Edit Non-Destructively with Smart Objects in Photoshop | Day 13

Introduction to Smart Objects

In this section, Aaron NACE introduces the concept of smart objects and explains how they can improve workflow in Photoshop.

Benefits of Smart Objects

• Smart objects create a non-destructive reference of an image, allowing changes to be made without losing resolution or information.

• Using smart filters on smart objects allows for non-destructive editing that can be undone at any point.

Opening and Arranging Images

Aaron demonstrates how to open multiple images and arrange them in a single document.

Opening Images

• Download the provided images from phlearn.com to follow along.

• Use the move tool to drag and drop images into one document.

Arranging Images

• Zoom out (Ctrl/Cmd + Minus) to see all images at once.

• Use the move tool to drag images into position within the document. Close unnecessary windows.

• Enter fullscreen mode (F4) for better visibility. Zoom in as needed.

Cropping and Resizing with Smart Objects

Aaron demonstrates how to crop an image and resize layers using both regular layers and smart objects.

Square Crop

• Select the crop tool (shortcut R). Choose a 1-to-1 square ratio for cropping. Stretch from top to bottom while ensuring "delete cropped pixels" is unchecked.

Resizing Layers

• Duplicate a layer (Ctrl/Cmd + J) to compare regular layers and smart objects. Convert one layer into a smart object by right-clicking and selecting "convert to smart object."

• Apply the same transformation (Ctrl/Cmd + T) to both layers, making them very small. Then, enlarge them again. Compare the loss of resolution between regular layers and smart objects.

Conclusion

Aaron concludes the tutorial by highlighting the significant advantage of using smart objects in preserving image resolution during resizing.

Benefits of Smart Objects

• Smart objects retain image resolution even after significant resizing, making them essential for non-destructive editing.

Converting Images to Smart Objects

In this section, the speaker demonstrates how to convert images into smart objects in order to preserve resolution.

Converting Images to Smart Objects

• Right-click on the image and select "Convert to Smart Object" to maintain resolution.

• Repeat the process for other images that need to be converted.

• Create an album display by arranging the images on the left side of the main image.

Creating a Collage with Layer Masks

This section focuses on using layer masks to create a collage effect with multiple images.

Creating a Collage with Layer Masks

• Use the rectangular marquee tool to make a selection on the right-hand side of the main image.

• Group all selected images by pressing Ctrl or Command + G.

• Add a layer mask to the group, which will confine the images within the selected area.

• Resize each image within the group using Ctrl or Command + T while holding Shift to maintain aspect ratio.

Changing Image Placement and Size

Here, you'll learn how to easily change image placement and size without losing resolution.

Changing Image Placement and Size

• To make an image larger or smaller without losing resolution, use Ctrl or Command + T.

• Move images around as desired, maintaining their quality throughout adjustments.

• Easily switch between different main images by resizing and rearranging them accordingly.

Adding Lines for Visual Separation

This section covers adding lines for visual separation within an image collage.

Adding Lines for Visual Separation

• Use the marquee tool (M) to draw a small selection where you want lines.

• Fill the selection with white by pressing Shift + Delete.

• Duplicate the line layer using Ctrl or Command + J and transform it using Ctrl or Command + T.

• Place the lines on top of the collage to create visual separation.

Benefits of Using Smart Objects

This section highlights two main benefits of using smart objects: preserving resolution and applying filters non-destructively.

Benefits of Using Smart Objects

• When resizing images, smart objects preserve resolution, ensuring no loss in quality.

• Applying filters to smart objects allows for non-destructive editing, enabling adjustments without permanently altering the image.

Applying Filters to Smart Objects vs Normal Layers

Here, you'll see a comparison between applying filters to smart objects and normal layers.

Applying Filters to Smart Objects vs Normal Layers

• Apply a sharpening filter (Unsharp Mask) to a smart object layer.

• The sharpening effect can be adjusted or removed at any time without affecting the original image.

• Apply the same sharpening filter to a normal layer.

• Once applied, the sharpening effect becomes permanent and cannot be easily modified or removed.

Adjusting Sharpening Effect

In this section, the speaker demonstrates how to adjust the sharpening effect in Photoshop using Smart Objects.

Adjusting Sharpening Effect

• The speaker suggests toning down the sharpening effect by adjusting the settings.

• By toggling the effect on and off, it is easier to compare the before and after results.

• Smart Objects not only help with sizing but also with applying filters.

• The same sharpening effect can be applied to multiple smart objects by holding Alt or Option and dragging the effect onto other layers.

• The applied sharpening effect can still be turned on and off at any time.

• Double-clicking on the unsharp mask allows for further adjustment of the settings.

Applying Sharpening Effect to Multiple Layers

This section explains how to apply a sharpening effect to multiple layers using Smart Objects in Photoshop.

Applying Sharpening Effect to Multiple Layers

• Since each layer has been converted into a smart object, it is possible to apply the same sharpening effect by dragging it onto other layers while holding Alt or Option.

• This ensures consistency across all layers in terms of sharpening.

Customizing Sharpening Settings

Here, the speaker demonstrates how to customize sharpening settings for individual layers in Photoshop using Smart Objects.

Customizing Sharpening Settings

• It is possible to modify the sharpening settings for individual layers by double-clicking on the unsharp mask.

• This allows for fine-tuning and adjusting specific details as needed.

Copy Effects Between Images

In this section, we learn how Smart Objects enable copying effects from one image to another in Photoshop.

Copy Effects Between Images

• By utilizing Smart Objects, it is possible to copy effects, such as sharpening, from one image to another.

• This saves time and ensures consistency across multiple images.

Maintaining Resolution with Smart Objects

Here, the speaker explains how Smart Objects help maintain resolution when resizing and applying filters in Photoshop.

Maintaining Resolution with Smart Objects

• Even when resizing a layer or applying filters, Smart Objects preserve the original resolution.

• This allows for flexibility without sacrificing image quality.

Benefits of Using Smart Objects

The speaker highlights the advantages of using Smart Objects in Photoshop.

Benefits of Using Smart Objects

• Turning effects on and off helps save information and compare before and after results.

• Effects can be copied between images, making it easier to achieve consistent results.

• Resizing layers or applying filters does not result in loss of resolution.

• Utilizing Smart Objects promotes a non-destructive workflow in Photoshop.