Why use smart objects

Been away from photoshop since early days of CS6. At that time I did not use smart objects. Now I see many tutorials using smart objects and smart filters. Is the use of smart objects in the mainstream now? Reasons for and against using them.

Smart Objects are a very good thing!
Photoshop Help | Work with Smart Objects
"Smart Object are layers that contain image data from raster or vector images, such as Photoshop or Illustrator files. Smart Objects preserve an image’s source content with all its original characteristics, enabling you to perform nondestructive editing to the layer."
I can't think of reasons NOT to use them.
Nancy O.

Similar Messages

  • Photoshop CS6: Pros and Cons of Using Smart Objects

    I haven't had Photoshop CS6 for that long, and have only just got past feeling uncomfortable with using Curves, now I've learnt how to use them properly.
    My concern is - I am currently learning about Smart Objects. The concept, at first, seemed like 'the best thing since sliced bread', being able to non-destructively use filters, Shadows/Highlights command, Unsharp Mask, endlessly scale using Free-Transform etc etc, without harming pixels at all.
    However, the more articles I read about their use in Photoshop, the more I am afraid to start using them in my workflow.
    I understand that when you convert to a Smart Object, this process is non-destructive, i.e. I can perform as many readjustments to a filter, for example, and Photoshop will always work from the embedded container file (which has had no filter adjustment made to it) to adjust the filter to your most recently adjusted settings. If you later decide you don't want to use a filter at all, and rasterize the Smart Object back into a regular layer again, is this process non-destructive as well?
    Then there is this article, which I struggle to understand properly:
    http://bjango.com/articles/smartobjects/
    Please see the part 'Smart Objects Created in Photoshop'. It seems to say I can't scale with a Smart Object without causing interpolation and blurry edges. Please can somebody clarify what the writer of this article is trying to get across, because it is well documented that Smart Objects can be endlessly rescaled non-destructively.
    Please understand I use Photoshop primarily for editing photographs.

    There is much modern focus on "non-destructive" editing, but keep in mind if you don't overwrite or destroy the original file there is no destruction at the highest level.  Put in layman's terms, you could always start over with the raw file.
    That thought segways into my next one:  Non-destructive editing makes sense if you need to use the same information for a variety of somewhat related purposes, or if the work product may need to change (e.g., to suit the whims of a fickle client).
    But at another extreme, if you're editing for a particular purpose - say creating the best possible print from an exposure - sprinting right for the finish line by changing pixel values directly and being done with it can be an extremely effective approach.  This requires that you get things right the first time, and that takes practice.
    Some folks do their Photoshop work by building up layer after layer and using smart objects, smart filters, etc., and this can be effective but no computer has yet been built that can composite all that stuff in real time with a big image.  So there IS a cost to doing it.  What you might gain by being able to re-do things, you might not have needed to gain if your control responses were instantaneous and you could tweak the intermediate result at every step very easily.  Note the number of posts about how slow Photoshop CS6 is/was at editing deep documents, some by people using 2012 computers.
    As with most things, it's horses for courses.  It's good that Photoshop gives us rich tools and choices for how to work.
    Regarding your specific question, bear in mind that what's communicated to the parent document from each of its embedded Smart Objects is a flat, rasterized image.  Think of the embedded smart object kind of like going off and opening another document, making the changes you want, saving the document, then flattening it and pasting the pixels into your parent document.
    In the very first example in the linked article, they show how the smart-object-rasterized image of a vector circle, subsequently scaled by resampling the parent document in which the Smart Object is used, becomes fuzzy as it is scaled up.  Once you understand this you realize that of course you could scale up the smart object itself, e.g., to a size equal to or larger than what's ultimately needed by the parent document, and then it could be crisp in the parent document where it's used.
    Of course, having all your smart objects at a size larger than you need takes up even more resources.
    -Noel

  • Using Smart objects between documents

    I know how to make smart objects within a single document, but Is it possible to use Smart objects between separate psd files?
    I would like to create a master background file and have any changes made to this updated throughout all the other psd documents that contain this.
    I cant find any info on this...Can it be done?
    thanks
    Jeff

    No a smart object layer contains a copy of the original in the layer.  If you then change the orignal the copy in the smart object layer is not updated and if you change the copy in the smart object layer the original is not changed. Smart Object are independant from the original.  It is posible to have multipal smart object layers that contain the same smart object in a single document. You can change the single smart object from any of the layers that its in.  You can also have independant smart object layers of the same image. That the difference between dupeing a smart object layer and using menu layers>smart objects>new smart object via copy. 

  • Using Smart Objects with Aperture

    I want to start using smart objects in Photoshop, but I really like Aperture as my main platform. If I use Photoshop as an external editor in Aperture, can I then use my plug-ins inside of Photoshop, returning flattened images to Aperture? Or will I have to convert to Photoshop as my main platform?

