Let $X$ be a projective, equidimensional, singular scheme over an algebraically closed field. Then the existence of a geometric smoothing (i.e. a family of deformations of $X$ over a smooth base curve whose generic fibre is smooth) implies the existence of a formal smoothing as defined by Tziolas.
In this paper we address the reverse question giving sufficient conditions on $X$ that guarantee the converse, i.e. formal smoothability implies geometric smoothability.
This is useful in light of Tziolas' results giving criteria for the existence of formal smoothings.
We also present a criterion to determine whether a formal deformation of a local complete intersection scheme is a formal smoothing by considering only a finite number of infinitesimal thickenings.
