Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Scripts
Photoshop scripting offers a more powerful automation technol-
ogy than actions. Scripts allow for the execution of more elaborate
tasks than what actions can do because scripts recognize condi-
tional states like image mode and orientation. Scripting was intro-
duced in Photoshop CS, and powerful built-in scripts automate the
processing of multiple layers or layer comps.
Creating original scripts requires you to use a scripting language
such as AppleScript, JavaScript, or Visual Basic. Photoshop
includes a script editor and debugger for JavaScript. JavaScript
is the preferred language because the scripts are cross platform.
Scripting is complex; it's essentially computer programming.
Plenty of resources are available for those who want to learn
scripting, but be prepared to spend some time. You'll find a folder
called Scripting Guide in the Photoshop application folder. In it
you'll find sample scripts and a PDF with detailed information.
Fortunately, some wonderful examples of scripting are available
at the Adobe Studio Exchange website (
www.adobexchange.com).
Be sure to look for scripts by Photoshop guru Russell Brown on
his site (
www.RussellBrown.com).
Load new scripts by choosing
File > Script > Browse. To permanently add a script to the Script
menu, copy it into the Scripts folder inside your Presets folder. For
now, let's explore the built-in scripts.
video 105:
Image Processor Script
Image Processor
You c a n u s e t he I m a g e P r o c e s s or c om m a nd t o c onve r t a nd pr o c e s s
multiple images. The Image Processor differs from the Batch com-
mand in that you don't have to first create an action. The Image
Processor can be used for any of the following tasks:
•
To conver t a set of i files t To J P E G, P SD, or T I F F for ma t . You c a n
also convert files simultaneously to all three formats.
•
To proces s a set of C a mer a R aw i files u s i ng t he s a me C a mer a
Raw options.
•
To res i z e i ma ges fit To fit w fit h i n a s pec i ied pi xel d i men s ion.
•
To embed a color proi le i nt To i ma ges or conver t i files t To s RGB
and save them as JPEG images for the Web.
•
To i include copy r ig ht met a d a t a w it h i n t he proces sed i ma ges.
NoTe
Batch Processing
The Image Processor is another
way to batch process images (and
you don't need to go through the
extra step of using the Save As
command). The Image Processor
script can be more flexible than the
Batch command. The Image Proces-
sor works with PSD, TIFF, JPEG, or
Camera Raw files.
