How to Batch Replace Smart Object Layer

How to Batch Replace Smart Object Layer In Bulk

Learn how to effortlessly batch replace smart object layers in Photoshop using Bulk Mockup V3. Say goodbye to tedious manual work!

Shohidur Rahman
June 4, 2024
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TL,DR :

Watch the video tutorial video to learn to batch replace smart object layer in Bulk

Video Tutorial : How to Batch Replace Smart Object Layers in Bulk

Intro

Replacing a Smart Object in one single design file is easy enough, and so is replacing them in maybe 5 designs.

But what happens when the number increases beyond that? What if you have to replace them in 10 files, or even 100? Is it still as easy to do?

That’s when batch replacing smart objects comes into play.

Doing them individually is no longer a viable option in most use cases and that’s why we go through this Batch replace the smart object process to save us from this tedious work.

What Is Smart Object layer?

Smart Object layers are special type of layers in photoshop that preserve layers source content with all its original characteristics. To understand it visually watch Module 6 of this free skillshare class.

Due to its special nature, smart object layers find many application and one of the go to tools for photoshop professionals and graphics designers.

Mockup Templates and Photoshop Templates are biggest application of Smart Object Layers

You can learn more about photoshop smart object layers.

Why would you replace smart object layer?

Look at the mug template below, Smart object layer preserves curvature of the design.

mug template
Smart Object layer in mug mockup template

If you were to place a new design on the mug and apply wrap to fit the curvature of the mug. High photoshop skills plus hours of manual work would be required.

However using the power of smart object, new design following the curvature can be added by just a click.

New Design Mockup is Curved
Mockup is curved design applied on the mug template.

The Manual Process of Replacing Smart Object Layer

There are typically two approaches to replace the contents of Smart Objects in Photoshop. 

The first method is more time-consuming, but it produces precise and accurate results. We do this by going into each Smart Object layer and opening the smart object canvas by double clicking on the smart object icon, thereafter manually inserting and resizing the desired design element. Once we save the smart object canvas psb document. The design element in the template is automatically updated.

The second method is faster, but it can potentially result in issues with the output files. We use this method by selecting the Smart Object layer, next right click and choosing the “Replace Contents” option, then selecting the design element we want to insert.

It’s up to you to decide which method is best for your specific needs and goals.

Bulk Mockup photoshop plugin to Batch Replace Smart object layer in Bulk

Bulk Mockup Photoshop Plugin is the easiest and quickest way to automatically replace smart object layers.

Watch the video below for a step by step guide.

Video Tutorial : How to Batch Replace Smart Object Layers in Bulk

Advantages of Bulk Mockup for batch replace smart object project

  1. Resizing of the designs for your Smart Object For Bulk Replacing
    • There are multiple options available for resizing the design files
    • Fill Canvas / Stretch
    • Fill to Canvas Without Cropping
    • Fill Canvas Cropping the Extra Space
    • Constrain by Height
    • Constrain By Width
    • Do Not Resize
    • Replace Contents
  2. Multiple Export format option available.
    • You can export the files in Jpg, Png, Tiff, Psd, Tiff & Gif
    • Video Export and webp export will be soon be integrated
    • You can export multiple files at the same time.
  3. Organising the exported files in a logical manner.
    • There are three ways to organise the exported files
    • Arrange the exported file inside subfolders for each psd template.
    • Arrange the exported file inside subfolders for each artwork/design.
    • Dump all exported file in one folder.
  4. Custom naming convention for exported files.
    • You can give custom naming convention for the exported files.
    • You can add template name, design file name, suffix, prefix, incremental integer value.
    • Make any combination of using the above parameters.

Along with the features listed above. Bulk Mockup is capable of handling some advance smart object manipulation.

Photoshop Actions to batch replace smart object layers.

Photoshop Actions is a great way to automate repetitive task in photoshop. Similar to MS office macros in its working. You can record photoshop action showing it the way to do a particular process. There after you can play back the action to repeat the process for infinite times.

Unfortunately Photoshop Actions is futile and of no use, when you try to automate smart object layers replacement. Photoshop Action cannot record variable data and hence is useless.

Photoshop Droplet to batch replace smart object layers.

Photoshop Droplet is similar to photoshop action in working. Only difference its execution.

