Uploaded June 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this tutorial you will learn how to Use Smart Objects & Smart Filters.
Nothing makes designing non-destructively in Photoshop easier than Smart Objects. If you're not familiar with the term "non-destructive design" it basically means to apply effects and edits to a layer without destroying that layers original contents.
With Smart Objects and Smart Filters you're applying your filters separately as you would layer styles, they remain editable and can also be partially removed like a layer mask. To convert a layer to a Smart Object simply right-click on the layer in the layer palette and select Convert to Smart Object from the popup menu.
Now you'll notice an icon placed in the layer thumb. This is to let you know that the layer is now a Smart Object. Now try applying a filter such as Gaussian Blur. The filter is applied similar to a layer style. It can be clicked and edited again if needed. You can also take the brush tool and draw on the layer mask above the filter to edit where the effect is applied.
The best part about this workflow is that you can always go back to the smart filter and edit any parameters you want at any time. For instance, you can readjust the curves settings or the blur settings to further make it suit your needs.
In addition, the filters can easily be turned off or removed to reveal your layer's original state.
What’s your most used filter? Please let us know in comments.
#HowTech #Photoshop
In this tutorial you will learn how to Use Smart Objects & Smart Filters.
Nothing makes designing non-destructively in Photoshop easier than Smart Objects. If you're not familiar with the term "non-destructive design" it basically means to apply effects and edits to a layer without destroying that layers original contents.
With Smart Objects and Smart Filters you're applying your filters separately as you would layer styles, they remain editable and can also be partially removed like a layer mask. To convert a layer to a Smart Object simply right-click on the layer in the layer palette and select Convert to Smart Object from the popup menu.
Now you'll notice an icon placed in the layer thumb. This is to let you know that the layer is now a Smart Object. Now try applying a filter such as Gaussian Blur. The filter is applied similar to a layer style. It can be clicked and edited again if needed. You can also take the brush tool and draw on the layer mask above the filter to edit where the effect is applied.
The best part about this workflow is that you can always go back to the smart filter and edit any parameters you want at any time. For instance, you can readjust the curves settings or the blur settings to further make it suit your needs.
In addition, the filters can easily be turned off or removed to reveal your layer's original state.
What’s your most used filter? Please let us know in comments.
#HowTech #Photoshop
