for the PSD in some field
Reading back the metadata file location for the .jpg and bringing it back into the PSD again.
Any help would really be appreciated.
I can make the completed script(s) available when its complete, as this has possibilities for other uses, batch process, and more.

Linking smart objects with it's layer mask

ther must be a way to link smart objects with it's layer mask without having to rasterize....isn't there?

You're pre-CS4 right?
1) Upgrade to CS4
2) Put SO in a group, link mask to group
3) ...
4) Profit!

Can I place a smart object and specify a layer comp?

I have many buttons, each as a layer comp, in a single file.
I do this because there are many common elements: layers for the button base, shared features, button gloss, etc.
What changes is the icon on the button, and possibly a supporting label.
I want to place these buttons on objects in other files.
So, I'd like to Place the file as a smart object AND SPECIFY THE LAYER COMP for the proper button.
Anybody?
Or maybe there is another approach?
Much obliged!
Dave

I'm on CC on a Mac.
What 21 is talking about is making some sense.
I am able to create new smart object via copy, then create a variation on the original file linked in the parent smart object. Then I save that from illustrator with a different file name. Then I go back to photoshop and replace contents of the new smart object, linking it to the newer illustrator file.
This gets around the problem, but it takes a few more steps than the same thing did it in earlier versions of photoshop.

How can I duplicate a smart object and then edit it, without affecting the original?

I have a vector element from illustrator that I am placing in a tshirt mockup in photoshop. I have the layout essentially how I would like, but I am trying different color variations. I would think to just duplicate the first placement and then edit the color of the resulting copy, but this affects both the copy and the original. I looked into it a bit further, and found that I should try the "replace contents" option under smart objects, and that this would change the copy. So I go back to illustrator, made a copy of the original vector, and then made the color change I had in mind, and then saved it as a separate document that I could then use in replacing the contents of the copied. This however, is still affecting both smart objects!
I have tried this as both linked smart objects and embedded smart objects without success.
Ultimately, I simply want to maintain the position of the original layer with the duplicated and edited layers. If you know of a better way, please share!

I'm on CC on a Mac.
What 21 is talking about is making some sense.
I am able to create new smart object via copy, then create a variation on the original file linked in the parent smart object. Then I save that from illustrator with a different file name. Then I go back to photoshop and replace contents of the new smart object, linking it to the newer illustrator file.
This gets around the problem, but it takes a few more steps than the same thing did it in earlier versions of photoshop.

Smart Object - Cropping on a Layer via Select- Inverse- Backspace

OK, I have learned that you can't "Crop" on a layer, but instead should use the Select->Inverse->Backspace procedure to essentially "crop" a photo. But this procedure does not work on a Smart Object photo.
I have also found out that if you Simplify the Smart Object, the above cropping procedure works.
So now I need some help on understanding what I lose when I go from a Smart Object to a Simplified Object. It appears that I can still resize, rotate, etc. the photo, so what am I missing.

Michel- I guess everything is not as good as I thought. I guess I mis-read the "Copy to Layer" (cropped) image as still being a Smart Object (when my wife did it), but this morning when I repeated the procedure, I ended up with a Simplified cropped image.
So the effect is the same -- i.e. either way you end up with a Simplified cropped image (whether you do a Layer->Simplify Layer and then do a Select->Inverse->Backspace OR you merely outline the area you want cropped with the rectangle and then do a "Copy from Layer).
And even I can see if I want to do any significant resizing (enlarging that is), I need to be working with a Smart Object because the Simplified start pixilating very quickly when enlarged.
I also think I finally figured what the little boxes in the lower right corner of the Layer palette icon is -- it indicates Smart Object, right. I didn't see that explained anywhere. Also, more education is needed in the Help Documentation about Smart Objects. Thanks for your initial response -- and these forums are life savers.

