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iwaddo
iwaddo
Inspiring
March 4, 2018
Answered

Smart Object and Filter Workflow Question

  • March 4, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 953 views

Hi

I have been using Topaz or Nik Collections as smart filters in Photoshop and I have a question about non-destructive editing and whether or not there is a better workflow to the one described below

  1. Open image, usually from LR
  2. Add layers to adjust my image non-destructively
  3. Create a composite layer above all my adjustments
  4. Change my new layer into a Smart Object and use on or more smart filters from either Topaz or NIK

So far this is all working and I am happy with it. The question now comes when I decide to go back and amend from of my adjustments. I do the following

  1. Make the required adjustments
  2. Create a new composite layer which includes my later adjustments
  3. Convert the new composite layer into a smart object
  4. Copy the original smart filters from #4 above
  5. Delete the original smart object

This works but gets a little tedious if I decide to visit my adjustments often and it gets really tedious if I make further adjustments using layers above my smart object as I end up with multiple composite layers and multiple smart objects.

Hopefully I have described my workflow adequately for you to be able to advise.

Thank you for your help.

Regards, Ian

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer davescm

Is this still non-destructive? Once I've clicked on all the layers and created a single smart object can I then go back to my individual adjustments?

Thank you for your help.

Regards, Ian.


Yes - just double click on the smart object in the layers panel to open it and a psb document will open with all your original layers intact. Adjust them and close the psb - you will be prompted to save - do so. That will update the smart object.

Dave

1 reply

c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 4, 2018

Why do you not convert the Layers themselves to a Smart Object and open and edit that as necessary?

iwaddo
iwaddoAuthor
Inspiring
March 4, 2018

Hi, sorry but I do not understand, please could you explain a little further. If it helps I've pasted the layers from my image. Thank you for your help.

davescm
Community Expert
davescmCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 4, 2018

Instead of creating a composite layer just select all the layers, click on first and shift click on last, then convert them to a single smart object

Dave

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