Comments on: Photoshop Variables: How to Import External PSD Smartly

By: Pan Cheng Yu

Pan Cheng Yu — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:40:38 +0000

Thank you so much, this great tuto helps me a lot, thank you !

By: Jiovanie Velazquez

Jiovanie Velazquez — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:48:31 +0000

Excellent work Alex and Doug! I have modified my version to support more image formats (the usual jpg, png, etc). Would you guys mind if I made this available on my site and other places (like CG Hub) with credit and a link to you guys and your sites?

By: ansari n mobin

ansari n mobin — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:47:17 +0000

By: Doug Downing

Doug Downing — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:40:20 +0000

Alex:

I've created a crude alteration of your "Includes.jsx" script that adds support for PSB and AI files: http://tinyurl.com/3ugea6z. I'm certain the syntax of this version could be improved.

I've tentatively renamed the script "Update Smart Objects.jsx", as that seems more descriptive of its function. An interesting note is that this script updates Smart Objects that have been placed from external files, as well as Smart Objects that may have been created within the document—if they've been exported and stored within the same folder as the document itself. As you know, the script scans the active Photoshop document for Smart Object layers, then attempts to match the names of those layers to files within the same folder as the document. If it finds such a file, it uses a Smart Objects > Replace Contents command to automatically update the contents of the corresponding layer.

The key to using this script in a workflow is either to edit Placed files or Smart Objects externally, or to edit them in the document (as Smart Objects) but then use the Smart Objects > Export Contents command (or Save As...) to also save those files externally, for inclusion into other documents within the same project folder.

By: Doug Downing

Doug Downing — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:58:12 +0000

@Alex: Great script!!!

May I make a suggestion? Smart Objects can be exported, and by default have a .psb file extension. However, the current version of your "Includes" script looks for .psd files only, so it won't work if trying to update content based on a placed Smart Object .psb file. The script would be much more robust if you added support for the .psb file format, as well.

The great thing about your script is that it allows for quick updating of layers, much like with Variables, but using Smart Objects instead—which offer greater layout flexibility. (There's also no need to define variables and data sets with this method.)

Again, by adding support for .psb files, the script will be even more powerful. A Smart Object created in one file could be exported into an external library, where it could then be placed into other documents, as needed. Editing the external version of the Smart Object and then running the Includes script in each file where it was placed would allow for quick updating of those files.

This even works in CS2! Awesome. Thanks for sharing.

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 01 May 2011 08:40:17 +0000

You can write the Action (Image → Apply Data Set...) and add to Script Event Manager (Open Document).
When document will be open, all layers will UPDATED.

or you are can install Includes.jsx scripts for Photoshop and use it. You must PLACE .psd document in your psd template and call File → Scripts → Includes

Download Includes.jsx: http://alexkrivov.com/includes

By: Yan Chatel

Yan Chatel — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 21:58:33 +0000

Hi,
the data-driven graphics are best used for creating templates. Once you decided wich parts are going to change, then you can create endless number of images based on simple text files. Let's say for creating a business cards template bank that holds 200 different models, when ordered, the customer choose what template to use and custom logo and information to show in filling an online form, then online form generates the text files to use for that customer's order and the graphic designer simply import, verify that all is good and finaly proceed to the printing, all of this in less than 20 minutes....

By: Music Producing Programs

Music Producing Programs — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:29:18 +0000

Oh man you guys saved me. This is the tut I have been searching for. I started my search with very little hope, and bam here it is. Thank you so much! I bookmarked your site because it has so much useful information. You guys are awesome, I really appreciate your help! Keep up the good work!

By: pasxal

pasxal — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 07:43:42 +0000

I have to agree with Chris Hart....
When someone else uses my PSD's, they will never know that I have used this smart technique. I also prefer to use the smart objects technique. You can easily replace the smart object with an updated version.

But always nice to explore new Photoshop techniques, thanks for bringing this to my attention!

By: Chris Hart

Chris Hart — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:58:17 +0000

And another slight negative with this method is that the layers look like regular layers, ideally they should have they're own little icon, ala smart objects.