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Participant
April 18, 2020
Question

change a smartobject's position,rotation and scale by a CSV file

  • April 18, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 934 views

Hello.

I searched how to manage a smartobject properties from a text(CSV) file. 

I know how the data sets work but I can change a picture only with a "picture" layer and not on a smartobject. 

 

i would like : 

- change the picture in the psb (smartobject)

- change the smartobject's position (x,y), its rotation and its scale 

 

each picture needs a different position and different scale in my document. 

I'm looking for make this flow automatically. 

is it possible with scripting? 

 

my pictures need to be outputed in TGA extension with a mask channel  (the same for all pictures) from only one PSD.

 

This topic has been closed for replies.

3 replies

JJMack
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 19, 2020

It would be hard to do that. If you know exactly the current Smart Object layers Associated transform are set You may be able to change them.  All Smart object layers have an associated transform that transform the object hardened pixels rendered for the object by Photoshop. This transform creates the pixels for the smart Object layer.  A smart object can be shared by other smart object layers so there may be many existing transforms for the smart object in a template each positions sizes and distorts that object for the layers use of the object.   When you replace the content of a smart object the associated transforms do not change.  That is why replacement content must be exactly like the original object. Same Aspect Ratio, number of Pixels and print resolution.  The object will be transform by the layers existing transform for its use in the smart object layer.  The object will be scaled, position and distorted by the layers existing associated transform.

 

Photoshop Data driven graphic does not support replacing smart object layer objects just their visibility can be altered via data driven graphic.   To do what you want to do would require you to develop Photoshop add-on that works like Data driven  graphic that support replacing smart object layer objects and dealing with the existing associated layer transform for the object. 

 

I have no Idea as to how you would want to deal with existing transform.   One of the main reason to use a smart object layer in a template is to be able you distort the content of a rectangle image to the shape and contour you want the image to have in the templates composite.

 

My mockup scripts will replace the content of smart object layers objects via replace content or by editing photoshop type smart object.   My scripts do not change the existing layer smart object transforms.

JJMack
PECourtejoie
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 19, 2020

Hi, I'm wondering if After Effects might not be more suited for this task?

PECourtejoie
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 19, 2020
JJMack
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 19, 2020

The OP should describe what they are trying to do. Are they making an animation?  How would one automate the creation of an animation. Do they just want a Action or script to assist them do repetitive steps How would an automated process know what  sizing, positioning, rotation  etc to use with the smart object layers. 

 

The original question had no details about what they are doing. Just they were using a CSV.  And they want to change the image and position, sizing etc of smart object layers.  Which would be very difficult to automate because the of the design of Photoshop smart object layer feature and the capability Photoshop scripting.  I do not believe it would be possible to automate the updating of smart object layers transform.

 

It would be easier to add new smart object layers and transform them.  I do that in  my Photo Collage scripts.  However, I only support Sizing,  Positioning and shaping them.  I do not support Rotation or distortion to some perspective. 

JJMack
Legend
April 19, 2020
What is the problem with smart objects compared to regular layers? Show an example.