Flipping problem in Photoshop ...

[webtrekker]

I came across a small problem when producing mug wraps with drop shadows in Photoshop. My printer driver (Ricoh SG3110DN) doesn't have a Flip Image setting so I have to do this in Photoshop.


The problem.

My design had elements with Drop Shadow Effects, with the shadows falling to the bottom-right. However, when I reversed (horizontally flipped) the image for printing, the shadows didn't flip. It appears that Photoshop will only flip the image layer and not the effects attached to it.

The solution.

The best solution I found was to right-click all the layers with Drop Shadow Effects and convert them into Smart Objects. Flipping the Smart Objects also flipped the shadows.


Here's a quick view of the technique ...


BEFORE FLIPPING

Both boxes are on Normal layers, with the same Drop Shadow applied.

vB_ID:4524

PS_flipped.jpg (65.61 KiB) Viewed 12 times

AFTER FLIPPING

The top box has been converted to a Smart Object before flipping and the shadow flips with it, unlike the bottom box which is still a Normal layer.

vB_ID:4524

PS_flipped.jpg (65.61 KiB) Viewed 12 times

Basic stuff, I know, but not everyone is comfortable with Photoshop so I hope this is of use to anyone struggling with the same problem.

[UK Printed Mugs]

Hi webtrekker. Couple of alternatives which may be quicker:
1. The flipping when printing in Photoshop is part of Photoshop functionality rather than the driver (although it can be part of the driver). When you head to "Print..." then select "Function > Emulsion down" which should do the trick
2. After artwork is complete highlight everything (ctrl-a) and then copy what you see using ctrl-shift-c into a new document which will turn it into one layer. You can then flip horizontal and print.

Maybe slightly quicker and easier.

[wayupnorth]

Select top layer
CTRL + SHIFT + ALT + E creates a composite (all visible layers) layer at the top of your stack.
Edit, Transform, Flip Horizontal

This sequence can be turned into an action to save time.

However !
The new layer will not respond to any further editing on the layers below, not a problem but worth remembering to save a lot of head scratching. If you make changes just delete the composite and create another.

[knightweb]

Thanks wayupnorth, that's a good tip

[Callunna]

I always do it the way UK Printed Mugs says in point no. 1. That way you are working the right way round all the time in PS so you can easily spot if something moves, and you aren't messing around with your artwork. The Emulsion Down feature in the Print dialogue box shows the mirrored image and how it sits on the page. When you've finished printing and go back to you file, nothing has been altered and any amends or future changes will be easy to do. I can't see any reason why you would want to do it another way. It's quick, easy and non-destructive. Or have I missed the point?


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[Smart Mart]

Don't you just flatten the image then print?

[Callunna]

Why do you need to flatten? It's one extra step that I don't seem to need - the print seems to come out the same. Just print the whole file in reverse using the print dialogue box.


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[Smart Mart]

I didn't say you had to flatten it-i was just asking, anyway it's far less time consuming than the other solution that you agreed to.