Smart Object Resizes after edit

I have a photoshop file I created for a book cover that contains an illustrator smart object -- a rectangular box that I need to periodically change the colors of. When I double click on the smart object it opens in Illustrator and I can edit it. However, when I go back to Photoshop the rectangle updates and enlarges to at least twice the size.
I created the file a couple of months ago and cannot remember for sure how I made the smart object, but no matter what I do I can't get it to maintain its size after editing.
I did place a new version of the rectangle and can get that to work, but since size and positioning is very critical I would feel more comfortable if I could get the original smart object to work.\
Any suggestions?
Jeff

Sorry--CS2 versions of both

Object Message Mapping - Edit Locking

An XI session timed out on me recently, when I logged back into XI - I was no longer able to edit the object. A dialog box popped up telling me that the object was currenly being edited by user "myself" - I have searched around and can't find anyway to unlock this object for editing - is this something only an XI admin can help me with?
With thanks,
Paul

Hi,
use this link:
http://server:port/rep/support/public/LockAdminService
to delete the lock
you can find the same with:
- transaction: SXMB_IFR
- Administration link
- lock service link
Regards,
michal
<a href="/people/michal.krawczyk2/blog/2005/06/28/xipi-faq-frequently-asked-questions"><b>XI / PI FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions</b></a>

Bug? Camera Raw Smart Object Can't Be Edited

I have a problem where a raw file placed as a smart object can't be re-edited in CS3. Here's how to replicate the problem:
1. Open a JPEG or TIFF as a Smart Object (may happen with other file types).
2. Go to Layer > Smart Objects > New Smart Object via Copy.
3. Double-click the top smart object and make changes in Adobe Camera Raw.
You should now be able to hide/show the top layer (the final)
to see the bottom layer (the original.)
4. Double-click the top smart object layer to see that it properly opens Camera Raw allowing you to make edits (this works for now but will stop working when we encounter the bug in a moment).
5. Save the file and close it.
6. Re-open the file and double-click either of the smart object layers to edit them. Instead of Camera Raw dialog opening, the image in the window changes to the original unedited version. This is a bug and doesn't happen on every image, but it always happens on at least some of my images.
There have been times when it works, but the next time I open the file it stops working. Some of my files allow editing later without problems. Truly weird. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there a workaround?
I have applied all updaters, so that means I am using Photoshop CS3 10.0.1 with Camera 4.4.1 on Mac OS 10.5.2. I have also trashed preferences for Photoshop and Adobe Bridge. I've also Purged the Adobe Camera Raw Cache in the Bridge. This happens on both my Mac Pro (3GB RAM) and MacBook Pro (4GB RAM) so it's not just one machine.
Thanks in advance,
Dan

Hi Daniel,
Stumbled on your post while searching on a similar issue. I'm not sure if I precisely understand yuour problem, but here's my experience when dealing with TIFFs and JPEGs embedded as Smart Objects in CS3...
If the Smart Object layer contains a TIFF or JPEG that has already been edited and saved in Camera Raw (i.e., the embedded file has Camera Raw XMP metadata in its header), then Photoshop will open the Smart Object's contents in Camera Raw... with one provision. You have to make sure that in your Camera Raw preferences, under "JPEG and TIFF Handling", that both boxes are checked for "Always open JPEG/TIFF files with settings using Camera Raw".
If those boxes aren't checked, when you try to edit the contents of a Smart Object layer containing a TIFF or JPEG with Camera Raw settings in its header, instead of opening the embedded file for editing, Photoshop seems to simply revert to displaying the layer without the settings applied. I'm unsure whether this is a bug or intended behavior, but it seems to be one of the symptoms you describe.
On the other hand, if you make a Smart Object layer from a JPEG or TIFF that does not already have Camera Raw settings in its header, Photoshop CS3 will never open that layer's contents in Camera Raw, regardless of what preferences you have checked. Instead, the contents are opened in a separate window as a temporary .psb file. The only way I've found to do Camera Raw editing in these cases is to export the layer, edit the exported file in Raw, and then re-import it via Replace Contents.

Can i duplicate a raw smart object to normal layer?

hi
i have a problem
i tried yesterday the all day to do this , diplicate a raw smart object to normal layer
i mean i open a raw file with camera raw
i click shift + open
i have a raw smart object
i click 2 to the smart object (i can edit with camera raw)
now i have 1 layer (smart object with the camera raw settings
can i duplicate this smart object to a normal layer??
my purpose is
have 3 o 4 layer of the same photo with different camera raw settings
thanks

Hi Chris,
I need a vector smart logo that is on a PSD layer as a vector file in illustrator so I can plot cut on a vinyl cutter. How can I make sure the logo transfers as .ai at the exact size showen in the Photoshop document? I remember doiing this a few years ago but forgot the proceedure. It's probably a very easy step and once I have the answer I'll say "oh that's right I remember now" The export path to Ilustrator only gives me the saved paths in this document.
Thanks for any help you can provide!
Glenn

Create Smart Object /Frame Layer from open file in PSE8?

