Photoshop – Smart Objects

Computer Information Technology

Section 64

Objectives

• The student will:1. Know how to open an image as a smart object

2. Understand what smart objects allow you to do

3. Know how to convert a layer to a smart object

4. Know how to place and edit smart objects

5. Know how to replace the contents of a smart object

Smart Objects

• Smart Objects allow you to transform pixel-based layers in new ways

• Smart Objects can be scaled, transformed and warped without destroying the original image.

• Smart Objects create a link to their source file. You can change the source file and the Smart Object will automatically update.

Opening an Image as a Smart Object

• Remember back when I introduced “Free Transform” I noted that if you shrink a image and then later try to grow it again you have lost image quality

• When you shrink an image the number of pixels is also reduced. This is called downsampling

• When you enlarge the picture Photoshop fills in the pixel information

• This is called destructive editing because the original layer has lost it’s detail

Opening an Image as a Smart Object

• Open the butterfly image as a smart object• File>Open as Smart Object

• Note the layer has a different symbol:

• Move the image to the other file…

Smart Object Icon

Resizing a Smart Image

• Shrink the image down to 25% and confirm the change.

• Note that when the image is enlarged the picture quality is the same as it was

• Also note that the % grows back to 100%

Converting a Layer to a Smart Image

• To convert a layer to a smart object

“Placing” a Smart Object

• An alternative to opening a file as a smart object and then moving into a image is to “Place” the object by File>Place

• The image is automatically created as a smart object

Editing the Content of a Smart Object

• There are few options for editing the content of a smart object

• In most cases the object needs to “rasterized” to be edited.

• The object will no longer be a smart object

• Limited options under Image>Adjustments• Use of tools like the “Blur” tools require the

image to rasterized.

Editing a Smart Object in Its Own File

• To change a smart object you must edit the source file.

• Double click on the smart object layer to open the original file

• Make changes to the original file• When you save the file, the smart object will be

updated.

Replacing a Smart Object

• To replace a Smart Object:• Have a file to replace the object with• Layer>Smart Objects>Replace Contents…

Summary

• Smart Objects retain all their original data• Only non-destructive changes can be

performed on Smart Objects• Otherwise they have to be rasterized

• Edit Smart Objects by changing the original file.

Rest of Today

• Practice adding Smart Objects into a picture• In the homework section download the

africa.zip file and extract the files.• Create an African scene using just smart

objects.• You will have to remove the backgrounds from

the animals. Try and get the animals alone in a file.

• Show me your scene when done