Lightroom Edit as Smart Object in Photoshop is a powerful way to enhance your photos without losing quality. It allows you to edit non-destructively, meaning your original image remains untouched. This technique is perfect for those who want to make changes in both Photoshop and Lightroom, as you can easily go back and adjust any edits made along the way.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about using Lightroom Edit as Smart Object in Photoshop. You will learn how to start using it, its benefits, and tips that can boost your workflow. Let’s dive in and explore how this tool can improve your photo enhancement experience.
Table of Contents
The Benefits of Using Smart Objects in Photoshop
Smart Objects offer significant advantages in Adobe Photoshop. When you edit an image as a smart object layer, you preserve the original raw file or image data, meaning you can make changes without damaging the original quality. Let’s explore some of the key benefits of using Smart Objects.
1. Non-Destructive Editing
One of the greatest benefits of Smart Objects is the ability to modify non-destructively. This means you can apply changes to an image, but the original or current version remains untouched. For example, when you scale, rotate, or skew an image, you don’t lose quality.
How it works:
- When you make changes to the smart object layer, Adobe Photoshop doesn’t alter the original pixels.
- You can resize or transform the image without worrying about losing detail.
2. Re-Edit Raw Files in Photoshop : Lightroom Edit as Smart Object in Photoshop
With Smart Objects, you can easily re-edit the raw file without leaving Photoshop. For instance, if you imported an image as a Smart Object and realized it needs further adjustments in Adobe Camera Raw, you can make those changes directly from within Photoshop.
Step-by-step process:
- Double click the Smart Object’s layer thumbnail in the layers panel.
- The Camera Raw window will open, allowing you to adjust settings like exposure, contrast, or white balance.
- Make the adjustments, then click "OK" to apply them, and they will reflect in the Photoshop document.
3. Apply Smart Filters
Smart Objects allow you to apply filters like blur or sharpening without altering the actual image data. These are called Smart effects. You can adjust or remove the filters at any time without damaging the photo. Use Smart Select in Photoshop to easily target specific areas for retouching.
How to apply Smart Filter:
- After converting a layer to a Smart Object, go to Filter > Smart Filter and choose the filter you need.
- You can return and tweak the filter settings anytime by double-clicking on the Smart Filter in the layers panel.
4. Better Handling of Vector Images
When working with vector images, converting them into Smart Objects ensures they retain their scalable properties. Unlike raster images, vectors can be resized infinitely without losing quality.
For example:
- If you import an Adobe Illustrator file into Photoshop, converting it to a Smart Object preserves its sharpness and quality, even after scaling.
- You can resize or transform the image without worrying about losing detail.
5. Embedded and Linked Smart Objects
You can either embed or link Smart Objects in Photoshop. Embedded Smart Objects are stored within the Photoshop document, while Linked Smart Objects remain connected to an external file. To help understand the difference between them, here’s a table that breaks down their key features and benefits:
| Feature | Embedded Smart Objects | Linked Smart Objects |
|---|---|---|
| File Storage | Stored within the Photoshop file itself | Linked to an external file, not stored inside Photoshop |
| File Size | Larger file size, as it stores the original image inside | Smaller file size, as it links to an external file |
| Updates | Changes in the external file do not update the Smart Object | Automatically updates when the linked file is changed |
| Portability | Moves with the Photoshop file, easy to share | Needs the external file to stay linked, less portable |
| Modification Flexibility | Fully editable inside Photoshop, without worrying about external changes | Must keep the external file accessible for future edits |
| Best for | Projects where all elements need to be self-contained | When using the same elements across different projects |
These Smart Objects are essential tools in photoshop for photographers and designers who want flexibility and quality preservation in their enhancement process. Whether you’re working with raw files or vector images, using Smart Objects will improve your workflow.
How to Open Lightroom Edit as Smart Objects in Photoshop
Opening Lightroom edits as Smart Objects in Adobe Photoshop gives you flexibility to modify images while preserving quality. The best part is that any changes you make in Photoshop can be modified back in Lightroom without losing the original adjustments. Let’s explore how to do this step by step.
1. Open an Image as a Smart Object from Lightroom
To open a photo as a Smart Object from Lightroom Classic, follow these simple steps. This allows you to make smart object edits for non-destructive modifications, meaning you can always return to your original raw file.
Step-by-step Process:
- Select the photo in Lightroom that you want to edit in Photoshop.
- Right-click on the image, then go to Edit In > Open as Smart Object in Photoshop.
- Your image will now open in Photoshop as a smart object layer.
- Once the image is opened as a Smart Object, you can perform additional edits in Photoshop while keeping the Lightroom adjustments intact.
