Add time stamp to file from within an action?

DP
Posted By
Daryl_Pritchard
Feb 13, 2004
Views
1134
Replies
14
Status
Closed
Hello all,

I am creating a test action to evaluate the performance of Photoshop, and would like to have the action start and end by creating a small file which has a timestamp inserted into the image. The intent is to avoid having to use a stopwatch to time the action’s length of execution and simply refer to the time values captured within the image. While I assume one could develop a script to perform such a task, I’m not familiar with scripting and am hopeful there is some alternative approach suitable for use in an action. Any ideas? Apart from that, the only other option that comes to mind is opening the properties dialog for each file and using the Last Modified time stamp.

Thanks,

Daryl
Related Tags
action add file stamp time

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RK
Ronald_Keller
Feb 14, 2004
Daryl,

Assuming you have CS, the history log records the opening and closing time of files. Probably not exactly what you are looking for as this includes the time necessary to save the file (I think) but maybe it’s worthwhile to explore this feature…

Regards,

Ronald
DP
Daryl_Pritchard
Feb 14, 2004
Hi Ron,

Thanks for the idea. The Edit History Log is an option I’d not yet even looked at with PS CS. However, for what I’m wanting to do, which is inclusive of using this test action with PS7 and possibly even PS6, I’d not be able to make use of the Edit History Log. I think the easiest option, although not providing time accuracy to fractions of a second, is just to refer to the file properties. Fractions of a second aren’t that important anyway for comparative purposes on an action that will likely take more than several seconds to execute.

Thanks,

Daryl
MM
Mick_Murphy
Feb 14, 2004
Daryl

If you have Office (probably 2000 or later), it is very simple to run a PS action using VBA and get the time taken with 4 or 5 lines of code. All you need to do is open the VB editor and paste in a few lines. I can post an example if you want. I’m sure it’s easy with JavaScript as well but I don’t know the syntax offhand.
DP
Daryl_Pritchard
Feb 14, 2004
Mick,

I do have Office, but I’m not experienced in how to use Visual Basic. In any case, as my desire is to provide an action that anyone can run and provide me with the results on, I’m trying to make this as idependent as possible from the software installed on a person’s PC, apart from PS of course. Use of a stopwatch is the absolute easiest approach, unless one gets impatient waiting for the action to complete on slower systems.

Thanks again,

Daryl
MM
Mick_Murphy
Feb 14, 2004
Daryl

No probs. Your initial question inspired me to check it out as I haven’t been using VB of late and I’m going rusty. It turned out to be very simple and I got a kick out of it. I’m holding back from seriously learning scripting because I know once I start I’ll never stop. Programming is seriously addictive. Take care.

Mick
DM
dave_milbut
Feb 14, 2004
Programming is seriously addictive.

Tell me about it.
DP
Daryl_Pritchard
Feb 14, 2004
Working with Photoshop, visiting this forum, programming, women (~grin~), are all addictive no doubt. Perhaps that’s why, for me, I’ve not yet added programming to the list…too many distractions already. 🙂

Then again, if a bit of productive programming helped me finish up some things faster, then perhaps I’d take some time to learn more about scripting and writing some VB routines.
Y
YrbkMgr
Feb 14, 2004
I’ve been meaning to get my arms around it for five years now… I’ve discovered that until I make it a priority, it ain’t gonna happen.
DM
dave_milbut
Feb 14, 2004
I’ve been meaning to get my arms around it for five years now…

What, a woman?
Y
YrbkMgr
Feb 14, 2004
Heh. Yeah, programming them.
DM
dave_milbut
Feb 15, 2004
Give up. Too many logic faults.
Y
YrbkMgr
Feb 15, 2004
LMAO. Great comeback!
DM
dave_milbut
Feb 15, 2004
Good memory though. Sometimes TOO good!
Y
YrbkMgr
Feb 15, 2004
I know. It’s like there’s a stenographer in the closet and at the right moment he comes out and says "Yep, uh huh, you said that on such and such a date"…

MacBook Pro 16” Mockups 🔥

– in 4 materials (clay versions included)

– 12 scenes

– 48 MacBook Pro 16″ mockups

– 6000 x 4500 px

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