Like photoshop actions, photoshop droplets too cannot be used to automate smart object replacement in photoshop.

Photoshop Script to batch replace smart object layers.

Where Photoshop Action and Droplets fail. Photoshop Script can come to rescue. You can write a photoshop script to automate replacement of smart object layer. A photoshop script can be coded in javascript or apple script. Checkout photoshop scripting guide.

Batch Replace Smart Object layer in Photopea.com.

Unfortunately there is no way to batch replace smart object layer in photopea. You may want to use Bulk Mockup & Photoshop. If you are in a budget and do not want to invest in photoshop, you may also considering outsourcing mockup creation to bulk mockup team.

Other Issues With Batch Replace Smart Object In Photoshop

When you have to replace smart object in a large number of files, it can be difficult to keep track of the output images you want and ensure that they are properly saved and organised. This can add an additional layer of complexity to the process, and it’s important to have a plan in place to handle this issue.

As a company that has been in business for years, we’ve seen the evolution of designers and their needs. 

Our user base works with hundreds or even thousands of Smart Objects on a daily basis, and we understand the challenges they face when it comes to managing and replacing them. 

The Best Way of Photoshop Batch Replace Smart Object 

Bulk Mockup V3 is the only solution you’ll ever need for batch replacing smart objects because our Photoshop plugin is made by gathering feedback data from thousands of our customers and the issues they are facing.

Let’s solve your issues one by one.

Selecting Files When Batch Replacing Smart Object In Photoshop in Bulk Mockup V3

You don’t have to select files one by one when using Bulk Mockup v3. You can just select the folders containing your PSD files with smart objects inside Bulk Mockup v3 and you’re done.

The next or rest of the process can continue from there.

You’ll never have to open and select smart objects one by one in Photoshop ever again.

Bulk Replacing Smart Object In Photoshop in Bulk Mockup V3

Now comes the best part. The main task of replacing smart objects. For this, let’s get familiarized with Bulk Mockup v3 interface.

Bulk Mockup v3 interface
Bulk Mockup v3 Interface

Here you can see, there are three options.

  1. PSD Templates Folder
  1. Design Files Folder
  1. Export Folder

The options are self explanatory. Keep all your PSD files in one and all designs in one folder and select them with Bulk Mockup v3 option. 

Then create an empty folder where you want all your finished designs exported.

Resizing of The Designs For Your Smart Object For Bulk Replacing

We’ve gathered feedback from thousands of customers to create a comprehensive list of resizing options for bulk replacing smart objects in Photoshop. 

Our options are clearly labeled and organised, and include a preview feature and the ability to customise size.

Bulk Mockup v3 Image resizing Options
Bulk Mockup v3 Image resizing Options

As you can see there are 7 options in total.

  1. Fill Canvas / Stretch
  1. Fill to Canvas Without Cropping
  1. Fill Canvas Cropping the Extra Space
  1. Constrain by Height
  1. Constrain By Width
  1. Do Not Resize
  1. Replace Contents

So as per your smart object layer content, you can choose whatever resize method you may  find appropriate.

Export Format  in Bulk Mockup V3 for Bulk Replacing Smart Object In Photoshop 

Export Format Options of Bulk Mockup v3
Export Format Options of Bulk Mockup v3

In the setting options, you can customise the output files even more.

Export Format For Photoshop Bulk Replace Smart Object

There are five options available for this.

  • JPGs
  • PNG
  • TIFF
  • PSD
  • GIF
Size of Exported Document For Photoshop Bulk Replace Smart Object

Here you choose either not to resize or set the limit to resizing the longest side or set the scale.

Resolution of Bulk Replaced Smart Object Exported Documents

Here we have three options.

  1. Keep it AS IS
  1. 72 DPI
  1. 300 DPI

Naming & Organizing Files Photoshop Batch Replace Smart Object In Bulk Mockup V3

This is another critical issue designers face when working with a large number of files. In Bulk Mockup v3, we made it a breeze.

Naming and Organizing Options of Bulk Mockup v3
Naming and Organizing Options of Bulk Mockup v3

With Bulk Mockup v3 we didn’t just try to solve the issue, we packed it with options that are best practices for naming conventions and organising methods.

Organising the Batch Replaced Smart Object in Photoshop

You have three options to work with.

