Preserve and protect your work with Smart Objects.

Smart Objects are a type of container that holds multiple layers within Photoshop. Apply properties and characteristics to multiple layers, combining different tools, filters, and features. Then undo and make changes as you need to — the original image is protected.

Photoshop allows you to link images from other projects to your work. When you link something as a Smart Object, you can make changes, and your object will automatically update in both places. The contents of a Smart Object are up to you.

A filter like Crystalize or Emboss applied to a Smart Object is a Smart Filter. Just like other edits to Smart Objects, you can filter nondestructively. Plus, when you do, you have even more control over how your filters interact with all of the different layers in your canvas.

Photoshop is all about flexibility, giving you the tools to work the way you need to. Combine Smart Objects with other layers, like adjustment layers or background layers, to create the exact type of workspace you need. 

Often, it helps to break an image into multiple layers so you can work on different parts independently. You can use Smart Objects to group elements for adjustments, undoing and tweaking as needed. 

Because everything in a Smart Object is nondestructive, you can go back to different stages in your work to make changes. To completely reset your Smart Object, simply click the circular arrow icon next to Transform on the Properties panel. 

Combine illustration and photography seamlessly with features like Smart Filters and RAW files. It’s all easy to manage and control with Smart Objects — for mixed media made easy. 

With linked Smart Objects, you can edit images and other files in apps like Adobe Illustrator and Premiere Pro, seeing the effects of your edits show up in real time in both places.