A technique for building large fixed-format layouts (e.g. 8K campaign layouts) that need to accept different images later without redoing the layout: draw the image area as a vector shape, convert that shape into a smart object, and treat it as a placeholder slot — any image dropped into the smart object crops/scales to the shape's bounds and can be swapped out non-destructively later. Related to Smart Objects as Non-Destructive Containers but specifically about using vector shapes (not raster art) as the container's boundary.
Contrast with an alternate layout technique for a different layout shape — a 50/50 split built from pixel-based selections plus alignment guides, live gradients over the split for text legibility, and matched margins. The two are presented as different tools for different layout needs, not a strict upgrade path: vector-shape-to-smart-object suits a fixed slot with swappable content; pixel-selection splits suit a symmetric two-image layout where placement/blend, not swapping, is the main problem.
Source: PHLEARN PRO trailer, The Ultimate Guide to Smart Objects in Photoshop.
Из тем: Photoshop Foundations: Non-Destructive Editing & Selection