You CAN use batch but first you must create an action then apply it to the batch.
I’m assuming you’re familiar with actions? If not, take a gander at page 399 in the manual and it’ll tell you how to create one. 🙂
What may make it tough is the second step of increasing the canvas. In general, you can use File|Automate|Fit Image. That will allow you to automate fitting the height or width (one or the other), similar to what you do when you resize an image manually.
What will be tough is adjusting the canvas size automatically, depending on the variety of your images. If they’re all the same size, you can create an action that resizes the canvas to specific dimensions (or percent). You can then run the batch command using that action. You may have to do it in two passes (or three) depending on the variation in your image dimensions: one for making the canvas wider, one for making the canvas taller.
If that is remotely workable, then what you’ll want to do is include a Save As step in your action, and toggle it’s dialog to OFF. When you run File|Automate Batch, you call that action, pick your source and destination, and make sure to check the box that says "Override Save As informaiton".
Hopefully that will get you started.
Peace,
Tony
Hi
You first create an action, this needs to contain a file>open command and a file>save as command, and you then run this action using the batch process function. A two-step procedure if you like.
step 1. When you have started your action (type actions in the search field in the applications help guide, they’re like macro’s in word if you don’t know [but a lot cooler]), you will open, modify and save a file (remember to stop the action when your finished recording)
Everything you have done to this file will been recorded in a saved action. This action when ‘played’ will perform your same sequence of changes, to any file.
step 2. If this action is loaded into the file>automate>batch dialogue box, then you can run it on a folder containing your images.
If you are going to open or save a file that has additional open/save options, such as ratsterizing an EPS on opening, or the quality settings when saving a jpeg, you will need to check the boxes in the batch dialogue box that say ‘ override action open commands’, and ‘override actions save as commands’. This stops the additional option dialogue boxes from popping up for each file, which would defeat the whole purpose.
cheers,
matt.
You first create an action, this needs to contain a file>open command
I can’t see the utility in this. You can run actions on entire folders, open images, or those selected in File Browser (v7). I can’t see any reason to include File|Open. <shrug>
Er…yeah…and then there all those other problems you might have…
How flexible is your job remit??lol
action jockeys away !!!!
matt
Hi YrbkMgr,
I believe its for the open options such as EPS raster settings.
Is that not correct ?
errmmmmmatt.
Thanks for good information.
Actually, I am a novics at Photoshop and don’t know how to create action. I took a look at the manual and tried to create action. But, no success. Can you tell me how to create action?
Especially, once I named a file for action, do I have to assign my keyboard key combination? Then, press record, do a series of commands
I want to automate, and then press stop. Then, go to batch menu in the automate section? Please correct me if there is any missteps described above. Also, any further step I should know after I got into batch menu?
I just followed the procedure and made them with no problems. But, one more question: what if I want to include save as option in the automated batch? Obviously the name of each file is different. But, would it still be okay? It seems like you guys suggest the process above, but I don’t quite understand how to do it.
you don’t have to assign a keyboard short cut, that just another option.
You start the action and then do a series of commands then stop the action. The action palette has stop, record and play buttons at the bottom.
I don’t understand the last question. You create an action, then you play that action on many files using the batch process.
matt.
I got everything clear and sucessful.
The only thing I am wondering now is how I can include "save as" command in my action recording. What I did was that, first open a sample image file, record the action, go to save as in the file menu,
designate the destination folder, change the file type to JPEG, and save. Then, stop recording.
At the batch menu, I checked the "override action open command" section. Then, designate the folder for batch action and execute.
But the problem is only two files out of many were saved into the designated destination folder. Am I missing something? Or, doing in
a wrong way?
I forgot to designate the destination file and also checked the box "override action save as command." Then, excute but no file was saved in the destination folder.
Sigh.
You shouldn’t have to use an Open command in your action. I batch all day long, never use it.
what if I want to include save as option in the automated batch?
Start recording your action. Take it through all the steps, including the Save As. Choose your options (compression, layers, etc.) and go ahead and save it.
Now look at the action steps. The part where you Save As. Toggle the dialog to OFF, then check the box that says Override Save As Information in the batch dialog.
So your batch dialog looks like:
Action to run: My Action
Source: Select a folder or open images (if you have version 7, you can select File Browser, in which case only those images selected in file browser will be affected)
Destination: Choose a destination folder
Override Save As Information = CHECKED.
Optionally choose a naming convention. When you hit "go" each image in that source will open (if you chose folder or file browser) and the action will be performed, followed by a Save As (not Save) to the destination folder, then close.
I got a problem with file naming. I got continous message box that I have to choose one file name/serial number… .
What I did was to put a file name in the first box. Did I do something wrong? I couldn’t execute batch becaues of this.
Make sure your last box (from left to right) is Extension.
Here is what I did so far:
I recorded the options including save as (when I press save as, there is a file box I can choose. Then, I chose the destination folder and change the format to jpeg, then save). But, in the action menu, the command shows as "save," not "save as." I don’t know this is because what I did in the ( ) above Also, I can toggle dialogue off on "save." How about others? Toggle on or off (unchecked). I believe I have to check all toggle items (left menu) checked.
