Shapes vs Smart Objects

Question:

Are shapes drawn with the shape tools Smart Objects?

Answer:

Shapes drawn with the shape tools are not really Smart Objects. They are Vector images, i.e., they consist of a set of directions telling your computer which geometric shape to draw. Smart Objects (as implied by their name) seem to understand what they are, what you are trying to do, and will behave accordingly. You will encounter Smart Objects under these circumstances.

- When you use the File>Place command. The file will be brought into Elements as a Smart Object.
- When you apply a new background from the Graphics/Content panel. The "smart" background automatically goes to the bottom of the layer stack and replaces the original background.
- When you use a frame from the Graphics/Content panel. Double-click on the frame and it will automatically appear in your project.
- When you drag a file from the Photo/Project Bin onto another file in the workspace (in some versions of Elements).

However, Shapes (Vector images) and Smart Objects do have these similarities:

- Both can be resized (enlarged, shrunk, etc.) without loss of quality, i.e., without resulting in pixelation.
- Both need to be simplified before you can apply filters or effects.
- Once simplified both are changed into Raster images, i.e., into a bunch of pixels (just like your photos).
- Once simplified both will have the same limitations as regular photos. For example, enlargement of more than 100% will result in loss of quality.