Embed Linked Smart Objects

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to convert linked Smart Objects to embedded ones in Adobe Photoshop to make your document self-contained and portable.

Embedded objects ensure that your document remains intact even if the external source files are moved or deleted, as the complete file data is stored within your Photoshop document.

Select Window > Layers.

Select the Linked Smart Object layer in the Layers panel, right-click, and select Embed Linked to embed a single linked smart object.

The Layers panel shows a selected linked Smart Object layer with the Embed Linked option highlighted in the menu.
Apply updates from the source file directly to your document.

Optionally, select Layer > Smart Objects > Embed All Linked to embed all Linked Smart Objects in the Photoshop document.
After embedding, the Smart Object becomes part of your Photoshop document, and the linkicon disappears from the layer thumbnail in the Layers panel.

The Layers panel shows the same selected layer without a link icon, confirming it’s now an Embedded Smart Object.
View the Smart Object restored after reconnecting the missing file.