Comments To apply multiple filters to a single layer – each with its own filter mask – convert the layer into a smart object (Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Objects). Apply the first smart filter and paint in the mask as desired. To apply the second filter, choose Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object (essentially “nesting” one smart filter within another), apply the second filter and paint in the mask as desired. If you need to edit the settings or mask for the first filter, choose Layer > Smart Object > Edit Contents. This technique is also an excellent way to selectively sharpen and blur an image.
In the illustration above, the High Pass filter was applied to the Smart Object (Layer 0) and then masked so that it is limited to sharpening the cactus. Note: If you use the High Pass filter to sharpen an image, you can double-click the small icon to the right of the filter name in the Layers panel and set the blend mode to Overlay or Soft Light to remove the grayish look of the filter.)
After applying the first smart filter, choosing Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object nests the first smart filter and allows the addition of another filter (in this example Oil Paint) with its own Smart Filter mask.
wow.. amazing tute..thankyou!
Works good the first time, I get two filters and two masks. Shows the last filter under the smart object as it normal would and I can edit it. But when I try to open the first filter (Layer > Smart Object > Edit Contents) it opens a copy of the picture with just the first filter under the smart object, which I can edit but it isn’t linked to the original picture which still has both filters applied. Any thoughts about what is wrong?
Thanks for all your wonderful postings, I’ve learned a lot.
Bob
Since you’re editing into he contents of the smart object, you are only going to see the contents of that smart object plus the filter. You need to make your necessary changes to the contents, save the changes and then close the open window. Those changes will be reflected in the parent document. This video might help: http://tv.adobe.com/watch/adobe-evangelists-julieanne-kost/episode-3/
As well as others listed here: http://blogs.adobe.com/jkost/photoshop-training-videos
I got it now, thanks so much for your help.
Bob
Thanks Julianne…Great tutorial.
I have forwarded this to all of our Photoshop Trainers.
Thanks! I’m glad that you found it helpful!
Quite a long time ago I learned how to nest one smart object in another by double clicking on the smart object layer thumbnail. However I discovered this method did not work on a smart object that was newly opened from camera raw as double clicking on the thumbnail would take me back to camera raw. It took me 2 hours tonight to find the solution. Thank you for your problem solving tutorial.