Linked vs. Embedded Smart Objects: Client-Delivery Packaging

A working distinction inside Smart Objects as Non-Destructive Containers: linked smart objects reference an external file on disk (fast to swap, good for iterative production across many files sharing one master asset), while embedded smart objects bundle their source data inside the PSD itself.

Linked smart objects are the right default during production — they're what makes single-master-asset propagation practical across dozens of files. But they're a delivery risk: if the linked file moves or isn't included, the client's PSD breaks. Two fixes before handoff:

Package (Photoshop's File > Package) — gathers every linked asset alongside the PSD into one folder so links resolve on another machine.
Convert to embedded — bakes the linked content into the PSD directly, so a single .psd file is self-contained and nothing can break on the client's end.

Source: PHLEARN PRO trailer, The Ultimate Guide to Smart Objects in Photoshop — used linked smart objects throughout a multi-file brand campaign, then packaged/converted-to-embedded before client delivery.

Из тем: Photoshop Foundations: Non-Destructive Editing & Selection