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wiz@rd0
Participant
April 27, 2025
Open for Voting

Bring Back Mask-Based Transform Controls for Smart Objects

  • April 27, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 302 views

In Photoshop 25.5+, the transform controls on smart object layers no longer respect the layer mask's bounds. Instead, the transform handles default to the entire smart object, even when a mask is active.

This is a major disruption to workflows that rely on quickly resizing or adjusting masked areas without affecting the full layer.

 

Previously, selecting a layer mask allowed for tight, accurate transforms around the masked content. Now it requires cumbersome workarounds like rasterizing layers, manually loading mask selections, or using additional transform steps.

 

Please consider either:

  • Restoring the old behavior when a layer mask is selected.

  • Adding a Preference toggle that allows users to choose between "Transform by Mask Bounds" or "Transform by Full Smart Object Bounds."

This change slows down professional workflows and makes mask-based smart object editing less intuitive.

To the powers that be, PLEASE take this into consideration, thank you!

    2 replies

    CSI Productions
    CSI Productions
    Inspiring
    August 11, 2025

    I have a similar issue. I used to be able to "Apply Mask" to the layer the mask was on, now it's greyed out. If people get accustomed to a workflow, making changes like this stops us in our tracks while we hunt down what's changed. I DON'T have time for this. If you are so compelled to constantly changing the user interface can you PLEASE leave things as they are and make the "new feature" an option that can be turned on "if" wanted? Currently you make "updates" and make us go into preferences (if it's even an option) and return it back to the original user interface/functionality.

     

    R.CatesCSI ProductionsIf you want peace, be peaceful.
    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    April 27, 2025

    Hasn't it always been this way?

    I can only test as far back as v2019, however, that's how it works in that version.

     

    If I add the layer mask to the edited "child" smart object document and close/save, then add a white, reveal all layer mask to the "parent" smart object layer, then the transforms are based on the mask contained within the "child" document.

     

    Edit: Just to be clear, do you want to transform the layer or the mask?

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