Propagate text across multiple layers

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
December 21, 2022
3 replies
926 views

Hi,

I create complex photoshop files with multiple artboards, and use images generated from layer names to drive a complex html/motion graphic pipeline. 💅 Many of my artboards are different versions of the same design, and share the same elements.

I am looking for a method to save text in one place, either within the document or as an external file, and then have multiple text layers reference it - and hopefully auto-update.

Whats poppin Seetharaman?! 🤘

I currently make use of the place image feature to reference single images across multiple artboards. I can not see a way to 'place' text data however. I am exploring Photoshop's data-driven design feature, but exporting multiple files would break my pipeline. I'd just like to have some text layers auto-update.

Is this currently possible?

Thanks!

Kristian

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L

Lumigraphics

Legend

Would linked Smart Objects work?

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/create-smart-objects.html

K

Kristian's work accountAuthor

Participating Frequently

Almost - I could use them for preformatted text. Can't see how to make the text flow however.

thejanebradbury

Community Expert

How do you mean "make the text flow"? Is the text varying lengths therefore needs more space/lines? Would using the Text Tool to draw the area for the type to fill work and then use the Smart Object method? Then multiple lines might flow down as you want. Without seeing exactly what it is you need I have difficulty imagining what it is I'm trying to do.

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

I am looking for a method to save text in one place, either within the document or as an external file, and then have multiple text layers reference it - and hopefully auto-update.

Please provide a better description.

Which Type Layers – all of them, if not how can they be identified, …?

I doubt auto-updating is feasible in a meaningful manner (but maybe @jazz-y , @r-bin or others might know better).

A Script that one has to trigger manually or link to some Event like opening a file via Script Events Manager seems feasible, though.

K

Kristian's work accountAuthor

Participating Frequently

Good questions.

I can use image/variables/define to point text layers at a text source, but I can't see how to bring it into the file.

Equally, I already place the same linked image file in multiple places, and can even update modified content - everything I'd like to do with the copy. Could a script enable me to utilise a text file in the same manner?

Maybe libraries?