Smart Object Tutorials

I was wondering if any of you good folks out there could direct me to some good tutorials or indeed give me some advice on the creation of smart objects please. I have recently upgraded my PS after being stuck on CS for years (thanks to Envato). I now have the ability to create smart objects but I’m not 100% sure how to do it! Any advice would be great, thank you!

Have you tried PSDTUTS ?

1. Select layer/layers with object/objects.
2. Right click on selected layers
3. In menu select “Convert to Smart Object”
4. Done!

Edit your Smart Object, just double click on layer icon.
Don’t forget “Save” before closing your smart-object

Thank you, I can do that bit but I’d like to know how you set it up so that an image can be added to it. I did do it once by trial and error but I ‘m not sure!

Create a document, say a 6×4 inches. Convert the background layer into a smart object and bring it into the targeted photoshop document/file (a layered file with backgrounds and all). No matter how much you scale the smart object it will always remain a 6×4 image when opened(edit contents). Open the smart object add your photo and save. Your changes will be reflected in your targeted photoshop doc/file.

The PSDTUTS basix video explanation is pretty good. You should absolutely watch it if you haven’t, it will teach you almost everything you need to know. All of those basix videos are really good btw.

ShermanJackson said
Create a document, say a 6×4 inches. Convert the background layer into a smart object and bring it into the targeted photoshop document/file (a layered file with backgrounds and all). No matter how much you scale the smart object it will always remain a 6×4 image when opened(edit contents). Open the smart object add your photo and save. Your changes will be reflected in your targeted photoshop doc/file.

Is that how you would make a template up so that somebody can add their own picture to it? e.g if I wanted to add a circlular shape with a photograph, then somebody could just drag their image onto it and it would then become circular?

Yes! if that smart object is clipped (clipping mask) to the circle shape.

ShermanJackson said
Yes! if that smart object is clipped (clipping mask) to the circle shape.

Ah ha! that’s what i was searching for! How do you add a clipping mask?

josweb said
How do you add a clipping mask?