Second, I went to the batch command, and followed everything you suggested above. Only file naming is the part I have problem.
What naming do I have to put in the box? I have several image files for this process. In order not to make the same name (from the original files), I can put any extension in any one of the box from the left. Am I correct? So, do I have to put actual serial number, or alphabet number, … (ex: 1,2,3,4,… or a,b,c,d,…) or just select one option in the available menu (ex: document name, or serial number…). Also, do I have to put "extension" in the last box? Or, select any one of menus? Or, write actual extension like jpeg…?
I am sorry for dummy questions. And thank you for your kindly help.
Your questions aren’t dumb – it’s not the easiest thing to get your arms around at first.
Follow the bouncing ball here…
Let’s presume that you want to "process" a bunch of images in a folder. Further, let’s say that it is ALL of the images in the folder.
Your "processing" may include things like sharpening, color adjustment, etc., followed by a Save As step. Note: if you are just trying to convert them to JPG’s, then all you need is a Save As action.
So here’s what you do. You start recording, and give it a name: Filter|Sharpen|Unsharp Mask (for example), then File|Save As.
At the Save As part you are presented with a dialog (you’re still recording), one for your Jpg options, and one for filename/destination. Go ahead and name/save the file. Stop recording.
Look at the actions pallet. There is a Save As portion after the sharpening step. Make sure that the dialog for this is toggled off – otherwise you will be prompted for each file to enter a name and optional destination.
Now you are ready to batch.
File|Automate|Batch.
Action Set: The set containing the action you just created Action to run: Whatever you named the action from above
Source: Folder
Choose: Select the folder containing your source images
Destination: Select a folder in which to put the images (make it a different folder than the source)
Override Save As Information: Checked
File Naming:
Goes left to right.
I can put any extension in any one of the box from the left. Am I correct?
No.
Let’s say I want them to have the same name as the original, but now as a JPG extension. Here’s how you do it:
Box 1: Document Name
Box 2: Extension
These are chosen from the dropdown boxes.
Lets say I want the same filename, but with serial numbers after the name, with their JPG extension.
Box 1: Document Name
Box 2: 2-digit Serial
Box 3: Extension
Now lets say that I want my own custom name with a 2-digit serial number and JPG extension.
Box 1: Julie Kissing Fred
Box 2: 2-digit Serial
Box 3: Extension
All files will be named Julie Kissing Fred01.jpg, Julie Kissing Fred02.jpg, Julie Kissing Fred01.jpg, etc.
Thank you so much for your help.
Unfortunately, I am still struggling.
All I need for batch processing: 1. adjst image size, 2. adjust canvas size, so making all image files one size (450 x 477 pixel),
3. save as –> in the dialogue box, choose jpeg, use the same file name <no change>, go to the destination folder, then click save.
4. stop recording.
Problem: I still didn’t see "save as" in the action parlette, but "save."
5. all toggle diglogue off<unchecked> (including "save") and all toggle items on <checked> (left side).
6.go to batch command, set everything you mentioned above including file name extension (I chose document name in the first, and extension in the second, leave the other boxes blank)
7. Click ok –> a series of box coming up ("image size" is not currently available, "canvas size" is not currently available, …)
I did try make another action "without save" which was succeded in the first attempt, but no success.
Could you tell me how I can do? For reference, I am using Photoshop 7.01 version.
I did make an experiment and finally succeded.
The key was both
Override Save As Information and Override Save As Information. I tried both options unchecked and succeded.
I found all the image files converted to jpeg and stored in the destination folder.
Still action parlette says "save," but no problem in this processing.
I don’t know what’s wrong. Everytime I checked both options following the suggestions, but, when unchecked, I succeded.
Everytime I checked both options following the suggestions, but, when unchecked, I succeded.
That’s odd. Are you getting a dialog box for saving when you UNcheck the box called "Override action ‘Save As’ Commands"?
Also, are you processing a folder or open images?
Yes. I could get the dialog box for saving.
I processed a folder, not open images.
Well, the object, in batching is to avoid that dialog. If you uncheck the Override Action Save As Commands box, the images save without user intervention.
Also, since your Source is set to Folder, there’s no reason to check anything under the Source area of the batch dialog.
So… are you saying that when you check that Override Action Save As Commands box, that your images aren’t saving?
No. A series of windows pops up (in the order of action parlette automated options, like image size, canvas size, save,…) and indicate "image size" is not currently available, and so on.
Since the batch couldn’t be executed, I couldn’t see any file in the destination folder.
and indicate "image size" is not currently available
When you run the action, alone, not on a batch, do you get the same error? That is, if you just run the action do you get an error telling you that Image Size is not available?
Also, it may be helpful if you post every step of your action. That way we can take a look.
No. I haven’t found any error message when I run the action. Only it appeared when I run a batch command. Here are the summary of my action.