    To the best of my knowledge , Aperture saves the PSD file created when you open an Image with PS as an external editor with layers — and, because PS Smart Object are contained in layers — and Smart Objects intact as a new Original.  (Here in the Apple Aperture support forum we have followed Ernie's helpful distinction and call these "Quasi-Originals".)  Don't rely on my word, though — this is easy to test for yourself.
    Note, though, that flattening a file that is open in PS _always_ eliminates all layers, including layers that contain Smart Objects.
    In my workflow, I _always_ flatten PS files prior to closing the file in PS.  That workflow works for me (I don't value being able to undo/redo changes I make in PS).  I do this with a macro (using Keyboard Maestro).
    Decide what works for you.  Afaik, the choice of whether to save layers (and Smart Objects) is independent of your use of Aperture to catalog and adjust your Images.

  • Using Smart Objects in large scale documents.

    I'm creating a large scale banner (12' by 8') which includes a photographic background image with vector based logo elements and typography on top of it.  I am creating the document in photoshop, and wanted to know if using Smart Objects is the best solution for placing the logo elements and typography, but I don't know how they will be affected when the image is scaled for printing. 

    In that case a Vector Smart Object (File > Place or pasting the Illustrator content) should work fairly well.
    One thing to keep in mind is that in Illustrator Raster Effects (Drop Shadows, Filters, Color Meshes, …) have a resolution determined under Effect > Document Raster Effect Settings.
    If that resolution is low upscaling on Photoshop may reveal noticeable pixels.

  • Huge file size while using smart objects?

    I'm laying out some big panels containing smaller images, so I am adding these using 'File>Place'. However, while the empty panel takes up about 70 MB, placing 3MB worth of smaller images makes the file size explode to a whopping 150MB, making it impossible to fill up the entire board. So far, I've seen file sizes of 500 MB, with Photoshop eating up 50GB swap files. Any idea what is going on here?
    (I'm using Photoshop CS4 on OS X 10.7.3)

    If you are familiar with Indesign and Illustrators and how they handle placed images that can lead to expectations that are not met by Photoshop’s Smart Objects.
    But the Smart Object-approach in Photoshop offers other advantages – there is no need to collect the linked images when handing on a file, because they are part of the document.
    You may want to check out:
    http://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/topics/please_consider_a_references_tool_to _create_links_to_layers_or_folder_groups

  • Use Smart Objects to rotate single TIFF to avoid quality loss?

    I am archiving numerous historic photographs by scanning the originals as high-resolution TIFF files. I need to rotate the scanned images slightly in Photoshop for presentation/archiving purposes but I am worried about losing some image quality.
    To maintain lossless images, is it necessary to open my TIFF images as "Smart Objects" before rotating them? If so, this increases my file size many-fold on saving. Is there a way to maintain the approximate size of my original TIFF file?
    I am working in Photoshop CS4, Windows 7 64-bit. Thanks for your time,
    Ilford3200

    Any angular transform that isn't in 90 degree steps will cause resampling no matter what method you use. You are looking for something that doesn't exist. A pixel-based SO will resample the same as a native transform. there would only be a difference with vector data due to how vector rasterization works, but that's irrelevant for what you describe.
    Mylenium

  • Why use value objects?

    I am trying to delve a little deeper into Flex and have come across discussions about using value objects. My question is why would you use them?
    I have an application that stores records in a database using ColdFusion as a backend. Currently I use an HTTPService to call a coldfusion page that returns XML that gets put in a XMLListCollection. This is then used to populate a datagrid and form details when the datagrid item is clicked on. This all works fine and is very easy (if not very elegant, it was one of my first applications)
    I have another that uses a remote object to a coldfusion cfc. This cfc returns a query based on verious parameters. This result is then put in an ArrayCollection and used various ways.
    What is wrong with doing things this way and why/how would value objects help?
    Thanks.
    Matt

    Your example has nothing to do with value objects.
    Value objects are useful in a number of situations such as:
    1. They can efficiently represent a limited number of values. Say you have a size field with only four possible values: small, medium, large and extra large. You can use value objects and store the ordinal value (1 to 4) in a single byte instead of needing an 11 byte string. The set of value objects can be used as a white list for validating or constraining user input.
    2. You can attach other information to a value object (within reason). Say your app allows users to select from a list of colors. You can store the RGB color information in the value object for each color.
    There are probably other uses such as with strategy patterns (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategy_pattern) as well.

  • Invoking script using smart object layer - fails in Windows

    I have recently encountered in what seems to be a bug in Configurator in Windows. The same example works on a Mac.
    The scenario is the following: a document with a smart object layer on top.
    A configurator button executes the script app.activeDocument.activeLayer.resize(133.33333, 133.33333, AnchorPosition.MIDDLECENTER);
    This causes an error message as below:
    If I instead invoke the script manually, using File > Scripts > Browse... it works fine.
    The button works fine if the smart object is rasterized.
    I'm running Configurator 2 (052610), CS5 and Windows XP. Any help is greatly appreciated!

