Skip to main content
B
bradkz
Participant
May 24, 2021
Question

Photoshop smart object lost layer link

  • May 24, 2021
  • 1 reply
  • 2889 views

I've been working in Photoshop 22.4.0, using a smart object in my larger composition consisting of 8-10 layers. Suddenly, when I open my PS file, I'm getting a dialog box: "Cannot locate linked assets," with a "Relink" box, and all the layers to my smart object are GONE. (In this case, the .psb file is called "JackHalfBody.psb.") I've tried looking in the indicated file path, but the file path folder is empty. I've searched my drives and even tried file recovery software looking for the missing .psb files and cannot locate the named .psb file. The layer has the image of the smart object and I can rasterize it so it's flattened, but the layered files are missing (and so now not editable as layers). Where are the layers stored, where did they go, and can I recover them?

This topic has been closed for replies.

1 reply

Kevin Stohlmeyer
Community Expert
Kevin StohlmeyerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 24, 2021

Its not the layers that are stored - you placed your graphics as linked not embedded. The smart object layer is now reliant on the original file you placed to remain in tact in the same location when placed.

The files have been moved or deleted so Photoshop cannot resolve the missing links.

Your two options are to find and relink the original files to the layers or as you pointed out, flatten the layer and lose the smart object link.

B
bradkzAuthor
Participant
May 24, 2021

Thanks for the response.

 

Yes... but how do I find it if Photoshop lost it? The .psb seems to be a "hidden" file that even a data recovery program can't see, and yet Photoshop remembers the file path so it SHOULD be in there.

 

I have another, different PS document that uses the same structure, and, so far, PS is maintaining that .psb link. But if I search for that good, existing file with either a Spotlight search or a data recovery search, that good .psb file is also invisible. I just can't figure out where my smart object layers went... and how to stop it from happening again.

Kevin Stohlmeyer
Community Expert
Kevin StohlmeyerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 24, 2021

How are you creating the smart object layer?

If its asking for a location, that means it was created by placing an external file as a link.

If you are creating them by selecting layers and converting to a smart object, that is embedded into the master PSD file without source files.

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices