Replace the contents of a Smart Object

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to update the source inside a Smart Object in Adobe Photoshop without losing the edits you’ve already made.

Photoshop preserves the original image and applies your changes when you replace content. This makes it easy to update a design with new artwork or swap a placeholder without having to start over.

Select Window > Layers.

Select the Smart Object in the Layers panel.

Right-click the layer and select Replace Contents.

A Smart Object layer is selected in the Layers panel. The Replace Contents option is highlighted in the attached context menu.
Quickly switch a file without losing your adjustments.

Browse to the file you want to use and select Place.
The new file replaces the original, retaining all transformations intact.