Updating the same logo in 50 different mockups? Smart Objects maintain quality while allowing global updates.
Create Reusable Smart Objects:
Step 1: Convert to Smart Object Right-click layer → "Convert to Smart Object" Or: Layer → Smart Objects → Convert to Smart Object Step 2: Edit source Double-click Smart Object thumbnail Edit in new tab Save (Ctrl+S) to update all instances Step 3: Reuse across documents Drag Smart Object between documents All instances linked automatically Pro tip: Create Smart Object templates 1. Design once (buttons, icons, UI elements) 2. Convert to Smart Object 3. Duplicate and customize 4. Edit source to update all
Linked vs Embedded Smart Objects:
EMBEDDED (default): - Contains all data within document - Larger file size - Independent from source - Good for: One-off designs, sharing single files LINKED (Professional workflow): - References external .psb file - Smaller document size - Updates all documents when source changes - Good for: Brand assets, UI kits, templates To create linked: 1. File → Place Linked 2. Or: Right-click layer → Convert to Linked Smart Object 3. Source file saved as .psb (large document format) Workflow for design systems: 1. Create logo.psb, button.psb, icon.psb 2. Place Linked into web.psd, app.psd, print.psd 3. Update logo.psb → all documents update automatically