Perhaps one of Photoshop's most famous uses is the ability to capture multiple images, objects, and objects and combine them into one high-quality image. This is done using smart objects. Photoshop tools allow you to combine a wide variety of elements, while at the same time providing maximum flexibility when manipulating each element in accordance with user requirements. Here is a brief overview of what smart objects are in Photoshop and what they are for.
What it is
Smart objects are individual elements that a user places in a Photoshop file. This can be photos, individual elements cut from another image, vector graphics, JPEG, PNG and other files or even text.
What does a smart object mean in Photoshop, and what is its purpose? For beginners and professionals, using smart objects is an ideal way to get closer to editing and creating images in Photoshop. By converting a layer to a smart object, you can make changes to this layer, such as scaling, changing, and applying filters without affecting the original image.
How smart objects work
The main thing you need to know about a smart object is that when it is placed in Photoshop, a copy of the source file is created by default. This means that any adjustments that the user makes to the object, such as changing its size or color, will in no way damage or alter the source file. You can play with the smart object and modify it as you wish. After 2 or 50 actions, if the user does not like it, he can simply delete the entire layer and start all over again from the original, unchanged version.
Where in Photoshop is there a smart object, and how to work with it? In this program, there are two options for working with smart objects: embed a file or link a file. In essence, this means that you can import it directly into the program or leave it where it is and just link it to Photoshop. When a user associates a file, Photoshop makes changes to the file exactly where it is.
One of the advantages of this is that when you make changes to the source file, Photoshop will automatically update it in all the files with which it is associated. For example, a user cut a flower from one photograph and puts it as a connected object in another, but then he decides to change the color of the flower. You can change the color in the source file, but it will automatically update in the file where the user posted it.
Smart Object Creation
How to create and how to insert a smart object in Photoshop? There are several ways.
- Click the right mouse button in the Layers panel on the image that you want to convert. Click on the option “Convert to smart object”.
- Use the menu of the "Layers" panel, located in the upper right corner. When the menu appears, select the option “Convert to Smart Object”.
- Use the toolbar at the top: “Filter” - “Convert for smart filters”.
How to change a smart object in Photoshop
Non-destructive adjustment is the main reason why the user must master the work with smart objects. You can scale, resize and rotate them without losing quality. Here's how it works:
- Open image on a new layer. Use the Free Transform tool (Ctrl + T on Windows or Cmd + T on Mac) to reduce the image, then press Enter to apply the changes.
- Now you need to use Free Transform again to enlarge the image to its original size. It should be noted that the image is now pixel. This is because when you reduce the image, Photoshop ejects extra details that are no longer needed. Now you can try the following.
- Open source image.
- Create a smart object.
- Now repeat the above steps, reducing the image, and then again, increasing it. This time there will be no loss of quality.
You can be sure when working with a smart object in Photoshop that such an action will save a copy of the original, unedited content, so any changes made by the user are not permanent.
Linked Smart Objects
Now that it’s become clear what a smart object is in “Photoshop”, you can go on to describe related smart objects. They allow you to use a single file or image in multiple Photoshop projects. Another advantage is that any changes made to the original will be immediately reflected in any other Photoshop files that reference it, which can save a lot of time when you need to create several designs using the same picture. Let's consider an example further:
- Go to the “File” menu - “Place Linked” (File> Place Linked) and select the image file on the desktop that you want to use as the basis for the smart object. This will open the image on the canvas as a smart object. Press Enter to confirm.
- Create another file and repeat the same using the same source image. Two documents with the same image should appear.
- Now you should open the external linked source image, edit it and save. Both files that link to this image will now be updated with new changes.
It is important to note how to save a smart object in Photoshop when using this option. You need to take an additional step when saving the file.
- Firstly, you should save it as usual.
- Then go to “File”> “Package” and press “Select” to save the Photoshop file and linked image together in a folder.
Moving or deleting a linked image may damage the file.
Using Smart Objects to Create Templates
Another important reason for using smart objects is that they make it easy to create templates in Photoshop.
You just need to right-click on the layer of the smart object and select "Replace Content". Then select the new image that you want to use as source content. Why is this so useful?
Because if the user applies filters or changes the shape of the layer, the new source image for his smart object will retain these properties. This will not happen if you simply place the new image on a separate layer.
RAW and smart objects
When working in Photoshop, you should always understand that the user is working with the maximum possible information. Smart objects allow you to make changes to RAW images in Adobe Camera RAW or Lightroom at any time.
One of the main factors in creative composition is the maximum use of shooting in a controlled environment. This does not mean that it is necessary to compare each illumination value with several shots, which is actually almost impossible when shooting outdoors.
Fortunately, digital software always finds a way to compensate for problems with matching lighting, which is an excellent and economical solution for those who simply do not have the time or equipment to manage the entire shooting setup.
RAW files are especially beneficial when working with Photoshop Smart Objects:
- When shooting a model on a neutral background, you can take a RAW photo using your own settings to achieve a greater exposure - creating a contrast between the model and the background.
- Then just hold down the Shift key while selecting Open Object. The photo will appear in Photoshop as a smart object.
- Next, you need to select the model and apply masks to cut the original background.
- Now you can adjust the model to several parameters by activating RAW (double-clicking the smart object) and optimizing lighting control by adjusting and editing.
This is a great building block for applying further effects, such as working with curves and applying color settings.
Smart Object Stack Mode
The smart object stack mode in Photoshop is a good way to reduce noise and remove unwanted objects from the image. This mode can be used, for example, if there is a photograph of an art gallery filled with people when the user wants it to be displayed as an empty room. Or photographs of a man on a street with cars passing by, but it is necessary that the street be empty.
Another possibility of this mode is as follows: if the photo has very low light with a lot of grain, you can take several pictures, and Photoshop will combine them to reduce the grain.
More about the benefits of smart objects
Another huge advantage that gives an understanding of what a smart object is in Photoshop is that they also allow you to use smart filters. These filters can be applied to smart objects in layers, which allows you to control each effect individually. Smart filters also come with a smart filter mask, which allows you to mask certain effects to see how a document looks with or without this particular filter.
There are a number of changes a user can make for text in Photoshop, such as scaling, rotating, or tilting, but for maximum editing power, you can also turn text into a smart object to use filters and other tools.
Filters in Photoshop are extremely useful and necessary to create many popular effects. By combining these filters with smart objects, you can get smart filters that provide incredible control and flexibility.
Applying filters, the user can cancel them and try again if he does not like the effect. You can also edit them at any time and even hide or delete them if they are no longer needed.
It is easy to use:
- You should turn your layer into a smart object, then apply the filter in the usual way.
- Looking at the layers panel, you can see the filter indicated below the layer of the smart object.
- Double-click to edit it, or drag to the trash to delete.