Smart object masks problem

MS
Posted By
Matt_Savard
Jan 23, 2009
Views
491
Replies
7
Status
Closed
Let’s see if I can explain the problem I’m having…

1. I create a blank 12×12 320 dpi image.
2. I choose place from the file menu and choose an image to place on the 12×12 document as a smart object
3. I make a selection on the smart object (rectangle for example)
4. Press the mask button under the layers on the layers palette to apply the rectangular mask for the smart object.
5. Now select the smart object and try and re-size it with the layer handles.

The mask for the smart object gets all messed up. It’s like it puts the mask at the bottom right of the smart object now. I can un-link the mask and object and move it back, but it seems it is behaving incorrectly.

Can anyone verify this?

Matt

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CC
Chris_Cox
Jan 23, 2009
Which version of Photoshop are you using?
MS
Matt_Savard
Jan 23, 2009
Oops, sorry. I am using CS4 Extended.

Matt
JM
J_Maloney
Jan 23, 2009
The problem is your mask is not linked to the smart object, and therefore doesn’t transform with it. The workaround in CS3 was to drop the smart object in a group and apply the mask to the group instead. I’m assuming by your post this is still necessary in CS4. You might try clicking between the mask and the smart object (in the layers panel) first and see if a link (chain) icon appears…
MS
Matt_Savard
Jan 23, 2009
The link chain does appear. I can ‘un-link’ them and move the mask around separately, but when linked I expected them to move together. I will try the group solution and post back.

Matt
JM
J_Maloney
Jan 23, 2009
It might help if I read the post before responding. 😉
WE
Wolf_Eilers
Jan 23, 2009
I’m assuming by your post this is still necessary in CS4.

It’s not necessary in CS4. If the mask is linked with the smart object (default setting) then the mask will transform with the smart object.

However, if you edit or transform the contents of the smart object then those changes are not in any way linked to the mask.
WE
Wolf_Eilers
Jan 23, 2009
… but when linked I expected them to move together.

They do.

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