Save multilayer png/jpg smart objects as psb and automatically replace

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
November 6, 2021
15 replies
2645 views

If I open a smart object, add a layer I want to preserve and hit save, I sometimes get this error:

"Can't save this document back to its original file format. Flatten layers and discard extra data as necessary then choose File > Save again. You can save the file using File > Save As, but the associated smart objects will not be updated."

Such a self-aware error message! The devs seem to know exactly what I want to do and are offering workarounds rather than just doing what I want. So my suggestion is: do what I want! When I press ctrl+s, save the multi-layer smart object as a psb instead of a png/jpg, then replace all instances of the existing smart object in the original document while maintaining their translations/styles/filters/etc.

Part of my confusion is that dragging a png or jpg into my file results in a png/jpg smart object, whereas if I ctrl+v paste it in then right click layer > Convert to Smart Object, I get a psb smart object. I do both interchangeably, and it's hard to know which format a smart object is before I crack it open and do a bunch of work on new layers I intend to preserve, only to hit this annoying error message which basically says "nah we know what you want but we're too lazy to do it". And it can be a LOT of work to go back and replace smart objects if they've been duplicated, scaled, styled, masked, filtered, and buried in groups.

Windows

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marcg68495176

Inspiring

Here's the workflow. I drop in an image. It is a png. When drop it in it becomes a smart object. I make adjustments to that smart object. I double click on smart object to add another layer. I can't add another layer because the smart object is a flattened png, not a psb. Yes I can flatten it and work destructively, but thats not what I want to do. Instead I have to create a new multi-layer smart object and edit it all over again. Why not make every smart object a psb automatically? It's not a link so there's no reason for it to be confined to a flat png.

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

And it can be a LOT of work to go back and replace smart objects if they've been duplicated, scaled, styled, masked, filtered, and buried in groups.

I appreciate the Request in principle but that statement seems peculiar.

If you hit the alert then you apparently have opened an instance of a Smart Object that does not support Layers and it is likely to be active in the containing document, so what else do you have to look for?

If you Replace its Contents all the other instances should update accordingly.

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

@marcg68495176 , you can »Replace Contents« and the Warp will be maintained, so your claim that you »have to start all over« seems incorrect.

marcg68495176

Inspiring

One of my greatest pet peeves in PS. I just did all of this work warping a smart object to a mockup and when I go into the smart object to add layers I have to start all over.

F

FutureLandscapes

Participating Frequently

It also takes quite a bit more time when saving a smart object as a PNG file rather than a PSB, which adds annoying friction to the workflow.

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