File > Automate > Batch

[DannyRaphael]

Here are some common applications of the File > Automate > Batch dialog:

* Converting images from one file format to another, e.g.,.jpg to .tif or one color space to another, e.g., RGB to CMYK

* Changing image size and/or resolution for, say, a web gallery

* Image rotation (all in a folder or selctive using File Browser)

* Sharpening, color correction, noise reduction, etc.

* Application of digital frames/edges

* Inserting copyrights, logos, signatures

* Automated import of scanned images

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==> I'm looking for some other examples.
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Got any?

Thanks in advance.

~Danny~

[okplayer]

everything i've done with batch. You got me trying to think of more now too.

[rnbluvva]

I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a limit to the number of files you can batch process at once? Is this limitation (if there is one) based on your processor speed or is it based on what Photoshop can handle.

For example, say I took 400 images in the same lighting/setting etc and I wanted to do a curves or levels on all images using the same settings. Could I load in all 400 images and let the batch processor work for me to automate this task for all images?

Is there a command that I can use to apply a levels or curves to all images or do I have to create some kind of action to do this? If so, does anyone have a tutorial handy for creating actions and then having them available in the Automate > Batch Feature. I notice that there is a SET and an ACTION drop down, but I don't see anywhere where you can do curves or levels etc.

I've never done this sort of thing before, and acutally have never used the batch processing option.. but I may need to use it in the future and I am not sure if my 550mHz P3 running Photoshop CS could handle it.

Thanks.

[DannyRaphael]

I've never seen a limit in terms of the # of files batch can process in a single pass. This assumes batch dialog setting Destination is not equal to None, which should be the case in your situation. CS on a 500 mHz P3 should chug along without any problems.

One thing I can highly recommend regarding the batch Source folder and Destination folder specifications: Make sure these folders are not the same. That way if things go terribly wrong, your original (source) files are not altered.

~Danny~

[rnbluvva]

Originally Posted by DannyRaphael

I've never seen a limit in terms of the # of files batch can process in a single pass. This assumes batch dialog setting Destination is not equal to None, which should be the case in your situation. CS on a 500 mHz P3 should chug along without any problems.

One thing I can highly recommend regarding the batch Source folder and Destination folder specifications: Make sure these folders are not the same. That way if things go terribly wrong, your original (source) files are not altered.

~Danny~

Thanks so much for that info Danny. I just amended my post to include a question about how exactly one gets the Curves/Levels to apply itself to the entire folder of images.

Would I have to load in all the images at once and then go from there?

I haven't worked with any batch processing before.

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by rnbluvva

Thanks so much for that info Danny. I just amended my post to include a question about how exactly one gets the Curves/Levels to apply itself to the entire folder of images.

Would I have to load in all the images at once and then go from there?

I haven't worked with any batch processing before.

The basics of batch is to first create an action that does what you want it to do on a single image, e.g., levels, curves, sharpen -- whatever. Once you do that you engage the batch dialog where you specify the action, the folder where originals live and a folder where you want the processed images placed.

Here's a walk-thru:
* Open a typical image
* F9 (or Window > Actions) to display the Actions palette
* From the palette menu (arrow, top right of palette) choose New Set (this is a folder for actions... name it something like "Image Corrections")
* From the palette menu again, choose "New Action"
* Assign a meaningful name, e.g., "Apply Curves" and click the button labeled Record. (You are now in "Record mode," where commands you choose will be recorded in your action.)
* Image > Adjustments > Curves. Apply the desired settings and click OK to apply them.
* Do you need to change the file format, e.g., from .psd to .jpg or whatever? If so, File > Save as... Specify the file format and any folder, but do NOT change the file name. If format is not changing, e.g., .jpg in, .jpg out, don't do the File > Save as...
* Click the STOP (square) button at the bottom of the Actions Palette. This terminates Record mode
* Close your test image

Prep for batch
* Populate your source folder with images to be processed
* Create a destination folder if you haven't yet

Process batch
* File > Automate > Batch
* Play: Set, Action just recorded
* Source = Folder. Browse to the source folder
* Destination = Folder. " " " destination "

Did you record a File > Save as... command? If so, turn on option "Override Action Save as commands"

Then you should be good to go: Click OK and watch 'em go.

Don't hesitate to ask if any of this isn't quite clear or if you run into any glitches.

~Danny~

[rnbluvva]

Thanks a million for that detailed walk-thru Danny. I am going to try this out today on a smaller batch of files.

I really appreciate your help.