I have a work around for my batch processing problem.
Instead of trying to use the "Stop" command for a pause in the Action, the "Insert Menu Item…" in the Action palette will work. Using that command, select "Playback Options" then enter "Pause For : X seconds". After entering "OK", there will be a "X second" delay before the next Action command. This allows time to make the image selection. The very next command uses "Insert Menu Item…" again with the "Accelerate" option for the rest of the Action.
I still wonder if "Stop" use during batching is normal as I described?
I still wonder if "Stop" use during batching is normal as I described?
It is normal. It’s like pressing the escape key because the batch dialog is running "on top" so to speak.
A+ on the workaround you came up with, Robert. I’d never seen that solution before.
a. What command does the action execute just prior to setting the Actions Options delay?
b. What steps(s) do you do perform manually during the pause?
The reason I ask is there might be a way of accomplishing the task so you don’t have to reply OK to the Playback Options dialog with each image. This has the potential for speeding up the process by a few seconds per image.
= = = = =
….and as Tony (YrbkMgr) noted, the results you’re getting when you click Stop is "how it works."
~Danny~
keywords: actions playback options batch stop
Thank you for your responses. Relieved to know my Photoshop is not corrupted. To answer your questions I hope the following is useful.
The . jpg images that are batch processed include text above and below the "picture" which has various pixel dimensions and are in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Being centered on a black canvas background I wanted to select the actual "picture" and place a gray boarder using the Edit>Stoke function.
Although the Stop command is used just to remind me what’s coming up next, the Action commands used are:
Stop
Message: "Select Image Boarder"
With Continue
choose "continue"
Select Playback Options menu item
select pause for 20 seconds. After OK, use Rectangular Marquee to select the picture boarder.
Select Playback Options menu item
select Accelerate option
Stroke
Set Selection
To: None
probably not necessary
Save
Based on what you wrote, this may help…
* Open a test image (any one will do)
* Click on (highlight) the "Select Image Boarder" Stop command. PS will start recording after the highlighted step.
* Click Record (record mode is engaged)
* Select > All
* Select > Transform Selection. In the "W" box at the top, type 95%. In the "H" box type 95%.
* Press Enter key.
* Click STOP.
* To the immediate left of the Transform Selection command, click the embossed square (the one to the right of the checkmark). This will force the action to pause at this step, enabling you to customize the selection rectangle any way you want. When you press enter, the stroke command will follow and do its thing.
Turn off the STOP, and Playback Option commands and try this on a test image.
Better? Worse? No change?
~Danny~
Thanks Danny for your changes. This is a better way by far!
I can eliminate the two playback option commands. Your method allows more precise control than using the Rectangular Marquee tool, although somewhat slower. What I really like is no time constraint in making the selection. Transform Selection is just one more thing about Photoshop I need to learn how to use. At my age(77), I am running out of time to ever learn and use all of its features!
Thanks again.
Bob
Glad to help, Bob… Your interest in continuing to learn Photoshop will surely keep your mind sharp = a good thing. Compared to my friend, Harry Ellerton who just turned 86, you’re still a baby! Harry is one of the co-founders of the Long Island, NY Photoshop Club. He co-leads the monthly meetings attended by 100+ people.
If you like e-mail me (click my name above/left) and I’ll put you in touch with Harry. He’s a super person and a great inspiration.
