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Question

Lock SmartObjects resolution?

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
April 2, 2021
2 replies
885 views

Can I somehow Lock a Linked SmartObjects resolution?
Example: SmartObject currently scaled to 500x500px .... Changing Source File from 1024x1024 to 500x1000. Allthough the Source Files dimensions change, the SmartObject is still being kept scaled to exactly 500x500px and also locked in position?

This topic has been closed for replies.

JJMack

Community Expert

A document has a print resolution setting that is the size a document images pixels are printed. Photoshop is a Pixel editor, Photoshop renders pixels for layers. The layers composite pixels will be printed the at the PPI resolution set for the document. You can change the Print size by changeing the document's ppi resolution setting to print bigger or smaller the document's pixels.

When Place creates a Smart object layer Placer will scale the smart object layer based on the Document's current print ppi resolution and the Files being Placed in Print PPI resolution to be like other Adobe applications, This scaling will effect the layer's image quality. The actual Smart object has the placed in Files actual images pixels. So you can change the smart object layer associated transform and scale the layer so it has the same pixels as the place in image file. Not a scaling of the image.

If before you place in an Image files if you ensure the file being placed in images matches the current document place will scale the image to its actual size 100% actual pixels. So if the file has a different PPI resolution. All you need do is change the current document PPI to match the Files PPI. Place in the File then change the documents ppi back to what it was, Image size Resample Not Checked Change the print PPI. All that changes is the Print PPI not a single pixel is changed. Also make sure Resize During Place is not checked in your preferences. That will scale large placed images down in size to fit the images on canvas thus effect image quality.

JJMack

K

kv43606971Author

Known Participant

Thank You for clarifying all of this. I know how the dpi setting works and how it affects SmartObjects relativ scaling. (:

In my above example both, the main Document as well as the linked File is set to a dpi of 72.

JJMack

Community Expert

Layers do not have a resolution documents do. Layers have content they have pixels. Smar Objects are locked Photoshop tools can not change them. You are Relpacing the Object when you change the master linked file.

Though you can change a smart object Size and Aspect Ration when you replace the contents of a smart object layer. If is not a good practice. All Smart Object layers have a recorded Object Transform which may also include distortion and warping. That is not replaced or updated when you replace the contents of a smart object layer. Additionally a smart object layer may also be masked. The Object transform and layer mask were created for the originals object size and aspect ratio. Replacing the content of a smart object layer with content that has a different size and aspect ratio is asking for problems. Photoshop allows it but you will find if your document is a Mockup template that the replace content will not fit the template correctly. The template was created the originals object size and aspect ratio.

My batch mockup populating scripts have an Edit option that will Edit replacement content that has the wrong size and aspects ratio into the original object embedded in the template and will work correctly if the replacement has as aspect ratio close to the original object aspect ratio. I use embedded photoshop objects in mockup templates. I think linked smart object may be useful for a company logo the may change and be the top un masked layer in company product image files. However you would need to book keep the layered files that have the linked smart objects so if you change the linked files you can the open the file the need to be opened to get there changed content.

JJMack

Bojan Živković11378569

Community Expert

Not sure what exactly you want to ask. I am testing right now and here is what is happening: if I change source file dimensions, linked smart object is automatically updating in Photoshop to reflect changes. My source file is in folder on Desktop.

Can you tell us which OS and Photoshop version is in question and where resides source file that is placed as linked object?

K

kv43606971Author

Known Participant

Hi! Thanks for the quick reply!
The Linked SourceFile (SmartObject) is updating just fine!
Though while the artwork should be updated, I want the SmartObject to be optionally locked in place with the exact scaling I have it set up initially. If I lock the layer completely, the content just isn't getting an update. If I lock the position only, the content gets updated and scaled accordingly (50% transform if it was 50% earlyer).

Current behaviour:

Source:
1000x1000 px

Linked SmartObject:

50x50% = 500x500px

->

Source:
changed to 1000x500 px

Linked SmartObject:

50x50% = 500x250px

Instead I want to optionally be able to lock the absolute resolution and position:

Source:
changed to 1000x500 px

Linked SmartObject:

50x100% = 500x500px

I found a not optimal workaround now.

I can Warp the Linked SmartObject just as minimal as possible.

Though the image sadly looses sharpness, it is kept in place and dimension, while the content gets updated.

Hope this more clearly explains my dilemma. (:

Kind Regards, K

D Fosse

Community Expert

So let's be clear: you want a stretched and distorted image?

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