I'm loving the trial version of PSE 8. Several features that I don't want to live without!
One thing that I find more difficult is creating a Smart Object or a Frame Layer (did those get replaced?) from an open file. Because I digital scrapbook in different aspect ratios (12x12 for print and 15x9 for my photo frame) I want to maintain independent resolution of my pictures so I can change the crop, size etc. My regular process (pse6) is to open a bunch of pictures and elements (papers, embellishments, etc), adjust the pictures as I desire (usually Smart Fix, plus a little midtone contrast), drop the elements into a blank file or template from the layers palette so they will not be frame layers, but drop the photos in from the Open Files bin as Frame Layers. Then I simply resize the frame itself to match what I want on the page, and adjust the picture inside the frame.
With PSE 8 I found I can drop a file from "Show Files from Organizer" and they will become Smart Objects (File: Place works too). However, they have to be saved first, and I often don't save all my changes. I would like to be able to create a Smart object or Frame Layer from an open file.
Also, is there any way to change the size/zoo of the picture within a Smart Object? Or crop it? If not, does this really mean I have to crop my file, save it, and then add it as a Smart Object? Ugh. (Or create a rectangle for each SO and group them to form a clipping mask, I suppose. Either is a pain).
Any recommendations for a better workflow that maintains independence?
Thanks,
Lisa

Thank you! This is very timely as I've been playing around with digital scrapbooking a lot more. I've been having luck with using a grouped layer to "crop" the photo. This way I can actually crop out what I know I'll never use, but use the layer mask to keep some edges that I might want around.
Do you have any opinion on whether it's better to use a smart object or not? I'll try both, I guess, and see what it does to my file size.
Lisa

Smart object with a layer mask.

I'm using CS4 and I have run into a problem. When ever I create a smart object, photoshop applies a layer mask where is never did before. I can't figure out how to revert photoshop drawing the smart object without the layer mask.
It's driving me insane. I can't do anything and when I remove the layer mask, the smart object fills the whole canvas. Not happy!

SMART OBJECTS TEMP FOLDER

I use smartobjects a lot when I am creating collages or my graphics in photoshop. What is surprising me these days is that when I import a photo as a smart object, if I click it in the layers panel it opens in a separate window, so I can edit just that particular photo, by adding adjustment layers, duplicating etc. My surprise is that when I try to save it it opens the temp folder.
Now I can't save my new edits, because this was very useful in case I want to change or edit the adjustment layer. If I still got the background, I can merge all layers and save it and all changes will be updated in the main document, but if I don't like the changes, that means I will have to start all over again.
Anyone knows why this is happenning to me. I have the current CS5 12.0.4.
Thank you,
Shadreck

srukweza wrote:
I use smartobjects a lot when I am creating collages or my graphics in photoshop. What is surprising me these days is that when I import a photo as a smart object, if I click it in the layers panel it opens in a separate window, so I can edit just that particular photo, by adding adjustment layers, duplicating etc. My surprise is that when I try to save it it opens the temp folder.
Please clearify two things for me. How do you import a photo as a smart object? and when you wrote duplicating what did you dupe.
When I do collages I populate my Collage templates with image files using Photoshop's menu File>Place. The image layers are smart object and embedded it the layer is a copy of the original image file. It can be any image file type RAW, PSD, Jpeg, PNG etc. When I double click on an image layer smart object icon in the layers palette Photoshop Opens the embedded file in the smart object layer. If the embedded file is a RAW file ACR open first I can re-adjust the current smart objects raw setting an then open the image in Photoshop. Then I have a choice of closing the image without saving in which case no update is made to the smart object layer. Or I can use menu File>Save... . When I do a save I see a message that has a progress bar that states the Smart Object is being updated . What happens is the embedded file in the smart object is updated with the changes I made to it. Once it is updated the changes are also reflected into the document containg the smart opject layer. The smar object is also still open in Photoshop which I x out of it in Photoshop. You may have to reduce the smart object Image view zoom out to be able to see the updating smart object message when you do do the save to commit the changes into the smart object. Once you update the smart object layer the embedded image file is not the original image for it now contains you new update. On my CS2, CS3 and CS5 systems I never see save opening a temp folder. I see the smart object layer being updated when I use menu File>Save...

