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Make Copy of Multiple Layers Linked to Single Smart Object

Participant ,
Jun 24, 2023 Jun 24, 2023

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Hi. Hope I can describe this properly. I have a file that has multiple Smart Object layers with all sorts of effects applied to them. They are all associated with one master Smart Object layer (so initially made by duplicating the master S.O. layer). This works great for this one main object - change the master and all the derivitave layers update as well.


But now I want to make a different object/design/shape that duplicates all of the effects, etc, of this first one. If I just copy all of the layers that make up the object, they're still associated wtih the original master Smart Object. 

 

- How would I re-associate a bunch of smart object layers with a new/different master Smart Object layer?

 

I know I can 'Relink to file...' on all of them, but I don't want the master to be an external file. I want it to be just a new internal master Smart Object layer within this same document. Am I missing something obvious here?!?

 

THANKS!

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Community Expert , Jun 25, 2023 Jun 25, 2023

If one has a Smart Objects arrangement consisting of multiple instances of the same SO and needs to maintain the original arrangement and repopulate a copy of the arrangement in the same file it can be useful to use 

Image > Duplicate

then replace/edit/… the SO content in the duplicate image and drag the SO instances back to the original file. 

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Community Expert ,
Jun 25, 2023 Jun 25, 2023

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Are you aware that you can make a new copy of a Smart Object that is not connected to the original Smart Object? Right mouse click on a non-thumbnail part of a layer within the Layers panel and choose New Smart Object via Copy.

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Community Expert ,
Jun 25, 2023 Jun 25, 2023

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It's also possible to copy and paste effects between layers. Right mouse click on a non-thumbnail part of a layer within the Layers panel and choose Copy Layer Style and Paste Layer Style.

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Community Expert ,
Jun 25, 2023 Jun 25, 2023

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quote

Am I missing something obvious here?!?

I think so; even if you link to an external file you can then use 

Layer > Smart Objects > Embed Linked

to convert it to an embedded Smart Object. 

But why not just »Replace Contents«? 

 

Please post meaningful screenshots including all pertinent Panels to clarify the situation. 

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New Here ,
Jun 25, 2023 Jun 25, 2023

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Thank you

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Community Expert ,
Jun 25, 2023 Jun 25, 2023

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If one has a Smart Objects arrangement consisting of multiple instances of the same SO and needs to maintain the original arrangement and repopulate a copy of the arrangement in the same file it can be useful to use 

Image > Duplicate

then replace/edit/… the SO content in the duplicate image and drag the SO instances back to the original file. 

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Participant ,
Jun 26, 2023 Jun 26, 2023

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OK, thanks for the insight. I think this method works OK when you have a lot of copies of an original SO (I had about 15-20 copy layers). A bit 'cludgy', but it works. Seems like it's something that should be doable from within the file a bit easier, though.

 

And yes, I am aware of using 'New Smart Object via Copy' and/or copying effects from layers. But it's just a bit tedius when you have a lot of copied layers in various nested layer groups you'd need to apply to.

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