    In sure if this is all you need to correct the error but the function below will return the active smart object contents type.
    // returns either "vectorData" ( AI ) or "rasterizeContent" ( PS or ACR ) if smart cbject layer
    // or undefined if not smart object layer
    function getSmartObjectType(){
        var ref = new ActionReference();
        ref.putEnumerated( charIDToTypeID('Lyr '), charIDToTypeID('Ordn'), charIDToTypeID('Trgt') );
        var desc = executeActionGet(ref);
        if(desc.hasKey(stringIDToTypeID('smartObject'))){// is smart object?
            var desc = executeActionGet(ref).getObjectValue(stringIDToTypeID('smartObject')).getEnumerationValue(stringIDToTypeID('placed'));
            return typeIDToStringID(desc);

  • How to change the angle into front perspective using smart object vectors

    Hello, I need this answered so i could succesfully do my school project.
    I was using a logo mock up vector(smart object file) for my illustration and was wondering if there is any way to present it in front perspective?
    This is just a sample image. I had created a brand new illustration not just a logo but the effect is same.
    As you can see the wood engraved logo is presented in an angle. Could i change the position of this sample logo into a front view or i have to make this effect myself from scratch?

    On your example i used the Perspective Crop Tool
    1. Draw out the perspective crop and move the corner handles to line up with the inside corners of the logo
        (blue circles)
    2. Then drag out the side handles just outside the image
    3. Press the checkmark button to complete the crop
    You said vector smart object.
    Is that logo something you created in illustrator?

  • Using lightroom smart objects in photoshopcc

    To save space on my laptop, I use smart objects(photos stored in port drive), I can edit from lightroom into PSCC only if I connect my portable drive. I have scoured through many articles without success. Is there a trick to this ? Lightroom synchs well with my photos on my portable drive, I would think PSCC can do the same without having to be connected. Does anyone know about this ? Thank you !

    Photoshop does not need to as it is not connected to any drive or folder. It relies on your operating system, that can easily access your external drives, once they are connected. You could try setting your external drive's image folder as a favorite. (Both windows and Mac support favorites in explorer and finder) Then it would be easy to access the next time it is connected.

  • Open as Smart Object as Layers in Photoshop?

    I apologize if this has been addressed already, but I am looking for a way to open Smart Objects as LAYERS.  I do compositing work and would like to retain as much information as possible by using Smart Objects PRIOR to going into Photoshop.  My current workflow is to highlight the photos in Lightroom CC > Open as Smart Object in Photoshop CC > Manually Drag layers from each open file in Photoshop to main PSD.
    Edit - Opening as Layers in Photoshop then applying the Camera Raw Filter is not a good work around, information is lost.

    davepinminn wrote:
    I must still be doing something wrong here..............
    You have the wrong expectation—namely because you don't grasp the concept. A smart object is not a linked file.  It's a new file all on its own (in PSB format) with no connection to the original file at all.
    davepinminn wrote:
    …I can open my raw (.dng) into Photoshop as a smart object.  And in PS, I can open the smart object into ACR.  Works fine.  And I can change stuff.  For example, if I change the exposure from -.25 to +.20, it changes perfectly in PS, as I'd expect.  But, I'm still not getting the changes back to the original raw (.dng) file…
    There is no reason why the changes made to a Smart Object oject should be refleftef to a totally unrelated file.
    davepinminn wrote:
    …Do I need to do something different to get the changes back to the original file…
    Yes. you have to go back to that original file and apply the changes directly to it.  In a previous post, Jeff Schewe told you of a shortcut to achieve that:
    Jeff Schewe wrote:
    When you are in the Camera Raw SO with ACR open, go to the main flyout menu and select Export settings to XMP. This will write the new image settings from the SO to the xmp metadata. Then in Lightroom, select Read metadata from file in the main Metadata menu. That will bring in all the settings of the raw SO back into Lightroom. So, while not automatic, it's not as bad as writing down the settings and entering them by hand.

