Process a batch of files

The Image Processor converts and processes multiple files. Unlike the Batch command, the Image Processor lets you process files without first creating an action. You can do any of the following in the Image Processor:

• Convert a set of files to either JPEG, PSD, or TIFF format; or convert files simultaneously to all three formats.

• Process a set of camera raw files using the same options.

• Resize images to fit within specified pixel dimensions.

• Embed a color profile or convert a set of files to sRGB and save them as JPEG images for the web.

• Include copyright metadata in the converted images.

The Image Processor works with Photoshop (PSD), JPEG, and camera raw files.

Process a batch of files

The Batch command runs an action on a folder of files. If you have a digital camera or a scanner with a document feeder, you can also import and process multiple images with a single action. Your scanner or digital camera may need an acquire plug-in module that supports actions.

You can also import PDF images from Acrobat Capture or other software.

When batch-processing files, you can leave all the files open, close and save the changes to the original files, or save modified versions of the files to a new location (leaving the originals unchanged). If you are saving the processed files to a new location, you may want to create a new folder for the processed files before starting the batch.

To batch-process using multiple actions, create a new action that plays all the other actions, and then batch-process using the new action. To batch-process multiple folders, create aliases within a folder to the other folders you want to process, and select the Include All Subfolders option.

Batch-process files

Batch-process files in nested folders into different formats

Create a droplet from an action

A droplet applies an action to one or more images, or a folder of images, that you drag onto the Droplet icon. You can save a droplet on the desktop or to another location on disk.

Actions are the basis for creating droplets—you must create the desired action in the Actions panel before creating a droplet. (See Creating actions.)

Tips for cross-platform droplets

When creating droplets for both Windows and Mac OS, keep the following compatibility issues in mind:

• After moving a droplet created in Windows to Mac OS, you must drag the droplet onto the Photoshop icon on your desktop. Photoshop updates the droplet for use in Mac OS.

• When creating a droplet in Mac OS, use the .exe extension to make droplets compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.

• References to filenames are not supported between operating systems. If an action step references a file or folder name (such as an Open command, Save As command, or adjustment command that loads its settings from a file), execution pauses and the user is prompted for a filename.

Process a file with a droplet

Batch and droplet processing options

Specify these options in the Batch and Droplet dialog boxes.

Ensures that the files you selected in the Batch command are processed, without opening the file you may have specified in the action's Open command. If the action contains an Open command that opens a saved file and you don't select this option, the Batch command opens and processes only the file you used to record the Open command (This occurs because the Batch command opens the file specified by the action after each of the files in the Batch source folder is opened. Because the most recently opened file is the one named in the action, the Batch command performs the action on that file, and none of the files in the Batch source folder are processed.)

To use this option, the action must contain an Open command. Otherwise, the Batch command won't open the files you've selected for batch-processing. Selecting this option doesn't disregard everything in an Open command—only the choice of files to open.

Deselect this option if the action was recorded to operate on an open file, or if the action contains Open commands for specific files that are required by the action.

Processes files in subdirectories of the specified folder.

Turns off display of color policy messages.

Hides File Open Options dialog boxes. This is useful when batching actions on camera raw image files. The default or previously specified settings will be used.

Sets where to save the processed files

Leaves the files open without saving changes (unless the action includes a Save command).

Saves the files in their current location, overwriting the original files.

Saves the processed files to another location. Click Choose to specify the destination folder.

Ensures that processed files are saved to the destination folder specified in the Batch command (or to their original folder if you chose Save and Close), with their original names or the names you specified in the File Naming section of the Batch dialog box.

If you don't select this option and your action includes a Save As command, your files will be saved into the folder specified by the Save As command in the action, instead of the folder specified in the Batch command. In addition, if you don't select this option and the Save As command in the action specifies a filename, the Batch command overwrites the same file (the file specified in the action) each time it processes an image.

To use this option, the action must contain a Save As command. Otherwise, the Batch command won't save the processed files. Selecting this option doesn't skip everything in the Save As command—only the specified filename and folder.

Specifies file naming conventions if writing files to a new folder. Select elements from the pop-up menus or enter text into the fields to be combined into the default names for all files. The fields let you change the order and formatting of the components of the filename. You must include at least one field that is unique for every file (for example, filename, serial number, or serial letter) to prevent files from overwriting each other. Starting Serial Number specifies the starting number for any serial number fields. Serial letter fields always start with the letter "A" for the first file.

Makes filenames compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and UNIX operating systems.

Specifies how to handle processing errors:

Suspends the process until you confirm the error message.

Records each error in a file without stopping the process. If errors are logged to a file, a message appears after processing. To review the error file, open with a text editor after the Batch command has run.