Trying to create a TEMPLATE with Fill Layers of the same PATTERN in different scales.

[dbastien]

Hi !  I am trying to create a template that would save me a lot of work... and need guidance.

The "final document" would have four "panels" showing the same filled pattern ( seamless tile ) but in four different scales ( 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% ).  I would like to be able to change the fill pattern once and have it linked/distributed to the four layers in different scales.  Is that possible ?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Please post a meaningful screenshot or sketch. 

Smart Objects (or Linked Smart Objects) might provide a solution. 

[dbastien]

[Bojan Živković]

If I can understand your request then solution is to use cloned smart object layers:

• Create pattern fill layer, Update: after seeing your screenshot it seems to me that your best bet is to use shape layer with pattern fill. You may need to create much larger shae layer of what you need with 100% pattern scale to be able to use this technique by scaling down Smart Object layers. 
• Convert it to Smart Object layer
• Duplicate Smart Object layer using Ctrl + J couple of times.
• Scale each Smart Object layer to percent that you need.
• When you change pattern on any of Smart Object layers by editing its content all other cloned instances will update content but will keep its own scaling percentage.

You can also record action. The process is following: Before anything else create clipping layers with Pattern Overlay layer style.

• Record step with modal control turned on to change Pattern Overlay on layer 1 and set scale of pattern to 100%.
• Record step to copy layer style.
• Record step to select second clipping layer.
• Record step to paste layer style. It will paste exactly same pattern with same scaling percentage which is copied or 100%.
• Record step to scale layer effect to 75%.
• Record step to select next clipping layer.
• Record step to paste layer style. It will paste exactly same pattern with same scaling percentage which is copied or 100%.
• Record step to scale layer effect to 50%.
• Record step to select next clipping layer.
• Record step to paste layer style. It will paste exactly same pattern with same scaling percentage which is copied or 100%.
• Record step to scale layer effect to 25%.

[dbastien]

Thanks.  I managed to create the smart layer at 100% scale and duplicated it 3 more times.  I do not know where I am supposed to change the scale for each new layer.  Help!

[Bojan Živković]

Please read my updated answer above. If you have problem to record action I can manage that and upload it but you must have exact layer order which we can discus or exact layer naming convention in order to run action sucesfully.

[dbastien]

Thanks.  I will not have time to try this today but will get back to you tomorrow.

[Bojan Živković]

Here is action to accomplish your task https://shared-assets.adobe.com/link/4dba9a08-2ccc-4ae8-5dce-9c7996200a42 If you need help to load and run action please do not hesiate to ask.

To run action you must have 4 layers in your document: pattern_1 .... pattern_4 as shown in screenshot below - layers are colored with red. That layers will be clipped to shapes below. Layer pattern_1 will have 100% pattern scale and you will choose at the beginning of action which pattern to use when Layer Style dialoguw opens, ensure that you are on Pattern Overlay tab then choose pattern.

Here is animation with process to run action and change pattern, The rest will be done by action, same pattern will be replicated on layers named pattern_2 - 4 with gradual scale of pattern.

[dbastien]

Wow!  That is amazing you would take the time to create this action for me.  You are very kind.  I will try it today and let you know if I need more help.  This is exactly what I was looking for.  Thank you very much.  Maybe one day I will be able to return the favour.  Denis

[dbastien]

I must be doing something wrong.  I created a test document with four layers named pattern_1 to _4.  Then created four layers named layer 1 to 4 under each one with a white rectangle to be used as a clipping mask.  Is that correct ?

because when I click on the action it does not work like on your animation.

[dbastien]

Wait! Wait!  It worked !

i must have damaged the action file by error.  I reloaded a clean copy and it worked !

THANKS

[dbastien]

I spoke too fast..l still having problems.

the action worked on my test document.  But when I started creating my actual template the action put the correct fill pattern in all four scales but they do not show up.  I am confused.

I will stop playing around and wait for your guidance.

[Bojan Živković]

From what I see on your screenshot the problem occurs because layers pattern_1 - 4 are not clipped to layers below which should occupy one fourth of space each.

Try to clip each pattern_x layer to layer below and run action again. If you have problem post screenshot which you can take using print screen button or some free software for that task.

Try this: select pattern_1 layer then press Ctrl + Alt + G. Repeat same operation with all pattern_x layers. And by the way, pattern_x layers should have solid color fill or any fill on entire layer, layer below to which is clipped pattern_x layer will prevent it to show entirely, it will be visible only where layer below has fill.

[dbastien]

Ok, will try this now.

[dbastien]

Not doing the right thing I guess.  here is what I have now.

[dbastien]

I figured it out !!!  My pattern_x layers were transparent.  I filled them with white and it works.

[dbastien]

WE HAVE SUCCESS !  And it is so fast !!!!

I only started using Photophop three weeks ago.  I have learned so much through PHLEARN.COM already but could not figure out how to make this template.

THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!!!