Unable to Save my Smart Object without "Flattening the Image"

[lilly_xo]

Hey there, I am helpless.

I am Using Photoshop CC 2014, always the newest version, on a mac.

Here's the problem: I am usually working in PSDs with many layers, and some smart objects. Inside of the smart objects, I have content that I can change.

So when I save the contents inside of a Smart Object, it also changes them inside of the main PSD.

BUT - since months, I can't save the changes inside of a Smart Object. Photoshop is telling me:

Can't save this document back to its original file format. Flatten layers and discard extra data as necessary and choose File > Save again.

When I flatten the image, the Smart Object has no usage for me, because it's like a rasterized layer.

Someone help me?  I didn't find a solution in the internet!

Btw: I already tried reinstalling Photoshop. The issue is still there.

Thank you.

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

Did you create the SO by placing an image in a format that does not support Layers (like jpg or example)?

If so I’m afraid you may have to save the layered file as psd, psb or tif, then replace the Smart Object in the containing document (Layer > Smart Objects > Replace Contents).

[lilly_xo]

Oh my. Problem solved. And I thought I was a pro!
Thank you so much!

[c.pfaffenbichler]

You’re welcome.

And not to worry, I think Photoshop is by now (edit: and has been for a while) complex enough that even professional users may not know all it’s functions and intricacies inside out.

[gomax]

what u are taking about photo place already in smart object in photoshop and u say it again make the smart object?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

What do you mean?

I recommended saving the layered file and replacing the Smart Object with it (Layer > Smart Objects > Replace Contents) if a file in a format that cannot contain Layers has been placed as a Smart Object.

[PrinxeSE]

Can you explain please

[c.pfaffenbichler]

• Save the layered file as a new file with layer compatibility (psd, psb, tif)

• then replace the Smart Object with it (Layer > Smart Objects > Replace Contents) 

[atypic33]

Bless you! You just saved me a ton of time figuring this out 🙂

[NS Creator]

thanks man

[Bonmichael258380959lk7]

thanks for trying to help but this is still very confusing the way you are explaining it. 

You keep saying the same thing over and over and I do not understand it. 

What do you mean by "layered file" ? Which file are you talking about? and can you clearly explain steps of the other things you suggested. Thanks. I appreciate your help in advance

[Stephen_A_Marsh]

@Bonmichael258380959lk7 – Perhaps a (casually curated) bot reply can sufficiently answer your questions...

Question: What is a layered file in Photoshop?

Answer: A layered file in Photoshop is a file that contains multiple layers, each of which can hold different elements of an image or design. Layers are one of the most powerful features of Photoshop, allowing for non-destructive editing, flexibility, and creative control. 

https://helpx.adobe.com/au/photoshop/using/layer-basics.html

https://helpx.adobe.com/au/photoshop-elements/using/creating-layers.html

Question: What types of layers are there in Photoshop?

Answer:  In Adobe Photoshop, there are several types of layers, each with distinct purposes –

1. Image Layers: Standard layers containing raster (pixel) images.
2. Adjustment Layers: Apply non-destructive color and tonal adjustments (e.g., Levels, Curves).
3. Fill Layers: Create solid color, gradient, or pattern fills.
4. Text Layers: Contain editable text.
5. Shape Layers: Vector-based layers created with shape tools.
6. Smart Object Layers: Contain embedded or linked images, or generative AI content for non-destructive editing.
7. Layer Groups: Organize layers into folders.
8. Artboards: Allowing the creation of multiple design layouts within one document.
9. Frames: Easily create rectangular or elliptical placeholder frames within your document for image content.
10. 3D Layers: Contain and manipulate 3D objects.
11. Video Layers: Add video clips or image sequences.

Question: What file types support layers in Photoshop?

Answer: Photoshop supports several file formats that retain layers, enabling non-destructive editing and flexibility:

1. PSD (Photoshop Document): Native format that preserves all layers, masks, adjustments, and effects.
2. PSB (Large Document Format): Similar to PSD but supports larger file sizes and dimensions.
3. TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): Can save layers along with other features like transparency.
4. PDF (Portable Document Format): Can retain layers when saved with Photoshop editing capabilities.
5. PSDT (Photoshop Template): Preserves layers and is used for reusable design templates.

These formats allow you to maintain individual layer information for complex editing and future modifications.

https://helpx.adobe.com/au/photoshop/using/file-formats.html

https://helpx.adobe.com/au/photoshop/using/saving-files-graphics-formats.html

Question: What is a flattened image in Photoshop?

Answer: In Photoshop, a flattened image refers to an image where all the layers have been merged into a single special Background image (as opposed to merging into a single floating layer). This process combines all the visible layers, including adjustments, text, and effects, into a single background layer. Flattening an image is often done to reduce the file size or to prepare the image for formats that do not support layers.

https://helpx.adobe.com/au/photoshop/using/layers.html

https://helpx.adobe.com/au/photoshop/using/layers.html

Hope this helps.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Could you please post screenshots with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Options Bar, …) visible? 

[user5799345]

Thank you for your info.

[noralqasm]

Finally! Thank you very much.

[Hnh22575939oidw]

You are genious. Save my life :)) Thank you so much

[lourenadjesus]

Thank you a lot! Just fixed this super important mockup. ❤️

[Daniel28535921alb5]

Thank you so much! I just started learning photoshop and this helped a lot!

[c.pfaffenbichler]

If that is not the case please read this with regard to general trouble-shooting, restoring Preferences after making sure all customized presets like Actions, Patterns, Brushes etc. have been saved might be of special interest:

http://blogs.adobe.com/crawlspace/2012/07/photoshop-basic-troubleshooting-steps-to-fix-most-issues.h...

[Versaviya5E8C]

A FASTER WAY TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE:

In Layers, right click on the photo you placed and select "convert to smart object." This automatically converts it to a .psb file, and you don't have to go through the process of replacing the Smart Object in the containing document (Layer > Smart Objects > Replace Contents). 

This saves so much time, especially when working with a ton of photos in one photoshop document!

[c.pfaffenbichler]

What if there are multiple instances of the SO? 

Or if it has already been transformed, warped, …? 

[Rui5C91]

Then you can create a  'New Smart Object via Copy' to edit the smart object independently without affecting its parent or other instances.

This can be done by right-clicking on the layer or via the menu Layer > Smart Objects > New Smart Object via Copy.

[Seyed Amir Ma291580430dgg]

you can rasterize layer and after that convert it to smart object and it fixed

[keruchan]

This here is what I needed.  for so many years, I have been used to right click and convert to smart object.
but then suddenly a new version make every photo converted to smartobject.

but then again, it is not a smartobject but a dumb object and needed to save it to .psb 
so now it seems like I can accept the fact that photoshop is just protecting the resolution of every single photo you drag in it.   (they should not call it smartobject to begin with.)

because it just confused us. 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

---

@keruchan wrote:

This here is what I needed.  for so many years, I have been used to right click and convert to smart object.
but then suddenly a new version make every photo converted to smartobject.

but then again, it is not a smartobject but a dumb object and needed to save it to .psb 
so now it seems like I can accept the fact that photoshop is just protecting the resolution of every single photo you drag in it.   (they should not call it smartobject to begin with.)

because it just confused us. 

---

I disagree strongly. 

What is the Photoshop > Preferences > General > Always Create Smart Objects when Placing setting?