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Inspiring
June 18, 2026
Question

Puppet Warp on more than one layer

  • June 18, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 8 views

Hey, I have looked around a bit and can’t seem to find a way so I figured id come to the experts.  Is there a way to Puppet Warp across more than one layer? Im making a skin for a video game and trying to move some dragon like scales and i need them to move / change shape on the diffuse, mask and 3d normals layers at the same time.

I tried to make the 3 layers into a smart object and do it that way but when I convert back to layers the changes get undone.  Iv tried dulpicating the smart object 2 extra times with the idea to go into the smart object and turn off certain layers.. all with no joy =(

Is this possible?

 

Thank you in advanced!

    1 reply

    Anshul_Saini
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    June 18, 2026

    Hi ​@Shinish,

    Great question! Puppet Warp in Photoshop works on one layer at a time, so there's no way to directly warp multiple layers simultaneously.
     

    Here's the recommended workflow for your situation:

    • The "Smart Object Wrapper" Method

    • Select all three layers (diffuse, mask, and 3D normals) in the Layers panel.

    • Right-click > Convert to Smart Object. This wraps them into a single layer.

    • Edit > Puppet Warp on the Smart Object. Place your pins and deform the scales as needed. Press Enter/Return to commit.

    • The warp stays applied to the Smart Object permanently.
       

    To edit the original layers later:

    • Double-click the Smart Object thumbnail, and it opens in a separate window showing your three original layers, fully editable.

    • Make your changes, then File > Save (Ctrl/Cmd+S) and close the window.

    • Back in your main document, the Puppet Warp deformation automatically updates with your new content.
       

    Don't convert the Smart Object back to layers (Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Layers). That operation intentionally discards all transforms, including your Puppet Warp. Instead, always edit inside the Smart Object by double-clicking it.
     

    Your layers live inside the Smart Object, and the Puppet Warp lives outside it, applied to the container. You can freely edit the contents without losing the warp.
     

    Since you're working with diffuse, mask, and 3D normals that all need the same deformation, this workflow is ideal. Warp the Smart Object once, and all three layers inside move together in perfect alignment.
     

    I hope this helps!

    Best,

    Anshul Saini

    ShinishAuthor
    Inspiring
    June 19, 2026

    OHH i seee it was this step i was missing 

    • Make your changes, then File > Save (Ctrl/Cmd+S) and close the window.

    • Back in your main document, the Puppet Warp deformation automatically updates with your new content.”

    As i could manipulate the 3 layers but it would only ever show the top layer.  I didn’t think about going into the smart object and disabling the layers that are not needed when exporting say just the mask or just the diff!

     

    THANK YOU!