First, open one sample image file. Then, create new action –> Press record –> go to image size –> adjust height (set to 477pixel) –> go to canvas size –> change width & height to (450 x 477 pixel) –>
go to "save as" –> change the file type to "jpeg" –> select a destination folder –> click OK –> then, the action parlette indicated three options (image size, canvas size, and save) –> make sure the toggle dialogue box off for "save" –> go to batch command
–> designate both source folder and destination folder –> uncheck both commands we are talking about –> leave the file naming (document name + extension) –> click Ok –> individual image pops up
at photoshop, automatically adjust the size, and saved into a destination folder.
When I checked both boxs in the batch, then three (because my options are three in action parlette) pop-up windows indicates "image size" is not currently available, and so on.
I’m confused.
When I checked both boxs in the batch
Why are you checking both? You shouldn’t be checking that box in the Source section of the batch dialog.
So what you’re saying is that when you check the box, in the Destination section of the Batch Dialog, that says Override action "Save As" commands, that you get an error message indicating that Image Size is not currently available?
Tell ya what – what you’re reporting isn’t right. I do this all the time, and the fact that the action runs standalone and not in batch is way too odd. Why don’t you send me your action. Duplicate your action and drag it into it’s own set, save the set to your HD, then send me a note and attach the action – I’ll have a look.
Send it to: edgecomp at ix dot netcom dot com
When I receive it, I’ll look and see if I can run it and report back here what I find – ‘k?
Peace,
Tony
I got your action. Works fine, "right out of the box". I made NO changes to your action.
You must be entering something funny in the Batch Dialog box. Here’s a screenshot of exactly what I used:
<
http://www.myoldyearbookcd.com/tests/batchdlg.jpg>
It opened each image in the C:\delete\Batch Test folder (where I placed some test images), it resized them all, changed canvas size on all, resulting in all images being 450 x 477, then it saved them all as JPG’s to the folder C:\delete\Batch Test\Results.
By the way, we’re neighbors. I live in Chicago too.
I got what the problem was.
I did look at your screenshot and found the ‘override action "open" command’ unchecked. As I sent in the email, it seems that you suggested me to check this box, as well as the second one, "override
action "save as" commands.’ I executed a batch with second box checked, and it works fine. So, the problem was that I have to uncheck the first box <"open" command>
One more thing: even if I unchecked the second box, the result was the same (as far as I found). Is there any different between the two cases (with "override action ‘save as’ checked and unchecked)?
Glad you got it sorted.
it seems that you suggested me to check this box, as well as the second one, "override action "save as" commands.’
In searching through the thread, *I* never said to use the Override Open As commands checkbox. The other person trying to help you did; I kind of took issue with it, suggesting it wasn’t necessary, then he went on to talk about EPS files <shrug>.
In fact, if you read back through it, I had mentioned a couple of times to NOT check that box.
even if I unchecked the second box, the result was the same (as far as I found). Is there any different between the two cases (with "override action ‘save as’ checked and unchecked)?
As far as I recall, if you don’t check the Override Save As commands box, then your images save to the folder (and with the name) as dictated by the action itself. I always want my modified images in a different folder than the source or the one pointed to in the action (since I use a similar action for many different images and different folders), so I always make sure that box is checked.
In other words, checking that box passes control of the destination and filename to the Batch dialog, instead of what is in the action.
Now everything looks clear. Thank you so much for your time and valuable advice. It would save a lot of time for me.
Have a good weekend!
Glad I could help.
Happy Halloween!
Great job Tony and a giant "atta boy" for your follow through.
I was riding the coat tales of this thread and info saved to my library of knowledge.
Thanks from me too,
Patty
<bowing> Why of course ma’am.
Well, I wasn’t huffing, and I’m really impressed with your knowledge on this topic, which is why I stayed out of it.
Imagine if I kept trying to help !!!
EPS,EPS,EPS,EPS…..
matt
<shrugs off all the shrugs>
Hey man, it’s a collaborative effort. I like to think I know something about automating photoshop and just when I think I am at the top of my game, someone posts something new that makes me go "wow, cool. I didn’t know you could do that".
Also, everyone has a different approach so, don’t feel shy; at the end of the day, we’re here for the same reasons
Peace,
Tony
Sorry dude, you worked real hard with kthan to get to the bottom of this one, and like I say, I was well impressed with your analysis and help
matt
Tony and/or Matt:
I have a similar problem!
I have a a folder of master JPG images. I would like to create ONE action to change each image into several (10-100) different smaller sizes. I also need them to be converted into a specific Mode (8-bit PNG, with various dithering/color depth, etc. per the "Save As Web" dialogue).
The first Action I recorded for this only allowed me to specify/define ONE filename. (Basically my action was Image size> Canvas Size > Export > Revert, and then I repeated for each size I needed.) So, when I try to run the action on the second file in the master folder, it wants to overwrite it because the file name is the same. As a result, I’m only able to convert 1 image into X number of sizes, as opposed to X number of images into X number of sizes, my true goal!
I’m not that experienced with Automation, so any ideas would be welcome!
