Photoshop Timeline animation with Smart Objects shifts after changing canvas size / aspect ratio
Hi,
I’m working with Photoshop Timeline animations that use Position / Transform keyframes on layers that are Smart Objects.
The animation behaves correctly in the original document size.
However, when I change the canvas size or aspect ratio (for example from horizontal to vertical), the animated Smart Object layers shift position and the animation no longer aligns as expected. The tracking appears to break even though no keyframes were edited manually.
Details:
The animated layers are Smart Objects
Animation is created using Timeline position/transform keyframes
The issue occurs specifically after Canvas Size or aspect ratio changes
It appears that keyframes are stored in absolute pixel coordinates, not relative values
I have already tried:
Closing the Timeline before resizing
Different anchor points
Grouping layers
Converting layers or groups to Smart Objects
Using Image Size vs Canvas Size
→ The behavior remains the same
My questions:
1. Is this a known limitation of Photoshop’s Timeline system when working with Smart Objects?
2. Are Timeline keyframes inherently pixel-based and therefore not aspect-ratio–independent
3. Is there any reliable workflow to preserve Smart Object animation alignment after changing canvas size, or does the animation need to be rebuilt for each aspect ratio?
I want to confirm whether this behavior is expected or if there is a supported approach to avoid it.
Thanks.
AdChoices