Photoshop action help

[Burrelly]

I have a folder full of about 2000 pictures that I want to batch edit in the same way but I am unsure how to go about this.

All the files are of jpeg format and of the following size:

portrait: 2304 x 3456
landscape: 3456 x 2304

What i need is an action that does the following to each image.

1. it needs to add a stoke off 100 px in black round each image.
2. needs to insert a copey right notice : photography by dave burrell at the bottom centre of each image in white on the black border.
3, resize the image to 1024 x 756 id landscape or 756 x 1024 if portrait
4 save the image as photo_1 and so on as a web quality jpeg.

Can anyone help?

Dave

[Jody]

*Paging mr herzlos to this thread*

[bikuki]

I *really* don't think you can batch-edit to that degree...

[Burrelly]

even if i have to sort out what is landscape and what is portrait that would be fine

I use fireworks at work, and you can batch edit using saved commands, but I only resize and crop, but you could give it a try.

[PapaZeb]

I can do it from command line using imagemagick *and* tell it to differentiate between landscape and portrait...but for the length of the command line it's a pain in the ass to sort out.

Photoshop's got a decent gui and it can and will do all that *very* easily (minus the sorting landscape/portrait stuff, afaik)

[Woolies]

Sitting comfy?
Then we'll begin...

1. Open first image in photoshop.
2. Actions pallete --> create new action. Name however then hit record.
3. add the black stroke (see below)
4. add the copyright (see below)
5. File --> Automate --> Fit Image (choose 1024*1024) this will sort your resizing no matter if landscape or portrait
6. Export for web - choose settings you want.
7. close image without saving
8. stop recording the action

That's the basic run through, give it a test before batching it and if you are uncertain always copy the folder of originals somewhere safe before you start!

Adding the black stroke - I reckon you may be better just setting default b/w foreground/background, switching them, then increasing canvas size by 200 px centered - 100px black all round the easy way.

adding copyright, this can be done with image or text. If done with text layer it's a good idea to alter image size, set resolution then choose 100% dimensions - Sizing & Positioning during an action can be a nightmare if you don't ensure every pic is the same res (even if all the same pixel size).
that may all be understandable...

[Woolies]

arse - ignore the using canvas size to increase by 100pixels - you have mixed portrait/landscape so go with something else, Stroke seems a nasty way as you'll be losing some of your image but blah, other options to make borders in batch actions are hell to explain

So yeah - I've assumed you know how to create actions and then replay them as Batch commands - if not, oops, it's easy though.
For an example I've attached a quick version I made that works. Unzip then Actions --> Load Actions. It's missing the final Export For Web though as that takes a folder location on your PC.

You can edit the individual parts and add more (export!) if you want to use it as a starting point but it'll at least show you some of the fiddly bits I mentioned to include (reset swatches, first image resizing to set resolution, using link layers to position your copyright) in all actions destined for batch as good practice.


My main question is why do you have 2000 images needing copyright overlay?! Even for client proofs that's a helluva lot. Choose the best & bin the rest.

[Burrelly]

I know how to create actions I just couldent get it to do what i wanted it to

I had a go with the one you wrote and i get command link is currently not available, then command unlink currently unavailable.

Any ideas?

[Woolies]

ermm, yes - I got the layer linking wrong
One of the problems with actions using text layers is that the layers get named according to the text input, so if you want to edit the text the whole action can get messed up!

To fix, what you want to look for in the wee individual parts of the action is "Select Background"
After that you can delete my parts and record your own:

• Try (after Select Background) link the text layer,
• then align layer edges (doing this means you know exactly where the text is)
• unlink background (so you're free to move text)
• exact position text (using cursor key nudging is the most foolproof way I've found for reusing the action but can still go haywire)
• change text layer opacity/effects
• resize with Automate -> Fit Image
  
• and Export For Web
• (optional close without saving)

Stop recording & then give it a go.

Paid a wee bit more attention today so hopefully a better version attached here now...