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HG11
Participant
July 8, 2025
Question

"Could not replace the smart objects... not an Adobe Photoshop PDF image file"

  • July 8, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 169 views

Hi, I've got a photoshop document set up to centre a publication cover within the format (PDF as a Smart Object) against a background that's a zoom on the same Smart Object, faded down slightly. The intention is to output that as a JPG as an online promo thing for the publication.

 

I'm finding this works fine for most cover outputs until I link to a certain type of publication (a newsletter type of item), and when I go Layer - Smart Objects - Replace Contents on that, instead of pulling the new one in, it throws up a warning 'could not replace the smart objects because this is not an Adobe Photoshop PDF image file'.

 

I'm not sure why it's doing this on this particular item - all the PDFs involved have been exported from InDesign source files.

 

Hope someone can advise?

 

Best

 

HG  

2 replies

c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
July 9, 2025

As @Aleke already indicated the pdf that fails to be processed probably needs to be inspected to provide meaningful help. 

 

If you cannot share the files please exlain which exact and complete setting were used when it was exported (PDF/X-4, -3, …), what the dimensions are etc.? 

    A
    Community Manager
    AlekeCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    July 8, 2025

    Hi @HG11, thanks so much for reaching out!

    Could you share a few more details with us? What version of Photoshop are you currently using? Also, is this issue happening with just that specific file, or with others as well?

    If you're able to share a sample of the file, that would really help us test it on our end and take a closer look.

    Appreciate your help!

    Alek

    *(If you mention me with an @, like @Aleke, I’ll get a notification and can respond faster.)*
      H_Bert_1
      H_Bert_1
      Inspiring
      July 11, 2025

      Hi @Aleke , the software's all up to date versions - have found a workaround which is to open the offending PDF up in Illustrator, then resave, after that, it'll work when you replace contents in the PSD's smart object. I'll dig out the files to share shortly... 

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