Batch actions in PSE3?

[jbyers2]

I've used Chuck's batch actions in PSE2, but can't figure out how to make this work in PSE3...

http://www.hiddenelements.com/freebatchactions.html

The .../Presets/Photoshop Actions folder is empty in PSE3. I tried creating a .../Previews/Photoshop Actions folder (there wasn't one) and placed the WinBatch.atn file there but no luck. I even tried installing the .atn file as an Effect, but again, no luck. Is it possible to make batch actions work in PSE3?

PSE2 File > Batch Processing seems to have been replaced by File > Process Multiple Files in PSE3, but only a limited number of conversions are available. Is there a "hidden" way to add conversion options in PSE3 that will run in batch mode? I'm particularly interested in batch conversion to monochrome, as provided by Chuck's Channel Mixer JPGm.

- John

[Richard_Lynch]

Check out the downloads page for the hidden power site...I am not even sure how you are getting to the link you mention.

http://hiddenelements.com/downloads.html

[jbyers2]

Richard, the Free Batch Actions link...

http://hiddenelements.com/freebatchactions.html

... is on the same page that you advised using:

http://hiddenelements.com/downloads.html

These work in Elements 2, but not in Elements 3. I'm looking for a batch processing solution that will work in Elements 3.

- John

[Richard_Lynch]

Funny...I guess i figured that out and never posted it.

I really wish there were more of a community so that people would stay on my case!!

I'll be out of town for about a week, and i am writing a book, so it may take a few before i get this up. Feel free to remind me!

[jbyers2]

Richard, just reminding you about my previous inquiry concerning batch actions in PSE 3....

- John

[Richard_Lynch]

Actually these do work on Elements 3. On a PC you have to replace the BatchWin.atn file which has just moved -- not really changed. You can download the old batchwin.atn from the hidden power site: http://hiddenelements.com/downloads.html

Follow these instructions:

Installation

Installation for Hidden Power Batch Actions is manual, but simple. These actions will appear on the Process Multiple Files screen (choose File>Process Multiple Files [see File Type]) and will replace the actions there currently. You can change back to the original set of batch actions by just switching back the name of the files as described in the installation.

1. Locate the current batch file.

Details: This will be BatchWin.atn on your PC. The file can be found in the Elements program folder inside the Presets folder (the PC path is C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 3.0\Required by default).

2. Rename the current batch file.

Details: You can rename it to anything, however you may want to keep it something you will recognize so you can switch it back in if you want. For example, you can rename the file by putting an X in front (i.e., XBatchWin.atn)

3. Copy the unzipped action file into the Required folder.

Details: If you are on a PC, copy the BatchWin.atn into the Photoshop Elements 3.0\Required folder.

4. Restart Elements.

Details: Restarting Elements at this point will force Elements to recognize the new file. Note that restarting may not be necessary.

These actions will appear when you open the Process Multiple Files screen by choosing File>Process Multiple Files. Look for the changes in the Convert Files To: drop list in the File Type panel on the dialog. You can change back to the original batch actions by just switching back the names of the batch files and restarting Elements.

This worked fine for me. Please let me know if it is consistent with your findings.

Let me know if you have any trouble: rl@ps6.com. Please visit http://hiddenelements.com for more free tools!

[jbyers2]

That did the trick!

- John

[Richard_Lynch]

Thanks for confirming that it works. I changed the page for the download to say it is supported on PC, and linking to these instructions. I hope a Mac user will confirm. Wait...I'm a Mac user.