Skip to main content
anamariasetti.art
anamariasetti.art
Participant
April 1, 2020
Answered

Smart object scale bug in Photoshop

  • April 1, 2020
  • 6 replies
  • 4778 views

I've been experiencing this bug in all version of CS so far. It hasn't been fixed by any update. When placing an .ai vector smart object in Photoshop the object gets automatically distorted. Instead of placing at 100% on both horizontal and vertical axes it gets randomly distorted. This is a serious issue when using logos or other branding artwork where it's critical for it to be in proportion. I've also noticed that if I delete an element from the .ai file the smart object distorts even more severely once it updates, even though the artboard is unchanged and the outermost edges of vector art are also identical. Does anyone have a fix for this?

Correct answer JJMack

See it the same distortion happens if you open the AI files with Photoshop.  Though Photoshop does not support editing AI file Photoshop can import AI file as a raster Pixel Layer.  I believe that is what Place does creating AI vector smart objects. It imports the AI file a as a correctly sized pixel layer.  That transforming a vector smart object just re-imports the file sized differently. If the file is imported with the same distortion as your smart object its at problem in Photoshop Import code.  If it opens without distortion with the default import settings the  problem may be you have missed with the original Place transform and it the Smart object layers associated transform that is distorting you Logo when you do a constrain transform. Its being constrain to the distortion added during the original place.  Post a sample AI file you have a problem with. Photoshop does not support AI vectors in Photoshop.... All Smar object layer have a layer transform for the smart object this associated transforn can disrort the object.

6 replies

M
mohammed_0798
Participant
July 3, 2025

sorry, can anyone help me?

I can't find 3D in the photoshop

c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
July 3, 2025

3D has been Deprecated years ago.

Are you watching obsolete tutorials?

M
Mone
Participant
March 31, 2021

We still have this bug and it really annoying. Does anyone have a fix yet? Or is Adobe working on it?

 

c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 31, 2021

Could you please post screenshots with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Options Bar, …) visible? 

M
Mone
Participant
March 31, 2021

I now reconstructed it with random assets and I hope it explains the problem. Can't really grasp when it is occuring. It's not always happening, but it doesn't matter if I drag and drop an .ai or a .png etc. 

 

So, when you drag and drop the file in the psd it is slightly distorted. When manually clicking on the "link" button, it snaps back to being proportional. But if I leave it as it is and press Enter and THEN press cmd+t again, it shows as 100%x100% … that way you never know if it's right or wrong. This didn't occur in the past. I think it appeared a few updates ago. 

Don't know if this helps, but the first pic is the initial distorted file and the second is the one, when you press cmd+t again. 

 

 

 

I
idle days
Participant
October 22, 2020

I have the same problem. My temporary (dumb) solution is after I placed and scaled the smart object, I locked the layer immediately, if any case I need to unlock the layer, I double/triple check the proportion before I output or flatten or re-lock.

Hope Adobe can fix this issue soon.

    PECourtejoie
    Community Expert
    PECourtejoieCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 23, 2020

    Hi,there is a smart object scaling bug addressed in 21.2.1: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-desktop-fixed-issues

    please report if it is fixedm, if not, please search or create a thread on the https://feedback.photoshop.com site, watched by Adobe staff. Make sure to provide as many relevant details as possible.

    PECourtejoie
    Community Expert
    PECourtejoieCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    April 1, 2020

    Hello, could you post screenshots showing the issue? Is it the case for all documents?

    Is it a document with square pixels?

    Is it the case if the Smart Objects are not scaled?

      anamariasetti.art
      anamariasetti.artAuthor
      Participant
      April 1, 2020

      Without showing the object, here's the same .ai file I placed embedded, then linked.

      JJMack
      Community Expert
      JJMackCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      April 1, 2020

      It look like the object is being distorted,  The transform is scaling up in size and also distorting. Place will scale smart object down in size if the object does not fit on canvas if resize during place is your preference.  It will not scale object up is size automatically.  You can use the place transform to distort the object any way you like. You can see the transform you show is not constrained the Width and  Height are being scaled a different percentage.  Places automatic transform will be down in size and width and height will be scaled the same percentage below 100%  If the object fits the  automatic transform will be 100% width and height. No resizing scaling. To me it looks like you are adjusting interactivity the Automatically Set Transform Place sets. Perhaps to distort the logo to fill your canvas 

      JJMack
      JJMack
      Community Expert
      JJMackCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      April 1, 2020

      See it the same distortion happens if you open the AI files with Photoshop.  Though Photoshop does not support editing AI file Photoshop can import AI file as a raster Pixel Layer.  I believe that is what Place does creating AI vector smart objects. It imports the AI file a as a correctly sized pixel layer.  That transforming a vector smart object just re-imports the file sized differently. If the file is imported with the same distortion as your smart object its at problem in Photoshop Import code.  If it opens without distortion with the default import settings the  problem may be you have missed with the original Place transform and it the Smart object layers associated transform that is distorting you Logo when you do a constrain transform. Its being constrain to the distortion added during the original place.  Post a sample AI file you have a problem with. Photoshop does not support AI vectors in Photoshop.... All Smar object layer have a layer transform for the smart object this associated transforn can disrort the object.

      JJMack
        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
        Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices