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

[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? 

[keruchan]

Yes, but that smartobject is "not smart object" since you still need tp
convert it to smart object to save it as psb.

That's why it is confusing. They should. name it dumb object on the
preferences.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

You just should not place images as Smart Objects in a file format that does not support Layers if you want to add Layers to them subsequently. 

[Noemi Poclaba]

Thanks!