Inspiring

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P: Smart Objects: Auto-convert JPGs to PSD

Forum|Forum|14 years ago
April 5, 2011
108 replies
4970 views

If you drag an image into the canvas and have the option enabled to convert it to a smart object automatically, when you try to edit that smart object you are unable to save it to update it. Instead you get the usual save dialog and if you save in the default folder (temporary items) it doesn't actually update the smart object.

Jason laChance

Known Participant

When I place an image onto my canvas by drag & drop or copy & paste, then convert the image layer into a smart object I have no problems opening that smart object and adding adjustments layers. When I place an image onto my canvas by choosing place embedded, which then automatically converts the image into a smart object layer and when I try to edit the smart object I recieve an error message;

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

Does this happen for a reason because I like the fact that if you place an image onto your canvas convert the layer to a smart object then duplicate and transform that if I change the image Ps not only replaces all the duplicated smart objects but also remembers the transform properties.

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

File formats.

If you place an image in a format that does not support Layers it naturally cannot be saved with Layers.

So if placed jpg, png, … files cannot be saved with Adjustment Layers that is the consequence of your choice to use those file formats.

You can save the layered open Smart Object as a new psd, psb or tif somewhere and use Layer > Smart Objetcs > Replace Contents to replace the original flat image in the containing image.

Edit: When converting Layers to a Smart Object in Photoshop it will be created as a psb right away, so layers-capable.

Jason laChance

Known Participant

So when you place a jpg file using place embedded photoshop converts it into a smart object but keeps it as a jpg therefore when one tries to open that smart object and add an adustment layer you can't save it. If I paste a jpg image by copy or paste or drag & drop then I convert the layer myself into a smart object then photoshop converts that jpg into a psb to allow for adjustment layers but not if I use File / Place Embeded which converts to a smart object, that smart object has to be edited destructivly.

So Paste It Don't Place It

J

joshuad63341142

Participant

Have you ever ran into the situation where you're wanting to add a layer to a smart object that was originally linked as a jpg, and you have to merge the layers to update the linked smart object?

The app could be improved by allowing users to add layers to any smart object - while under the hood photoshop is creating a new link to a .psd file in the referenced smart object directory.

G

GammelSami

Participating Frequently

When I import a .jpeg by drag & drop it becomes a embedded smart object. When I double click it, add a second rasterized layer inside (with content), save it, close the tab and re-open it, the layers got reduced to one single layer. When I add a smart object layer inside and hit save, photoshop says it can't save the document in it's original file format... (it's not a linked smart object!)

(german message)

But when I import a .jpeg, rasterize it first and convert it to a smart object again, all layers that I add inside of it will stay. And I can also add smart object layers inside.

My Workaround when this message appears: Save as new .psd, close tab, right click on the layer, replace content with new psd.

This is so annoying I come accros this error muliple times a day. Why does this happen? Is it a Bug?
Why does embedded smart object not equal embedded smart object?

Photoshop CC v22.5.1
Windows 10 (20H2)

Bojan Živković11378569

Community Expert

In short; if you place JPG it will be converted to SO with only Background layer inside. That SO can not be updated with more layers or Photoshop will offer to save file. That is how things work because some programmed things to work in that way. I can not provide technical or logical explanation.

G

GammelSami

Participating Frequently

Okay, so you think the only way to change this would be a feature request?

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

You might still add your vote if you think the Request might have benefit for you even with images from other sources.

Out of curiosity: What image content are you offered on Adobe Stock that annoys (or maybe even insults) you? Is this about »salacious« imagery or same-sex-couples or something else?
I am not arguing against your choice to take your business elsewhere, just curious.

And no need to answer if you don’t feel like it.

F

FeedbackCommunityMemberAuthor

Inspiring

I do not use adobe stock for this reason and also there have been quite a bit of suggestive content that goes against my religious beliefs in adobe stock it has become to political centered or PC if you ask me.
I use freepik and various free sites that offer free stock photos completely free and with commercial use.

Sven Brencher

Community Expert

Thanks for your vote! It wasn't a big deal for me either until I started to use Adobe Stock...

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

Personally that is a low priority for me but I see the benefit of the requested feature and I recall encountering a few threads started by people who were confused about why they couldn’t save a jpg-Smart Object after they had added Layers.
So, yeah, +1

Sven Brencher

Community Expert

If I have an embedded JPG as a Smartobject in Photoshop – which by the way happens all the time when I use Adobe Stock Assets – it is really annoying to make changes or do retouching based on additional layers because you can‘t save it back. And to save it separately and then replace it manually is such a waste of time. It would be great if Photoshop could auto-convert the file type to psd, whenever I make changes to the original Smartobject.

Roei Tzoref

Legend

Problem:
Currently, if you place a jpg or a png in photoshop, you have the option to place it as a smart object or not (in the preferences). alas, it's not a regular smart object, because it keeps the same format of the file inside the smart object (jpg,png) that does not allow layering. a common scenario is that you drag a photo to photoshop, it's a smart object. you get inside the smart object and add a few layers and save and you get this:

you can't save it.

Workaround:
before the fact: lose the option to create smart object when placing in the preferences, and after you place, create a smart object manually. this time it will be a PSB file with all the goodies.

after the fact: you would have to create a smart object in the faux smart object, then drag it to the main document and delete the faux smart object. of course if you made adjustments to the smart faux smart object this could get more complicated.

Feature Request:
add an option to place as psb smart object in the preferences. I did not find it useful to leave it un-layered but maybe others do? I don't know if you should just replace the previous feature

F

FeedbackCommunityMemberAuthor

Inspiring

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