What is a Smart Object's Linked vs Embedded mode, and when would you use Linked?

What is a Smart Object's Linked vs Embedded mode, and when would you use Linked?

• A. Linked embeds content inside the file; Embedded references external file
• B. Embedded stores content inside the file; Linked references an external file
• C. Linked always updates automatically; Embedded never updates
• D. Embedded stores content inside the file; Linked references an external file; use Linked to keep file size small and update automatically when the external file changes

Answer: (D)

Smart Objects can be stored in two modes: embedded and linked. In embedded mode, the image data is saved inside the Photoshop file, so the document becomes self-contained but larger. In linked mode, Photoshop keeps a reference to an external file rather than storing the image data itself, which keeps the document size smaller and allows updates to propagate when the external file changes. Use linked when you want to keep assets centralized or reuse the same asset across multiple documents, and you want changes in the source file to be reflected in your project. Just remember that the link must remain valid; if the external file is moved or missing, the Smart Object will be unavailable until you relink it.

Smart Objects can be stored in two modes: embedded and linked. In embedded mode, the image data is saved inside the Photoshop file, so the document becomes self-contained but larger. In linked mode, Photoshop keeps a reference to an external file rather than storing the image data itself, which keeps the document size smaller and allows updates to propagate when the external file changes. Use linked when you want to keep assets centralized or reuse the same asset across multiple documents, and you want changes in the source file to be reflected in your project. Just remember that the link must remain valid; if the external file is moved or missing, the Smart Object will be unavailable until you relink it.