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How do I mask a smart object in Photoshop?

Published in Photoshop Layer Masks 3 mins read

You can mask a smart object in Photoshop by editing its contents and applying a layer mask there. Here's a detailed guide:

Steps to Mask a Smart Object

Based on the provided reference, here are the steps to successfully mask a smart object in Photoshop:

  1. Place a .png Image as a Smart Object:
    • Start by placing your desired .png image into your Photoshop document. Photoshop will automatically convert it into a smart object. This step is crucial because it allows for non-destructive editing.
  2. Edit the Smart Object's Contents:
    • Double-click the smart object layer in your Layers panel. This opens a new document window containing only the contents of that smart object.
  3. Select the Subject:
    • Inside the smart object's document window, use Photoshop's selection tools to select the subject you wish to keep. A quick method is to go to "Select" in the top menu and choose "Subject". Photoshop's AI will attempt to isolate the subject in your image.
  4. Add a Layer Mask:
    • With the subject selected, click the "Add Layer Mask" icon at the bottom of the Layers panel (it looks like a rectangle with a circle in the center). This will mask everything except your selected subject, effectively removing the background in the smart object's document.
  5. Save and Close the Smart Object:
    • Once the mask is applied within the smart object's document, save your changes (File > Save, or Ctrl+S/Cmd+S). Then close the smart object’s window.
  6. Check the Result
    • Your original Photoshop document now displays the smart object with the background masked out.

Understanding Smart Object Masks

  • Non-Destructive Editing: Smart objects are essential for non-destructive editing because you're modifying the contents within the smart object, not the original image. This preserves the original image quality.
  • Masking within Smart Objects: The layer mask is applied to the content inside the smart object, allowing you to control the visibility of those contents.
  • Flexibility: This process allows you to easily make adjustments to the mask or the original object later without losing any original information.

Summary

Step Description
1. Place Smart Object Insert a .png image which will become a smart object layer.
2. Edit Contents Double click to open the smart object contents.
3. Select Subject Use the select subject tool to highlight what to keep in the image.
4. Add Layer Mask Apply a layer mask, which will hide everything that was not selected in the previous step.
5. Save & Close Smart Object Save the updated smart object. Close to go back to the original canvas. The mask should be applied to the object.

By following these steps, you can effectively mask the content of a smart object in Photoshop.

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