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Beth Coller
Known Participant
March 12, 2019
Answered

Change name of smart object layer

  • March 12, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 5533 views

I just switched over Photoshop CC from PS5 and I am encountering an issue that was not happening before. The smart objects are being saved with extra numbers on the end of the name. I found another thread that explained why, but I can't figure out how to change it. I am able to change the name in the layers panel, but when I open up the embedded file, the name has the additional numbers on it. How do I change the embedded file name?

    Correct answer Dezi_Mc

    I know this is super old but sharing a work-around here because I had the same question and figured this out on my own...
    When you are in the embedded file itself in photoshop save it to your desktop with whatever name you want it to have. Then back in the main photoshop file right-click on the layer for that smart object and click "Relink to File..." and link the file you just saved to your desktop. Then right-click again on the layer and click "Embed Linked". Now when you click to open the smart object it should be named correctly and you can just delete the file you had saved to your desktop as the file is now embedded and doesn't need the linked file.

    4 replies

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    Dezi_McCorrect answer
    Participant
    April 18, 2025

    I know this is super old but sharing a work-around here because I had the same question and figured this out on my own...
    When you are in the embedded file itself in photoshop save it to your desktop with whatever name you want it to have. Then back in the main photoshop file right-click on the layer for that smart object and click "Relink to File..." and link the file you just saved to your desktop. Then right-click again on the layer and click "Embed Linked". Now when you click to open the smart object it should be named correctly and you can just delete the file you had saved to your desktop as the file is now embedded and doesn't need the linked file.

      Stephen Marsh
      Community Expert
      Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      April 18, 2025

      @Dezi_Mc – Thanks for sharing! I used a similar method in the following script to automate the process of converting a JPEG embedded smart object so that it could accept layers.

       

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        Beth CollerAuthor
        Known Participant
        June 18, 2019

        Sorry for the very delayed response. I use File--> Place Embedded to create my smart object layer. When I was working on the files, a bunch of extra numbers were added to the raw file name and the layer name. I use the layer name to reference the file I am using so it was confusing. I was able to figure out which file it was and rename the layer, but I would like the raw image to have the correct file name. One reason for this, is because I'd like to remember which file I used, so if I change the layer name to Blue Sky for example, I would like to be able to see the correct file name on the raw image.

          Theresa J
          Community Expert
          Theresa JCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          March 12, 2019

          Can you explain why you need to change the name of the file when you open the smart object. I guess I’ve never paid that close of attention to the interior name, when I can change the layer name in Ps. It would help if you can share a screen capture of what you see, and explain why you need to change it.

            Trevor.Dennis
            Community Expert
            Trevor.DennisCommunity Expert
            Community Expert
            March 12, 2019

            Yes, a screen shot might help.

            AFAIK Smart Objects use the top most layer name.   What makes this potentially problematic is that if change the SO layer name, and double click to open in a new window, it will revert to the original name.  If anyone has a workaround for this, I'd be pleased to hear it, as it's one of those Photoshop gotchas that annoys me.

              JJMack
              Community Expert
              JJMackCommunity Expert
              Community Expert
              March 12, 2019

              How are you creating the smart object layers.  What is naming the smart object laters? Here I have create three only the place RAW image has any number which  is the File name of my CR2 RAW file. Its only a layer name I can easily change the layer names.

              JJMack
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