Skip to main content
shift-F5
shift-F5
Participant
July 24, 2025
Answered

Smart object how is this done?

  • July 24, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 299 views

Hi I have been given a document that has a non visible smart layer at the top it seems to link to 4 other layers in the same document so if I make a change it updates the other 4 layers, in this case it is a picture in a frame which I was asked to update I did the work and sent it off they came back saying i need to update it in the non-visible smart layer. i did as they asked and saw it automatically update in the other layers.

How does that work seems like it some sort of master layer.

Correct answer Stephen Marsh

For an embedded smart object, this is by design and the standard behaviour when the layer is duplicated/copied.

 

https://helpx.adobe.com/au/photoshop/using/create-smart-objects.html#duplicate-embedded-smart-object

1 reply

Stephen Marsh
Community Expert
Stephen MarshCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
July 24, 2025

For an embedded smart object, this is by design and the standard behaviour when the layer is duplicated/copied.

 

https://helpx.adobe.com/au/photoshop/using/create-smart-objects.html#duplicate-embedded-smart-object

    shift-F5
    shift-F5Author
    Participant
    July 24, 2025

    Thanks for the reply, does it have to be linked? I have to say I am not a noob in PS and I could not replicate this but with PS everyday is a school day 

    shift-F5
    shift-F5Author
    Participant
    July 25, 2025
    quote

    …does it have to be linked?

    By @shift-F5

     

    Do you mean linked to an external file, or linked to other layers?

    If you mean linked to an external file, see Stephen Marsh’s reply.

    If you mean linked to other layers, that’s optional:

     

    If you have a smart object and you duplicate it using the command Layer > New > Layer via Copy or any of the shortcuts for that command (such as Alt/Option-drag or Ctrl/Command-J), the duplicate smart object is linked to the original; edit one and they all change.

     

    If instead you duplicate the smart object using the command Layer > Smart Object > New Smart Object via Copy, the duplicate smart object is not linked to the original. Oddly, this command is not available if you selected a linked (to an external file) smart object.


    I did mean linked layers Conrad_C .... this is also good info thanks 

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