Could not edit smart objects

[dcs plus]

Hello guys,

Since the new updates to 2020, my photoshop can't edit the smart objects (vectors from Illustrator).

The message is : " Could not edit original smart object because the app which created the smart object couldn't be launched"

One thing to mention - the vector was imported from Illustrator 2020 !

HELP ?!

[Guest]

Hi

Take a look at this thread to see if it helps

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop/smart-objects-created-in-illustrator-can-not-be-updated-fro...

[dcs plus]

Still need help ! Problem not solved 😞

[JJMack]

Correct Photoshop does not support vector image file formats.  You can import them as a raster image  layer you can not edit them as vector objects.  When you place the into Photoshop as Smart Object Layer Adobe call them vector smart object.  There are no vectors in Photoshop the layer smart object contains a copy of the vector file or a link to it. So when you transform the smart Object layer Photoshop can import the image the size required.  The Import Process will render the none vector layer the required size. There is not problem what you want to do is nor supported by Photoshop.  You need to use a vector editor that supports vector files like AI.  If you install a vector editor the vector image file will be associated the that vector editor. If you the open a vector smart object in Photoshop  it will open that editor like AI.  If you have a vector editor installed check your system  file associations make sure file extension like .svg and .ai are associated with  your vector editor. If you have a install a new version of AI  then later un-install an older version of AI Adobe un-installer may have broken the file associations.

[jane-e]

Hi

I just double-checked, and it is working for me (exactly as it always has) in 2020 with File > Place Linked. Check your file associations for .ai to see if that's the issue:

• in Finder/Windows Explorer, what happens when you double-click an Illustratror file to open it
• in Adobe Bridge, what happens where you open an Illustrator file?

https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/file-associations-broken-uninstall-applications.html

~ Jane

[dcs plus]

I have installed Adove version 23.0 and now I can open the smart objects (vectors) from Photoshop...

Its a moment solution...but it's not correct. From my point of view its a bug over there!

[JJMack]

"Its a moment solution...but it's not correct. From my point of view its a bug over there!"

Can you explain "Over There" or sing me that song.

[dcs plus]

🙂 SORRY, Don't get upset...with the word "bug".Lets call it Ladybug :))

The file association its the problem everytime a new release is launched.

Using an older version of Illustrator to edit the smart object its weird, because normaly I work simultaniously with both Photoshop & Illustrator 2020 and when I double click the smart object to edit it...Illustrator old version its launching. So instead of working with 2 programs...the third one is launching

Can you please guide me how and where I should make the changes so that the smart object should open Illustrator 2020 instead of the older one ? Thank you!

[JJMack]

If you are using Windows make sure the file associations for .svg and .ai file are set for the latest version of AI.  Adobe un-installers often mess up Windows registry File association files to older versions of applications. You can reinstall AI 2020 to fix the registry or use file explored right click on a .svg file and an .ai file use open with>Choose an other app, Select AI 2020 and check always use this app to open .svg Files.

I do not install AI for I do not know how to use it and do not want to learn an other complex Adobe application.  SVG file on my system open in Chrome they are only displayed. I can of course  place them in as vector objects in Photoshop.

[dcs plus]

Thank you very much !

[gregghorv]

Was having the same issue in photoshop with a photoshop smart object. My fix, since I don't have any .PSB files just laying around was in windows:

create a text doc. file.txt

rename file - file.psb

right click > open with >  select current version of Photoshop > voila! Photoshop smart object opens.

This is a bug! Each time photoshop updates I have to perform the same fire drill. If you don't like bugs don't have them in the software 🙂 

[gregghorv]

Also remember to check the "always open with" dialogue in windows.

[Mario5E9F]

Dear Greddhorv, you save my day...!!!Thank uuuu!!!!! I'm in a mac, but works with text edit

[xhinnd88058614]

It's 2024 and you guys are still savin' lives..I'm crying with gratitude..thank you!

[Paula222857870i7l]

To solve the error "photoshop could not edit original smart object because the application which created the smart object could not be launched" for .psb smart objects: right click the problematic smart object, select Convert to Layers (click OK after), then make the individual layers back into a new smart object. 

[jane-e]

@Paula222857870i7l 

Sorry, but I am not following how this solves the OP's issue of editing Vector Smart Objects in Adobe Illustrator?

Jane

[D Fosse]

@Paula222857870i7l 

As Jane says, this doesn't solve anything. On the contrary, it rasterizes the vector content, defeating the whole purpose of the smart object.

This is most likely broken file associations for .ai, which you fix in the operating system.