DSF

I'm not with you on that - i thought smart objects are so you can't wreck the original image,such as dodge/burning etc,what you are doing there doesn't have to be a smart object or does it? wouldn't it be quicker creating an action & automating the whole process? That's what i do with mine & i just create a product picture with just a couple of clicks.

Yes, you can use PS Actions to perform the same thing. Personally, I don't think there's much difference in using either method and I use both myself.

Ah ok. I thought the main point i should have said is that you can batch edit a load of pictures in one go with a saved action,so instead of replacing the image manually as you are doing (i think),you can do that with an action-so you can do, say for example 50 product item pictures with one click (after setting up the initial action).

That's true, and you can also save the action as a Photoshop Droplet onto your desktop so that anyone unskilled in using PS and Actions can simply drop a picture on the Droplet and Photoshop starts up and runs the Action automatically.

After all these years, Photoshop is still a very powerful tool and well worth the effort spent in learning how to use it.

Agreed, i've been using it for i don't know how long & probably just scratched the surface, couldn't be without it now though.