Duncan Evans explains how to use Smart Objects and Smart Filters to create an effects template in Photoshop CS3.
| Adobe PhotoshopThere are some combinations of actions, effects and filters that work well enough that you'd really to repeat the process on other images. However, not only is it tedious to have to manually recreate the effects on a new images, this is all supposing that you can actually remember what you did in the first place. Step forward Photoshop CS3 and the new smart filter and smart object features, which can be used to create a template of effects where all you need to do is select another picture for all the styling to be applied, without any of the hassle. Simply create the effect template as described in this tutorial, then save as a PSD file. Later, to recreate the effect, all you have to do is replace the original picture.
- The effects applied to the top layer can now be seen in the Layers Palette. You can add as many as you like to the image, but here, this presentation effect is complete. Now, before you flatten the layers and save as a TIFF as per usual, save the file as a PSD with layers. Name it something like Blur_Presentation_Background.PSD and save it in a folder you create for effects template. It's important that it's obvious what the effects do so that you can reuse it later. Now, here's the clever part then. You've loaded the PSD file and want to recreate all the same effects with a new image. Right click on either layer and select Replace Contents. Use the file browser to select the new image. Click on Place and hey presto, the original image is replaced and all those effects are now applied to a new image. Flatten and save at will. Note that it's best if the replacement image is a similar resolution but certainly it should be the same orientation.
Support this site by purchasing Plus Membership, or shopping with one of our affiliates: Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon CA, ebay UK, MPB. It doesn't cost you anything extra when you use these links, but it does support the site, helping keep ePHOTOzine free to use, thank you.
More Power to all!
Thanks for taking the time to explain this and sharing your knowledge with us.
Look out for some of my images adopting this technique.
Thanks again
Richie.
dorothy
The framing area offers a ideal section for titles etc.
Martin Draper - SANDFORD IMAGES .co.uk
You must be a member to leave a comment.
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Join for free
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
ADVERTISEMENT