2. Edit Your Photo Using Smart Objects in Photoshop
After opening your image as a Smart Object, you’ll notice a small icon in the bottom corner of the layer’s thumbnail. This means you’re working on a smart object layer, preserving the original photo.
What You Can Do with Smart Objects:
- You can apply smart filter for sharpening or blurring effects without damaging the original image.
- Adjustments made in Adobe Camera Raw can be modified by simply opening the camera raw window.
3. Re-Editing the Photo Back in Lightroom
Once you’ve completed your edits in Photoshop, you can save the file and return it to Lightroom Classic. This way, you can continue making non-destructive adjustments in both applications.
How to Save Your Changes:
- When you're done with your Photoshop edits, go to File > Save. Your Lightroom Classic library will now show the updated image with all the edits applied.
- This method allows you to modify the photo in Photoshop and Lightroom without worrying about damaging the original quality or losing your edits. It’s perfect for detailed adjustments and experimenting with creative effects.
4. Editing Raw Files and Vector Images
If you’re working with raw files or vector photos, opening them as Smart Objects ensures you can re-edit the raw data anytime. This is especially useful when working with complex adjustments.
Real-world scenario:
- Suppose you adjust white balance in Camera Raw. Later, you decide the colors are off. By simply double-clicking on the Smart Object layer, you can open camera raw window to fix the issue without starting from scratch.
Using Smart Objects gives you the power to re-edit pictures as many times as needed. Whether you’re adjusting details or resizing the photo, your original file remains unaffected. This makes it a reliable method for anyone wanting flexibility in their photo enhancement process.
Maintaining Non-Destructive Editing with Smart Objects
When you work with Smart Objects, you can edit your image without permanently altering the original file. This is called non-destructive editing. The goal is to make changes, experiment with effects, and return to the original version if needed, all while keeping the quality of your raw file intact.
1. Why Non-Destructive Editing Matters
It gives you flexibility. It allows you to make changes to your image, such as resizing or applying filters, without worrying about ruining the original file. You can always undo or adjust your edits later.
Benefits:
- You can experiment freely without losing the original quality of your file.
- Any changes you make can be easily modified later, which saves time and effort.
- This is especially important when working with large files or vector photos, which can degrade if edited destructively.
2. How to Use Smart Filters for Non-Destructive Editing
When you use smart filter in photoshop, you can add effect like blur or sharpening without permanently changing your image. These filters stay adjustable, which makes them ideal for destructive-free editing.
Step-by-step process to apply Smart Filter:
- Right-click on the image and choose to open it as a Smart Object.
- Apply your desired smart filter (e.g., blur, sharpen).
- If you need to change the filter later, just double click on the filter in the layers section. The filter will open, and you can adjust the settings as needed.
- Applying Smart effects ensures you can modify or remove them without affecting the original raw version of the image.
3. Resizing and Transforming Smart Objects
Another great feature of Smart Objects is the ability to resize or transform your image without losing resolution. Whether you’re working with raster or vector graphics, resizing within a Smart Object keeps the image sharp.
Steps to Resize Without Losing Quality:
- Select the Smart Object layer in Photoshop.
- Go to Edit > Transform and choose your desired transformation (e.g., scale, rotate).
- Because you’re working with a Smart Object, the original resolution remains untouched even after transformations.
- Point to remember - Regular layers can lose resolution when resized multiple times. Smart Objects avoid this issue, allowing for high-quality transformations.
4. Making Changes Using Camera Raw : Lightroom Edit as Smart Object in Photoshop
When you import a raw file into Photoshop as a Smart Object, you can always return to Camera Raw window to adjust settings like exposure, contrast, or white balance.
Steps to Reopen in Camera Raw:
- Double click on the Smart Object icon in the layers section.
- This will open the file in Camera Raw.
- Make your adjustments, such as modifying brightness or color.
- Click OK to apply changes, and they will update in Photoshop.
- Being able to reopen and adjust the raw file ensures you maintain complete control over the quality and detail of the image without starting over.
5. Cloning Directly and Healing Non-Destructively
When using Healing Brush or Clone Stamp Tool, it’s important to avoid altering the original file. Photoshop lets you create a new layer for these actions, preserving the original image below.
How to Clone Directly Without Altering the Original Image:
- Create a new layer above your Smart Object.
- Use the Clone Stamp or Healing Brush on the new layer.
- This way, the original Smart Object remains intact, and you can make changes later if necessary.
By following these methods, you can modify your raw files while maintaining complete control and flexibility over your changes. You can always reverse, adjust, or tweak your edits at any point in the process without losing quality. This makes Smart Objects a powerful tool for anyone serious about high-quality, non-destructive modification.
