How to Apply Smart Filters to Multiple Layers in Photoshop

The following guide provides a clear overview of Photoshop, with the most relevant background, details, and practical takeaways.

Regular filters will permanently change pixels in a layer. A smart filter applies filtering effects to layers without destroying it. This is a step that saves a lot of time. See how you can use smart filters on multiple layers and maintain strong editing rights at any time.

How to Apply a Smart Filter to Multiple Layers in Photoshop?

1. Go to the Layers panel and select all the layers you want to apply the filter to.

2. Go to the Filter section of the menu. You will notice that only one filter is available to use. Select Convert for Smart Filters.

3. Photoshop will tell you that smart filters can be edited and the layers will become a smart object. Click OK and select any filter. For example, select ' Oil Paint ' from Filter Gallery.

4. If you need to change something in the layers before or after applying the filter, click on the thumbnail of that smart object layer. Group of images will open in the second window. Each image returns in its own layer.

5. Select the layer you want to edit. Press Ctrl + S (Windows) or Command + S (Mac) to save changes. Close the second window. You will notice that the smart object in the first window has been updated with the edits you just made.

Smart filter allows you to apply filters in one step as if all selected layers are outlined. Smart filter looks at images grouped as a single image and applies filters to the corresponding pixels.

Smart filter is nondestructive. You can adjust, delete or hide smart filters at any time. But Adobe also said this:

'You can apply any Photoshop filter (enabled to work with smart filters) - except Lens Blur, Flame Picture Frame, Trees (Tree) and Vanishing Point (Point disappears) - like a smart filter. In addition, you can also apply Shadow / Highlight effects as smart filters'.

Smart filter is really simple but powerful. You can change the blending mode, use mask filters or tweak filter settings for interesting effects.

Good luck!

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