Print document 4-up

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
October 25, 2021
2 replies
816 views

(PhotoShop) Amateur - know enough to get into trouble :O)

Would think this is easy - can't find the answer!?

Have an index card doc (1/4 sheet 11" x 8.5") that I need to print 4-up (so each 11" x 8.5" sheet will have 4 of the same index card per sheet).

TIA!

Windows

This topic has been closed for replies.

Correct answer Conrad_C

Do you mean you want one card duplicated three times, and you want to be able to change just one and have the other three change in exactly the same way?

If so, then smart objects may be the answer. Set up your 2 x 2 grid, and make one card. Then, with that card’s layer (or layer group) selected, choose Layer > Convert to Smart Object. Then duplicate* that smart object three times so that you have four of them, and lay them out.

When you want to make a change, double-click any one of the four smart objects. It will open into a new window. Make your change, save, and close. All four smart objects will be updated.

*Duplicating the smart object using the Layers panel, Alt-drag with the Move tool, or Layer > Duplicate Layer will work. Do not use Layer > Smart Objects > New Smart Object via Copy, because that creates a disconnected copy.

Randy Hufford

Community Expert

Just create a new document as a 8.5x11. Than drag guides to 4.25 and 5.5. Use this as your template.

H

HambergAuthor

Known Participant

@Randy Hufford Understood but not the answer I need! My original thought was to duplicate the layer 3x's and space on a landscape sheet - which would work BUT...

The index card has changes almost everytime - so I'd like to make the change and have it print the 4-up without all the extra steps.

Conrad_C

Correct answer

Community Expert

Do you mean you want one card duplicated three times, and you want to be able to change just one and have the other three change in exactly the same way?

If so, then smart objects may be the answer. Set up your 2 x 2 grid, and make one card. Then, with that card’s layer (or layer group) selected, choose Layer > Convert to Smart Object. Then duplicate* that smart object three times so that you have four of them, and lay them out.

When you want to make a change, double-click any one of the four smart objects. It will open into a new window. Make your change, save, and close. All four smart objects will be updated.

*Duplicating the smart object using the Layers panel, Alt-drag with the Move tool, or Layer > Duplicate Layer will work. Do not use Layer > Smart Objects > New Smart Object via Copy, because that creates a disconnected copy.