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lilly_xo
lilly_xo
Participant
October 14, 2014
Answered

Unable to Save my Smart Object without "Flattening the Image"

  • October 14, 2014
  • 6 replies
  • 121011 views

Hey there, I am helpless.

I am Using Photoshop CC 2014, always the newest version, on a mac.

Here's the problem: I am usually working in PSDs with many layers, and some smart objects. Inside of the smart objects, I have content that I can change.

So when I save the contents inside of a Smart Object, it also changes them inside of the main PSD.

BUT - since months, I can't save the changes inside of a Smart Object. Photoshop is telling me:

Can't save this document back to its original file format. Flatten layers and discard extra data as necessary and choose File > Save again.

When I flatten the image, the Smart Object has no usage for me, because it's like a rasterized layer.

Someone help me?  I didn't find a solution in the internet!

Btw: I already tried reinstalling Photoshop. The issue is still there.

Thank you.

    Correct answer c.pfaffenbichler

    Did you create the SO by placing an image in a format that does not support Layers (like jpg or example)?

    If so I’m afraid you may have to save the layered file as psd, psb or tif, then replace the Smart Object in the containing document (Layer > Smart Objects > Replace Contents).

    6 replies

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 16, 2025

    I created a script in the following topic to help in these situations, to pre-convert to PSB if originally placing a JPEG etc:

     

      S
      Skiesmdb
      Known Participant
      October 16, 2025

      This is A BUG and should be FIXED.

       

      Don't tell people "They're doing it wrong". It's part of the PSD so it should just save it.

      Photoshop should auto convert the smart object. And not bother us with some ridiculuous message.

       

      Adobe should solve this insane stupidity that is just too stupid to fanthom. Adobe, get your priorities straight. 

       

       

      c.pfaffenbichler
      Community Expert
      c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      October 16, 2025
      quote

      This is A BUG and should be FIXED.

      It is not a bug. 

      But as many users seem to be flumoxed by the issue it would certainly seem prudent for the Photoshop team to address it. 

        Noemi Poclaba
        Noemi Poclaba
        Participant
        August 3, 2023

        Thanks!

          V
          Versaviya5E8C
          Participant
          March 3, 2022

          A FASTER WAY TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE:


          In Layers, right click on the photo you placed and select "convert to smart object." This automatically converts it to a .psb file, and you don't have to go through the process of replacing the Smart Object in the containing document (Layer > Smart Objects > Replace Contents). 

           

          This saves so much time, especially when working with a ton of photos in one photoshop document!

            c.pfaffenbichler
            Community Expert
            c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
            Community Expert
            March 4, 2022

            What if there are multiple instances of the SO? 

            Or if it has already been transformed, warped, …? 

            R
            Rui5C91
            Participant
            April 26, 2022

            Then you can create a  'New Smart Object via Copy' to edit the smart object independently without affecting its parent or other instances.

             

            This can be done by right-clicking on the layer or via the menu Layer > Smart Objects > New Smart Object via Copy.

            c.pfaffenbichler
            Community Expert
            c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
            Community Expert
            October 14, 2014

            If that is not the case please read this with regard to general trouble-shooting, restoring Preferences after making sure all customized presets like Actions, Patterns, Brushes etc. have been saved might be of special interest:

            http://blogs.adobe.com/crawlspace/2012/07/photoshop-basic-troubleshooting-steps-to-fix-most-issues.html

              c.pfaffenbichler
              Community Expert
              c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
              Community Expert
              October 14, 2014

              Did you create the SO by placing an image in a format that does not support Layers (like jpg or example)?

              If so I’m afraid you may have to save the layered file as psd, psb or tif, then replace the Smart Object in the containing document (Layer > Smart Objects > Replace Contents).

                lilly_xo
                lilly_xoAuthor
                Participant
                October 14, 2014

                Oh my. Problem solved. And I thought I was a pro!
                Thank you so much!

                c.pfaffenbichler
                Community Expert
                c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
                Community Expert
                October 14, 2014

                You’re welcome.

                And not to worry, I think Photoshop is by now (edit: and has been for a while) complex enough that even professional users may not know all it’s functions and intricacies inside out.

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