P: Linked Smart Objects enhancement

To enhance the graphic webdesign workflow, that also would be great to have the ability to have an option (in the Properties panel for example or in the Option Bar) allowing a Text layer, inside a Smart Object, to become a Variable.
So that, on each Instance of the Smart Object (in the main Photoshop file) we'll have the possibility to customize it in the Properties panel.

The behavior of this Text layer option will allow us some usages like in Flash Professional Button Component and its Label:
http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Flash_...
(take a look at the section 1.2, step 1 to step 4)

And below, just a "brainstorm" idea which could be linked (and perhaps another thread):
This variable Instance "Label Field" could be placed in another place than the Properties panel if we add at Photoshop the support of some Metadas (keywords, description, ID...) at the Layer level
(right-click on the layer to open a dialog box or option just added in "closable" section of the Properties panel).
- In this case we'll add a "Variable Text Field" (Label) to the Metadata scheme.
- The benefit will be to have ability to inject these metadatas in the exported layer(s) if we think about Adobe Generator Workflow or Alternative text...
- And we'll have the possibility to filter layers via Keywords or Comments
- Extension Developper will also benefit of that level of informations...

We're using them for large interactive projects.
In addition to the above suggested navigation items, we have a lot of pages that essentially use the same element (smart object), but they have minor variances (alt lines of text, colors, rollovers, etc) Being able to customize, like suggested, to choose which layer comp to display, would allow us to be able to constrain all these variances to a single smart object without having to get into version control issues.

This isn't necessarily topical to this thread, but using relative pathing to the objects would be great as well for team use and delivery to dev teams, etc for builds.

The primary usage would be on webdesign for Button States, set of icons...

But in general, that would allow to have one linked file containing its variations.
So, that would be easier to switch between versions and to maintain a unique file (layers alignment, text modifications...) compare to importing several external files and having to maintain all them!
For example, in an advertising creation, you'll simplify the Layers structure with an easy access to the

In a project that would reduce the number of dependencies and smooth the edits.

Another use case would be in "Swapped" Animation to switch between "states" in the timeline (ex: mouths in a Lip Sync anim), like we use Graphics (kind of MovieClip switchable via the Properties panel) in Flash Professional.

I'm just talking about the ai vectors. I link the files generated from Ps generator into premiere pro, edge animate, after effects, and muse.

But I do wish I could send photoshop video into premiere.Then do some simple edits and send back to photoshop. I really like using the actions I have in photoshop on my video. Video color correcting is over my head. But that's a totally different subject. lol

Which means you want to select the page per smart object instance, instead of per file.

But nothing would allow you to mix AI vectors, movies, animate, etc. in a single file.

I like how Ps and Ai integrate with indesign . I just don't use indesign that much at all.
I'm either using photoshop and illustrator. Currently Ps is the "hub" for me. It's where I end up creating photography/imagery and interactive elements that deploy for web and print.

I use Ai heavily for graphic design work. I'm always creating outlines in Ai then copy pasting in Ps. Then creating a shape of the vector artwork in ps. Just b/c its quick for me.

But if I had the ability to save one Ai file with a number of graphics on a different art board and import with layer/artboard view options a la indesign method, that would speed up my workflow.

With generator in the mix I am able to get my client quicker proofs. I would think having this option would only increase my turnaround time.

Right now I have also been using generator for graphics I use in premiere pro, edge animate, and muse. A lot of those graphics are individual smart objects. Having just one file to deal with would be ideal.

For me its about

1. Less individual files to deal with on a project.
2. Faster access to my graphic elements like ui design, logos, and icons. I mainly design these elements in Ai.

To everyone on this thread: can you give us some specific examples of what you want to accomplish with this capability?

I agree. This would helpful and speed up workflow.

Thanks for looking into it 🙂

I like this idea. We are looking into it.