BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Is there anyone else that thinks the Smart Object in Photoshop is really a STUPID OBJECT? I did a screen shot of how to convert a smart object into an editable image that you can manipulate in Photoshop. Maybe I just don't understand why it has to be so complicated if it's supposed to be a smart object.
Here's the screenshot.

(Download)

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

I right-click (Apple) on the image and select Smart Object. No problem-o!

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

I use PS CS6. Right click on the image. Select "Convert to Smart Object". Done!

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

I use the subscription. Works!

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

JD750 Loc: SoCal

There are always multiple ways to do anything on a computer. And Adobe seems to excel in that dept.
FYI - What you posted appeared to be a method of editing a smart object, not creating one.

When I want to create a smart object I click on the layer. See the attached Pics 1 and 2. Then for editing see attached pic 3.
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Convert Background Layer to Smart Filter

(Download)

Convert Normal Layer to Smart Filter

(Download)

Editing the Smart Filter Layer

(Download)

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

I'm a Mac guy too but I never knew about right clicking and it being so easy. I wonder why they had 6 steps to create an editable file to work on?!?
Are we talking about the same thing? I wanted to change my smart object to something I could edit. NOT trying to create a smart object.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Jim, maybe I didn't explain it right........I'm trying to NOT have a smart object. I want a file I can alter in Photoshop. Smart objects can't be edited.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

I'm using the subscription too but the files all seem to start out as a smart object that can't be edited in PS until they are altered.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

I'm trying NOT to have a smart object.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

WOW JD, you really put a lot of effort in to help me out. Thank you for your kindness and good intentions. The only thing is that I don't want to work with a smart object. My images open up in PS as a smart object and I can't edit those files. What is the purpose of a smart object anyway?

JD750 Loc: SoCal

You can convert the smart object to a raster layer. That option is in the right-click menu. After converting it it becomes a normal layer and you can edit the layer using Photoshop.

Camera raw and filters are destructive edits. If you use a smart object the smart object workflow is non-destructive. You can open the smart object and adjust it.

You don’t have to use smart objects. I don’t know why they are appearing in your workflow. I suggest you poke around in preferences. Look for an option to “open as smart object” and uncheck it.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Smart objects are files linked or embedded into a layer. This allow photoshop to open and edit complete files as an image, even when they are not native to PS like RAW(if ACR installed) & vector(with PDF content) graphics.
The caveat is that only non-destructive edits/adjustments can be done to them while Smart Objects layers.

If you need to edit the smart object itself, just double click its icon on the layers and it will open the linked file in its native software. Example, RAW smart object when double clicked will open in Adobe Camera Raw. A vector graphic may open in Illustrator if it is installed. It will open as a new tab if it was a file native to Photoshop.

Since it is essentially a separate file that is only being shown as a layer, it can have its own adjustment layers without affecting the other files below it. For non PS native files, nestling may be required.

If it remains as a link, the a file can appear in many instances within the file or to multiple separate files where if the linked file is edited, all the instances of that file will be updated with the changes.

To edit fully in PS, right click the Smart Object Layer and in the dropdown that would appear, choose Rasterize Layer. In doing so, take into account the present properties like dpi & image size as what you have on screen will be applied to your Smart Object when it is converted into a raster layer.

Smart Objects have their uses where it is good at.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

The first Mac mouse only has one button. Hence in the early days, Mac basically has no right click.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

With a one button mouse ctrl-click is the same as a right click on a two button mouse.