How to change default HDR toning with 32 bit smart object - 16 bit, when not merging

Suppose I have just done this:
Opened a RAW file as a 16-bit smart object through camera raw, so I can easily go back and change raw parameters if needed
Converted the document to 32 bit mode
Set 32-bit preview mode to Highlight Compression
Added a Curves layer and fiddled with the sliders until satisfied
So far so good.
Now what I would like to do is envelope/convert these two layers into a smart object, and then change the mode to 16 bit with a Highlight compression method, but WITHOUT merging the smart object. Merging leaves me with one flattened non-smart layer. Obviously I don't want to merge, because all the smartness of the previous (32 bit) smart object, and I cannot go back to the equally smart raw file.
For a demonstration: http://tv.adobe.com/watch/russell-brown-at-photoshop-world-2011-orlando/smart-object-32-bi t-hdr-editing-techniques/
After chosing "merge layers", an impressive dialog box is displayed with 4 toning methods. When NOT merging, nothing is displayed, and Exposure/Gamma seems to be silently used. Fine in some cases, but not now. It seems one cannot change that, or choose another one of the 4 methods. But perhaps someone has figured out a way to "will" it in another direction?
Thanks for your help!

Yes sorry about that, I may have been a bit brief indeed:
I'm using Photoshop CS5, x64, latest patch (12.0.4). And ACR 6.4.1 to open a Raw file as a smart object in Photoshop.
Step 2: correct, I used Image->Mode->32bit
Step 3: I set the 32bit preview mode by clicking View->32-bit Preview Options->Highlight Compession
Setp 4: I'm mistaken here, I added a Levels layer, because Curves are indeed unavailable in 32 bit mode.
While I'm at it:
Step 5: Then, I would select these 2 layers in the layers pane and convert them to a smart object (right click in layers pane -> convert to smart object)
Step 6: Next step would be Image->Mode->16-bit. It would then ask to have the layers merged or not before changing bit depth. Only if you choose merge, the HDR toning dialog box would appear, from which you can select Exposure&Gamma, Highlight Compession, Local Adaptation and so on.
I don't want to merge, because it will destroy the smart object containing the Levels layer and the original raw file (in a smart object)
So I select "Don't merge". It doesn't show the HDR toning dialog, and goes straight in 16-bit mode. But what toning mode did it choose? By comparing the result you get when not merging, to the result when one does merge, it appears a default toning mode of Exposure&gamma is chosen. That's not what I want, because I would like to have Highlight Compression.
But where can I change this behaviour?

Smart Object in AE

Doing some animation work with a lot of vector elements that I am arranging in photoshop as smart objects. I like to comp my AE stuff in Photoshop, even though I do the detail vector work in Illustrator. Now, when working in AE...the PS composition still sees the smart object as a PS layer. If I want to make changes to that smart object, must I reopen the illustrator file, edit, save it, reopen PS file, update smart object, save PSD, update layer source in AE?
It seems like a heck of a lot of steps just to update a vector layer. Is there a way to quickly edit/access vector objects that have been arranged in Photoshop without having to jump through all these hoops or is there anyway that a smart object splits into layers in AE?

I use your workflow all the time because I'm always having to bring PSD files into AE that have been created with smart vector objects. Edit original opens Photoshop, double click on vector smart object opens Illustrator, modify and save in AI, Save in Photoshop, and then the object is updated in AE. Not an awful extra step but a required one.
Here's another solution that might work depending on the layer effects applied and the complexity of the smart object. When you have AI open select all the paths and copy. Back in AE deselect all layers and then double click the Rectangle Tool to add a new comp sized shape layer. Now paste. Your Illustrator path will become a mask on the Rectangle shape layer.
You can even take this a step further by setting a keyframe for a mask path, copying that, then creating a new shape layer with the pen tool, setting a path keyframe, and then paste from the copied mask to the created shape keyframe. Now you have access to all of the cool shape layer tools like Repeater, Pucker and Bloat and the others. There's also a script out there somewhere that converts masks to shape layers.
If your original PSD file was imported supporting layer styles you can open up the layer you are replacing Copy the layer styles, and then paste them to the shape layer.

"Smart object" message prevents editing layer

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