Batch Help Needed

[0verkill]

I just set up a batch process to run an action on a folder of pictures. The action is to resize all of the pictures to 320 x 240. I had to get creative so that it wouldn't squeeze the pictures horizontally or vertically since the source files are of differing initial sizes and layouts but I got it to work just the way I want.

My issue occurs when I run the batch process that saves the files back out. I selected a destination folder since I don't want to overwrite the originals and I also want to take advantage of the "file naming" feature of the batch process.

Here's the problem... since these are .jpg files, every time the process gets to the "save as" | "JPEG Options" dialog box, it stops and waits for me to choose the JPEG options and press enter. This happens with every file in the batch. Now admittedly it's not that big of a deal for me to just hit the return key every time it stops on every file but what's the point of a batch process if it isn't completely automatic. Sometimes I'm batching quite a few files and I would just assume go get a cup of coffee than to sit there and press the return key every single time.

I thought about adding a section in the action that would save them out but then I lose control of being able to rename all of the saved files sequentially like I prefer.

Any ideas???

Mandy

[Klatu Baradda Nekto]

Any ideas??? MandyGreetings Mandy,
It would be very interesting to read how you solved the issue of resizing different sized images through an Action Script. We're always interested in hearing how others solve Scripting challenges.

The key to your JPEG dialog problem most probably lies in the Action Script that resizes your images. If you choose to save these as JPEGs, then have the Resizing Action Script use the Save for Web menu selection. You'll have greater control over your JPEGS or GIFs and your script won't be interrupted by the annoying JPEG dialog when it is saving (which kinda defeats the whole idea of "batch" processing, doesn't it?).

It may seem a bit redundant to have the Resizing script Save the images when this is what the Batch command does. However, when you use the Save for Web command, it informs the Batch command what FORMAT you wish to save the file. The Batch command merely directs FROM WHERE and TO WHERE to get and put the files.

When you set up your Batch Action Script, be sure to leave UNCHECKED the Override Action "Open" Commands as well as Override Action "Save" Command. If you override these, they will default to the folders of the Resize Action Script rather than what you have selected in the Batch dialog.

On a last note, if you want to use this Batch Action Script with other folders, be sure to turn on the dialog icon next to the Batch STEP in the Batch Action Script. This way, when you run the Action, it will open the Batch dialog at the start of the script and allow you to change the source and destination folders before running the complete automation.

Live long and automate.
__________________
We are explorers.
We have come to visit you in peace and good will.
~! ~Klaatu~

[swanseamale47]

Another way of resizing your pics is to get Eazy Thumbnail freeware off the net. it works great Wayne



I just set up a batch process to run an action on a folder of pictures. The action is to resize all of the pictures to 320 x 240. I had to get creative so that it wouldn't squeeze the pictures horizontally or vertically since the source files are of differing initial sizes and layouts but I got it to work just the way I want.

My issue occurs when I run the batch process that saves the files back out. I selected a destination folder since I don't want to overwrite the originals and I also want to take advantage of the "file naming" feature of the batch process.

Here's the problem... since these are .jpg files, every time the process gets to the "save as" | "JPEG Options" dialog box, it stops and waits for me to choose the JPEG options and press enter. This happens with every file in the batch. Now admittedly it's not that big of a deal for me to just hit the return key every time it stops on every file but what's the point of a batch process if it isn't completely automatic. Sometimes I'm batching quite a few files and I would just assume go get a cup of coffee than to sit there and press the return key every single time.

I thought about adding a section in the action that would save them out but then I lose control of being able to rename all of the saved files sequentially like I prefer.

Any ideas???

Mandy

[Klatu Baradda Nekto]

Another way of resizing your pics is to get Eazy Thumbnail freeware off the net. it works great WayneGreetings Wayne,
Here's the link for Easy Thumbnail (http://www.fookes.com/ezthumbs/index.php). It's only available for Windows machines and it DOES seems very useful for batch resizing of images. A Freeware Mac program that does something similar is ThumbNailer (http://www.blackdiamond.co.za/bdfree.html) by Black Diamond. Thanks for the recommendation Wayne. This will help many users here.
__________________
We are explorers.
We have come to visit you in peace and good will.
~! ~Klaatu~

[swanseamale47]

Thanks, sorry I couldn't find the link, it been chaos here. Wayne



Greetings Wayne,
Here's the link for Easy Thumbnail (http://www.fookes.com/ezthumbs/index.php). It's only available for Windows machines and it DOES seems very useful for batch resizing of images. A Freeware Mac program that does something similar is ThumbNailer (http://www.blackdiamond.co.za/bdfree.html) by Black Diamond. Thanks for the recommendation Wayne. This will help many users here.
__________________
We are explorers.
We have come to visit you in peace and good will.
~! ~Klaatu~