Smart objects in Photoshop

Photoshop’s Smart Objects are versatile, can transform imported vector objects with impunity, and apply filters globally or locally. Furthermore, they provide control at any point in the image-editing process.

When first introduced, Smart Objects were used for migrating data from a vector-based program like Illustrator to a pixel-based program like Photoshop. But Smart Objects do a whole lot more than resolution-independent transformations. They are a powerful feature in the nonlinear editing process and help maintain a dynamic workflow.

Special layer

A Smart Object is a special type of layer that preserves the original image data, allowing nondestructive editing. It can support raster images (JPEG, PNG, RAW, PDF, etc.), vector graphics from Adobe Illustrator such as AI or ESP, and PSD or PSB files.

When a layer is converted to a Smart Object, Photoshop stores the full-resolution source content inside the Smart Object. Changes to a vector layer such as resizing or transforming, or a pixel layer such as filtering, are applied to the Smart Object container, not to the original image. Think of it as placing your image inside a protective box that can be moved, transformed or filtered without adding or subtracting pixels from the original layer.

Vector data

A vector image, when created in Illustrator, can be copied and pasted, dragged and dropped, or placed (linked or embedded) directly into Photoshop and automatically reside in the Layers panel as a Vector Smart Object layer (Fig. 1). A Smart Object is recognizable by the icon on lower right of the layer thumbnail. The layer content can be transformed (scaled, rotated, skewed, and flipped horizontally or vertically) without compromising its image resolution or visual quality because the transformation is dependent on the original, linked vector file that is resolution independent.

Smart Filters

Most of Photoshop’s filter effects can be applied as a Smart Filter. After the filter is applied, the settings can be modified, or the filter effects can be concealed. Layers that have been modified with Smart Filters can be stacked and then rearranged in their stacking order to create different filter effects. Blend modes and opacities of each filter can be changed independently. Furthermore, filter effects can be masked so they only apply to a local region of the layer.

Conversion

Before applying a filter, convert a layer into a Smart Object. Select the layer in the Layers panel and choose Convert to Smart Object from the Layer Options menu (Fig. 2). Then choose a filter from the Filters menu and adjust its settings.

Nondestructive editing

The filter is applied nondestructively. Its effects can be modified or discarded at will. Technically, the filters are applied as new pixel data, but the Smart Filter remembers the original pixel data. Then, each time a filter is reedited, Photoshop installs the original pixel data and reapplies the filter. To modify the filter, click on the filter’s name in the Layers panel under the layer’s thumbnail. The filter’s settings are displayed and can be edited. To conceal the effects of the filter, click on the visibility icon next to the filter’s mask icon.

Masking

Localized filter effects are achieved by masking areas. This is like working with layer masks. To protect an area from the effects of a filter, select the filter mask icon in the layers panel. Choose black as a foreground color and paint the area that needs to be protected from the effect (Fig. 3).

If a selection is active when you apply the filter, a mask is automatically created with the inside of the selection marquee being white (the area that is affected) and the outside being black (the unaffected area). If no selection is active the filter is applied to the entire image.

As with Layer masks, painting with shades of gray partially conceals the effect depending on how dark the gray happens to be.

If you are inclined to change the filter’s settings, click on the filter’s name just below the mask. The filter dialog box appears with the settings that you applied (Fig. 4). Drag the sliders to the desired position to modify the effect and click OK.

Blending Options

A neat aspect of Smart Filters is the ability to control the opacity and blending options of the filter. The icon on the right of the filter’s name displays the Blending Options controls (Fig. 5). Click on the icon to precisely control the strength of the filter by reducing or increasing its opacity. From this interface, a blend mode can be selected providing even greater capabilities to alter the look of the image. It’s worth experimenting with this feature. Check the Preview box and run through the various blending modes and opacity settings as you observe the results on the image.

More filters

Additional filters can be added to the image. Select another filter, apply the settings and its name appears directly below the mask (Fig. 6). The new added filters have the same editing capabilities as the first filter except for the mask. Unfortunately, all the filters on the list use the Smart Filter’s mask. It would be better if each Smart Filter had a unique mask and perhaps, we’ll see this upgrade in the future, but that is currently not the case.

Nesting smart filters

There is, however, a secret workaround. (You learned it here!) Think of Russian Matryoshka dolls — a set of wooden dolls placed one inside another. Similarly, Smart Objects can be placed inside each other or nested.

1. Start by creating a Smart Object layer. Apply a filter and mask the areas you don’t want to affect (Fig. 7).
2. Right click on the Smart Object layer and choose Convert to Smart Object (Fig. 8).
3. Apply another filter. Mask the areas you don’t want to want to affect (Fig. 9).
4. Repeat this process as often as you like until you’ve applied all the desired filters.
5. If you want to change filter settings, access the filters one by one, double-click the Smart Object icon and their controls appear in the reverse sequence that they were applied (Fig. 10).

Alias image

If you attempt to paint or otherwise alter a smart object with one of the painting and retouching tools, a circle with a line is displayed indicating that you can’t. There are two alternatives: Rasterize the image and reconvert the Smart Object into an ordinary layer. (From the Layers Menu choose Rasterize > Smart Object.) Of course, choosing this alternative means that you’ll lose the editing capabilities of the Smart Object.

A better alternative is to create an alias image to apply your effects and then save the alias image back to the original image. It sounds a lot more complex than it is, so here’s how you do it in five easy steps:

1. Apply a filter to the Smart Object if desired (Fig. 11).
2. Double-click the Smart Object thumbnail. The alias image appears in the image window without the filters that you’ve applied.
3. Modify the image on the alias image using the painting or retouching tools (Fig. 12).
4. Save the changes.
5. Open the original image and the painted alterations are visible (Fig. 13).

Integrated strategy

Smart Filters are an important part of an integrated strategy in Adobe software of nonlinear editing. Most features in Photoshop enable you to turn on a dime and make corrections, adjust settings, erase commands, avoid mistakes, or even start over without consequences or compromises. There’s no denying that Smart Filters provide more power and control over your image with capabilities such as vector transforming and nondestructive filtering. In an integrated system of masks, blend modes and opacity adjustments, and an ultra-flexible workflow, you can experiment to your heart’s content. Once you start using Smart Filters and the other non-destructive features, you won’t want to return to the outdated methods of applying effects directly to an image.