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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!
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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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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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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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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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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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.