Duplicate an embedded Smart Object

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to make a copy of a Smart Object in Adobe Photoshop and decide if you want it to stay connected to the original or work independently.

Select Window > Layers.

In the Layers panel, select the Smart Object layer you want to copy.

To create a linked copy, select Layer > New > Layer Via Copy. When you edit the original, the copy updates too.

To create an independent copy, select Layer > Smart Objects > New Smart Object Via Copy. When you edit the original, your independent copy remains unchanged.
A new Smart Object appears in the Layers panel with copy added to its name.

The Layers panel shows the original, linked, and independent Smart Objects, along with the document background.
Create duplicates to reuse or edit Smart Objects in different ways.