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G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M A P R I L 2 0 2 3 • G R A P H I C S P R O 8 9 of each filter independently. Furthermore, we can mask their effects so they only apply to a local region of the image. It's quite easy to convert a layer into a Smart Object. Highlight the layer and choose "Convert to Smart Filter" from the Layer Options menu. (Fig. 1) A Smart Object is recognizable by the icon on lower right of the layer thumbnail. (Fig. 2) When a filter is applied to a Smart Object layer, it is called a Smart Filter. e filter is applied to your image non- destructively. Technically, the filters are applied to your pixel data, but the Smart Object remembers the original pixel data. en, each time a filter is edited, Photoshop installs the original pixel data and reapplies the filter. Layer tweaks Prior to applying the smart filter create a Levels adjustment layer — standard prac- tice to optimize the tonal variations of the image. Convert the original content layer to a Smart Object, and now you're ready to apply a filter. Go to the Filter menu and choose your preferred filter. In the Example shown here I've chosen the Gaussian Blur filter because I want to emphasize the baby and blur the elements. (Fig. 3) Click OK to apply the filter over the entire image. If a selection is active when you apply the fil- ter, a mask is automatically created with the inside of the selection marquee being white (the area that is affected) and the outside being black (the unaffected area). (Fig. 4) If no selection is active the filter is applied to the entire image. (Fig. 5) In the Layers panel, the mask is dis- played underneath the layer. Below that is the name of the filter. ese tools are Smart Object is recognizable by the icon on lower right of the layer thumbnail. 2 I've chosen the Gaussian Blur filter because I want to emphasize the baby and blur the background. 3 If a selection is active when you apply the filter, a mask is automatically created with the inside of the selection marquee being white (the area that is affected) and the outside being black (the unaffected area). 4 If no selection is active the filter is applied to the entire image. 5