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jethrodesign
Inspiring
June 25, 2023
Answered

Make Copy of Multiple Layers Linked to Single Smart Object

  • June 25, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 2720 views

Hi. Hope I can describe this properly. I have a file that has multiple Smart Object layers with all sorts of effects applied to them. They are all associated with one master Smart Object layer (so initially made by duplicating the master S.O. layer). This works great for this one main object - change the master and all the derivitave layers update as well.


But now I want to make a different object/design/shape that duplicates all of the effects, etc, of this first one. If I just copy all of the layers that make up the object, they're still associated wtih the original master Smart Object. 

 

- How would I re-associate a bunch of smart object layers with a new/different master Smart Object layer?

 

I know I can 'Relink to file...' on all of them, but I don't want the master to be an external file. I want it to be just a new internal master Smart Object layer within this same document. Am I missing something obvious here?!?

 

THANKS!

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer c.pfaffenbichler

    If one has a Smart Objects arrangement consisting of multiple instances of the same SO and needs to maintain the original arrangement and repopulate a copy of the arrangement in the same file it can be useful to use 

    Image > Duplicate

    then replace/edit/… the SO content in the duplicate image and drag the SO instances back to the original file. 

    3 replies

    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 25, 2023
    quote

    Am I missing something obvious here?!?

    I think so; even if you link to an external file you can then use 

    Layer > Smart Objects > Embed Linked

    to convert it to an embedded Smart Object. 

    But why not just »Replace Contents«? 

     

    Please post meaningful screenshots including all pertinent Panels to clarify the situation. 

      .
      .Gila.Y
      Participant
      June 25, 2023
      Thank you
        c.pfaffenbichler
        Community Expert
        c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
        Community Expert
        June 25, 2023

        If one has a Smart Objects arrangement consisting of multiple instances of the same SO and needs to maintain the original arrangement and repopulate a copy of the arrangement in the same file it can be useful to use 

        Image > Duplicate

        then replace/edit/… the SO content in the duplicate image and drag the SO instances back to the original file. 

          Michael Bullo
          Community Expert
          Michael BulloCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          June 25, 2023

          It's also possible to copy and paste effects between layers. Right mouse click on a non-thumbnail part of a layer within the Layers panel and choose Copy Layer Style and Paste Layer Style.

          Michael Bullo
          Community Expert
          Michael BulloCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          June 25, 2023

          Are you aware that you can make a new copy of a Smart Object that is not connected to the original Smart Object? Right mouse click on a non-thumbnail part of a layer within the Layers panel and choose New Smart Object via Copy.

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