Smart Object and Filter Workflow Question

[iwaddo77]

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

[c.pfaffenbichler]

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

[iwaddo77]

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]

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

[iwaddo77]

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.

[davescm · Accepted solution]

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

[iwaddo77]

Excellent, that worked a treat, thank you for your patience

Regards, Ian.

[davescm]

You're welcome

Dave