Skip to main content
T
TiagoRocha
Inspiring
January 27, 2022
Question

Relative paths for linked objects?

  • January 27, 2022
  • 5 replies
  • 2477 views

I have this PSD file ("A")

Inside, I have a layer with a smart object ("B")

Inside B i have a linked PSD file ("C").

 

Now when I move A to a different location and I open B, the linked C file is referenced to the old location, not the new one, so it's using an absolute path, not relative.

 

Any idea how to fix this? Is there an option to tick to make things absolute or relative?

 

Thank you!

    5 replies

    D
    djeyewater
    Known Participant
    April 12, 2025

    Just want to add my vote for this. I can understand the option of using absolute paths, but forcing it is just annoying.

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    April 12, 2025
    quote

    Just want to add my vote for this. I can understand the option of using absolute paths, but forcing it is just annoying.


    By @djeyewater


    As this is a discussion topic and not an "idea", votes are almost meaningless as they don't register with Adobe, they are just peer to peer.

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 11, 2022

    Links are absolute. The other choice is embedded.

     

    You can either manually update links one by one, or use a script to do so in bulk:

     

    https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-ideas/is-there-an-option-that-shows-me-a-list-with-all-smart-objects-paths/idi-p/12657491#U12689475

     

    T
    TiagoRochaAuthor
    Inspiring
    June 11, 2022

    I think the user could have the option to set links to absolute (for example if they have a folder with certain assets, like a library) or set it to relative (when you are working on a project with lots of linked PSD files that need to be together, because maybe you work with other people and need to share that project with them?).

     

    Then even if the type of link is wrong and the file can't be found, Photoshop could show a window where it would be easy to find the file(s). For example I work with Logic Pro to make music and when a file is missing, it shows me which file and gives me a few locations where files with the same name are present and then I pick one. Or I can then pick one manually, but the process is pretty simple and effective either way.

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/734928040

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 11, 2022
    @TiagoRocha wrote:

    I think the user could have the option to set links to absolute (for example if they have a folder with certain assets, like a library) or set it to relative (when you are working on a project with lots of linked PSD files that need to be together, because maybe you work with other people and need to share that project with them?).

     

    Sure, I was commenting on what is available now, not on a future wish list. Make an idea/feature request post and I'll vote on it!

    Lena Shore
    Lena Shore
    Participating Frequently
    June 10, 2022

    I'm having the same exact issue. Maybe bumping this will get you an answer. I'll post back if I find one myself.

    josephlavine
    Community Expert
    josephlavineCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 27, 2022

    I might not be understanding your question correctly. However, Smart-Objects remember their previous state, which in this case is when you created the linked PSD file.

    warmly/j

    T
    TiagoRochaAuthor
    Inspiring
    January 27, 2022

    I have a file called "All Images.PSD" inside Hard Drive/Files

    Inside that "All Images.PSD", I have a layer which is a smart object called "Cover Artwork"

    Inside that smart object, I have a layer that is a linked (external) PSD file ("Graphics.PSD").

    Both "All Images.PSD" and "Graphics.PSD" live inside Hard Drive/Files, next to each other.

     

    Now the issue is that when I copy both "All Images.PSD" and "Graphics.PSD" to a new location (Hard Drive/New Location), when I open Graphics.PSD" update it, save it, then open "All Images.PSD" and then "Cover Artwork", I don't get the option to update all modified content, because it's looking at the original "Graphics.PSD" file location (which wasn't modified), not the new one (the one I modified).

     

    So if my original location was Hard Drive/Files, and now it's Hard Drive/New Location, it's trying to find the "Graphics.PSD" file inside Hard Drive/Files, instead of Hard Drive/New Location. That means it's using an absolute location (Hard Drive/Files) instead of relative (which would find the Graphics.PSD inside Hard Drive/New Location).

     

    Does it make sense?

    T
    TiagoRochaAuthor
    Inspiring
    January 27, 2022

    I forgot to mention that when I move A, I also move the C file, so they are always next to each other.

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