  • Photoshop CS6 - Pasting Smart Objects from InDesign CS6 look awful

    Since upgrading from CS5 I'm having a huge problem using Smart Objects.
    What:
    Smart Objects pasted from InDesign into Photoshop are pixelated and corny beyond belief. Originating material placed in InDesign is hi-res (e.g. 600ppi) but when pasted in PS it looks crappy.
    How:
    Selecting an image in InDesign and pasting it in PS in a 72ppi file.
    Typically I need to copy elements from previous art in ID and re-compose and use for web.
    Why:
    Can't seem to fix it. Have tried with Anti-Aliasing both on and off to no avail. None of the Image Interpolation settings affect this either.
    Only solution is to scale the placed Smart Object to something like 400% where it suddenly looks nice again, rasterize and then scale it back down.
    Theory:
    Smart Object scaling is flawed in PS CS6.
    Note: All scaled images in InDesign already look gritty and awful. Even with Display Performance: High Quality set (using default settings). Seems to me like CS6 scaling is b a d.
    Anyone else seeing this?
    Thanks
    Image 1: Smart Object rasterized at same size as placed. (ouch. awful.)
    Image 2: Smart Object Scaled to 400%, rasterized and then scaled back to original size (yum yum, like it used to be without up-rasterize-down-scaling)

    That does not resolve the anti-aliasing issue in CS6 - it still looks rather bad.
    The anti-aliasing sampling method applied to smart vector objects is just extremely bad looking. And it is not merely an issue in Photoshop: exporting artwork from Illustrator at web/screen resolution using the web export is absolutely abysmal looking (not other word applies here, unfortunately).
    I explain more about this issue here: http://forums.adobe.com/message/6002543#6002543
    The best option is to blow up the artwork, rasterize, and then scale down with bicubic or bicubic automatic, depending. But even then you will not achieve the same quality that can be attained with other tools that, for example, support catmul rom and mitchellnetravali for downsampling.
    Anyway, Adobe applications are very weak when it comes to proper downsampling and file size optimization for web and screen graphics. You're better off looking someplace else.

  • Working with smart objects

    I've got a menu I built in Photoshop that uses smart objects to warp and give perspective to both button text as well as pictures in the menu. I built the menu at 300dpi, then resized it to 72 for working in Encore.
    That 72dpi menu then became a template for other menus in the project.
    Encore does not support smart objects, it converts them to shape layers. Since I had done additional design work on the menu in Encore/Photoshop, I saved a copy of it to be a template. I then opened my original of this file and dragged the smart objects back into it for my template, so that I could create new buttons, etc. for other menus.
    I've since discovered that if I create a NEW smart object in that template, the smart object is at 72 dpi. However, if I modify an existing smart object, it's still at 300 dpi, even though the file is 72 dpi. Am I making any sense? So when I double click one of the original smart objects to, for example, change the text to create a new button, I get a large, 300dpi file to work with. The result is that the original smart objects are creating much sharper, cleaner text, and all my new smart objects are creating soft text. I've also discovered if I open one of the new smart objects and change it's size to 300dpi before creating the text layer, I can save it that way and the text is sharper and cleaner.
    I'm not sure what my question is... I guess I'm just sharing :-), but also wondering if my workaround has a downside that I don't see.
    The logical question you might be thinking is why don't I just build all the menus in 300 and then resize, and the answer is that I did a lot more work on the template after I had resized it for Encore and don't want to go back and redo all of that on the original file.
    Julie

    I'll test it without the warping and see what I learn and let you know, but I suspect I won't see a difference and you're right that warping the text may be more dependent on resolution.
    I just created a 72 dpi file with 2 identical smart objects, except one is 72dpi and the other is 300dpi. I then put the same text with the same layer style on each. There is a difference in the appearance, with the 300dpi smart object yielding cleaner, sharper looking text. When I remove the layer style on both so they're flat, no drop shadow or bevel, there is still a very discernible difference in sharpness. Also, when I export the images to a NTSC monitor, the difference is apparent.
    So it appears if you plan to warp text in a 72dpi graphic, you'll get better results if you increase the dpi of the smart object.

  • How to save properly Smart Object?

    Hello!
    I've got a file where I have 2 groups of layers (SET1 SET2)  (the first one is duplicated and made -100% (minus 100%)  width - which effects with horrizontal mirror of the first one). SET1 have texts, and as you may guess the mirrored groups of layers (SET2) has texts mirrored which I need to make readible (revert them back). That's why I made text layers as Smart Object and when I open this object I can rotate text back, but saving the Smart Object and returning back to the project gives me proper text on SET2 but rotated again SET1. I guess the Smart Object's in both sets are somehow related to each other. Every time I change something in one make an impact on the second. I noticed that even I save my Smart Object with some new name, to the directory I created for the project, it doesn't seem project choose that one in the project directory, but one from TEMP folder in windows root system. I thought to name them separately and load them to loose that relativeness. But I try and I try I do not know how to do it, how to make them independent.
    Any ideas?
    Kindest Pawel
    //I had to use Smart Object as Layers are transformed with Perspecitve transform tool, and vector objects (like text) can not be perspective transformed...and I can not in fact rasterize those Smart Objects as the project is a template to edit by others. If I rasterize them anybody could not change text layers anymore...
    I am getting to be sure, that's immpossible:/

    omg, somehow I did it. It seems that 'New Smart Object by Copy' breaks that relativness, but I am not quite sure as I tried to did it before withou success. Anyway, I am on the track again:)
    Thanks for listening

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