  • You can keep everything in the empty exported folder you made.
  • You have the option to have sub folders according to your PSD files like ..Export/subfolder for each PSD file
  • Or you can have the subfolders according to your design fils like ..Export/subfolders for each design

Naming the Batch Replaced Smart Object in Photoshop

You have four different options for naming patterns of the files. You can have the PSD file name, design name, increment by number and suffix.

You can choose all options or just the options you need.

The options work like this – 

  • If you choose both the Mockup and Design option and if you’ve chosen the output file to be JPG, the output file name would be <PSD file name><Artwork name>.jpg
  • If you choose Mockup, Design and Suffix  option and if you’ve chosen the output file to be JPG, the output file name would be <PSD file name><#><Artwork name>.jpg. You can also choose from which number the increment will start from.

Easiest Way of Photoshop Batch Replace Smart Object

If you’ve gone through all the options above. Just go the main option and click “START GENERATING

Now it doesn’t matter if you have ten files or a thousand, go sip a glass of wine or have some food like Bulk Mockups founder Vikash Kumar Prajapati just like the video below.

How to batch Replace Smart Objects in Photoshop | Smart Object MockupsAutomation

How to batch Replace Multiple Smart Objects Layers in Photoshop

In this YouTube video, he will take us through three different examples of how Bulk Mockup V3 for Photoshop can be used to batch replace smart objects, revealing all of the nooks and crannies of this powerful tool.

If you’re still confused, don’t hesitate to contact us through here.

Or if you’re completely new with Photoshop and need urgent help with your project, we have created a limited time service offering just for you. Don’t miss out on this limited time offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question : Photoshop batch replace smart object?

Answer : Use Bulk Mockup photoshop plugin to batch replace smart object.

Question: How to replace smart object in photoshop?

Answer : There are two ways to replace smart object in photoshop.The first method is to go into each Smart Object layer and open the smart object canvas by double clicking on the smart object icon, thereafter manually inserting and resizing the desired design element. Once we save the smart object canvas psb document. The design element in the template is automatically updated.

The second method is faster. We use this method by selecting the Smart Object layer, next right click and choosing the “Replace Contents” option, then selecting the design element we want to insert.

Question : How to duplicate smart object photoshop?

Answer : To duplicate a smart object layer in photoshop select the smart object layer, press ‘ctrl + J‘ if you are on windows or ‘cmd + J’ if you are on mac. Other method is to drag the smart object layer to duplicate icon present at the bottom of the layers panel, just beside fx.

Question : Can you use a clone stamp on a smart object in photoshop?

Answer : No you cannot use clone stamp on a smart object layer. If you want to use, you can rasterise the layer and then use clone stamp.

Question: How to make an image not a smart object in photoshop?

Answer : Right click on the image layer and select ‘Rasterise Layer‘ to make image not a smart object.

Question: How to update a smart object in photoshop?

Answer :- There are two ways to update smart object in photoshop.The first method is to go into each Smart Object layer and open the smart object canvas by double clicking on the smart object icon, thereafter manually inserting and resizing the desired design element. Once we save the smart object canvas psb document. The design element in the template is automatically updated.

The second method is faster. We use this method by selecting the Smart Object layer, next right click and choosing the “Replace Contents” option, then selecting the design element we want to insert.

Question: Did you make adjustments to the code so it scales the smart object (like in height)?

Answer : Bulk Mockup does not require any adjustment to code. It has inbuilt feature that scales the smart object.

Question: Is there a way to automate the replacement of a Smart Image with a different graphic?

Answer : Yes there is, use Bulk Mockup Photoshop plugin to automate the replacement of smart image with different graphics. Step by step guide is available.

Shohidur Rahman
Hey, I’m Vikash the main guy behind Bulk Mockup. In the past, I ran an image editing agency - Putoos Graphics LLP, where I worked with hundreds of print on demand sellers to create mockups for their listing. While running the agency, I have seen mockups being a one of the most time consuming and boring task for Print on Demand Entrepreneurs. I have built Bulk Mockup to automate mockups productions for sellers and improve their productivity. In the few years of existence our Bulk Mockup tool has been used by hundreds of print on demand sellers. It has helped them save both money and time in their workflow.

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