How to Edit Lightroom Photos in Photoshop
Editing Lightroom Classic photos in Adobe Photoshop can give you advanced tools to perfect your graphics. Photoshop offers more control over fine details like layers, filters, and even combining multiple images. Here’s how you can move your pictures between these two applications for seamless modification.
1. Opening a Lightroom Photo in Photoshop
To start, you’ll need to transfer your image from Lightroom Classic to Adobe Photoshop. This is where you can access Photoshop’s more powerful features for refine photos.
Step-by-step Process:
- Select the photo you want to work on in Lightroom.
- Right-click the image and choose Edit In > Adobe Photoshop.
- The photo will automatically open in Photoshop, ready for further adjustments.
- Your raw file will now be editable in Photoshop, giving you full control over changes like layer blending, advanced filters, and more.
2. Working with Layers and Filters in Photoshop
Once your photo is opened in Photoshop, you have access to layers, smart effects, and advanced tools like the Object Selection Tool. Layers let you work on different parts of your image independently, making complex edits much easier.
Key actions you can take:
- Add adjustment layers for brightness, contrast, or color correction.
- Use a smart filter to blur or sharpen an image. You can change or remove these filters at anytime.
- Separate specific elements of the photo by creating new layers. This allows for more refined edits.
Example: If you want to sharpen the details of a flower in the foreground without affecting the rest of the picture, you can create a new layer for that part of the image and apply a sharpening filter.
3. Handling Vector Images in Photoshop : Lightroom Edit as Smart Object in Photoshop
If your Lightroom Classic photo includes elements like text or logos, which are vector images, Photoshop helps keep them sharp. Raster or vector images retain their clarity when scaled up or down, which is important when working with design elements.
What you can do:
- Combine your vector images with raster images by converting them into layers in Photoshop.
- Use vector-based tools to add text or shapes that won’t lose quality when resized.
4. Editing Background Layers and Adding Details
When a photo is opened in Photoshop, it usually appears as a background layer. If you need to make significant changes, like removing objects or blending images, you should first convert this into an editable layer.
Steps to do this:
- In the layers section, right-click on the background and choose Convert to Layer.
- Now, you can apply effects, blend the background with other layers, or even replace sections of the image.
Tip: This step is helpful if you want to work on the image’s background without affecting the main subject.
5. Saving and Returning to Lightroom
Once you’ve finished refining, you can save the image in a format that’s compatible with Lightroom and still maintains high quality. Most commonly, you’ll want to save it in the Photoshop format to keep all your layers intact. Then, the edited photo will automatically appear in your Lightroom Classic library.
Steps to Save:
- After finishing your edits in Photoshop, use Export > Export As and choose a format like PSD or TIFF to keep the quality.
- You can return to Lightroom for further adjustments or to compare the before and after versions.
By following these steps, you can use the advanced tools in Photoshop to enhance your Lightroom Classic photos, without worrying about losing the original quality.
Frequently Asked Questions : Lightroom Edit as Smart Object in Photoshop
How to edit Lightroom photos in Photoshop?
To edit Lightroom photos, simply select the photo you want to modify in Lightroom. Right-click, then choose Edit In > Adobe Photoshop. The image will open in Photoshop, where you can make advanced edits using layers, filters, or other tools. Once you’re done, you can save the photo and it will return to Lightroom with the changes applied.
How do you turn something into a Smart Object in Photoshop?
To turn something into a Smart Object, right-click on the layer in the layers section and choose Convert to Smart Object. You will see a small icon appear on the layer, indicating it is now a Smart Object. This allows you to edit non-destructively and apply filters that can be changed later.
Can you open Lightroom files in Photoshop?
Yes. Select the image in Lightroom, right-click, and choose Edit In > Adobe Photoshop. The photo will open in Photoshop, allowing you to make detailed edits. After you finish, saving the image will return it to Lightroom with all the Photoshop changes included.
How do you make a smart shape in Photoshop?
To make a smart shape, first create a shape using the shape tool. Then, right-click on the shape layer and select Convert to Smart Object. This converts the shape into a Smart Object, allowing you to resize and apply filters without losing quality.
How do I import Lightroom photos to Photoshop?
To import Lightroom photos to Adobe Photoshop, go to Lightroom and select the photo you want. Right-click and choose Edit In > Adobe Photoshop. The photo will open in Photoshop, and you can make any edits needed. Once you finish and save, the photo will return to Lightroom with your changes.
Conclusion : Lightroom Edit as Smart Object in Photoshop
Using Lightroom Edit as a Smart Object in Photoshop has transformed my editing. While working on wedding photos, it let me adjust images without changing the original files. This saved time and reduced stress, especially with client requests.Â
Smart Objects made my workflow smoother, helping me focus on delivering great results. If you want to master these techniques and take your skills to the next level, check out our Photoshop Course or Lightroom Course.
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