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1. Re: Why wont Actions center images?
JJMack Nov 22, 2012 8:06 PM (in response to jl2000)jlucchesi wrote:
Hi
Im using actions to scale and center batches of images to make thumbnails. I have a master psd that is 75x75px. I have a folder of jpgs of various dimensions. The batch action opens each jpg, scales it, and is supposed to move center of the small layer to X=36 and Y=36px.
The scaling always works but the layer is way, way off. I tried using percent for the X&Y, but the % sign is rejected by Pshop.
Is there a trick to this?
Is this a trick question? 75x75 pixels is a very specific 1:1 aspect ratio and size PSD file. How do the jpeg of various dimensions relate to this 1:1 aspect ratio? Is scaling done to fit images into a 75x75 pixel size area and retain the original aspect ratio or are the being the being cropped or virtually cropped to this the area? How is the action designed to work with the jpeg and an additional psd files? Batch processes like menu File>Automate>Batch and menu File>Scripts>Image Processor normally open files from a folder and use a users action in the process. and wind up saving a file. Why is an additional PSD file needed in the process? This x=36 y=36 where does that come from the center of 75x75 would be x=37.5 y=37.5?
If you just want to center your scaled jpeg to the center of a 75x75 pixel canvas I woul think a very simple action is all that you would need for your jpeg file.
Action
Step 1 menu File>Automate>Fit Image... (in the Fit Image Dialog enter 75 in both width and height) That will be recorded into the action step and not be displayed when the action is played.
Step 2 menu Image>Canvas Size. In the Canvas size dialog enter 75 PX in width and height. leave anchor point in the center.
Batching that action should do the trick in that case.
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2. Re: Why wont Actions center images?
jl2000 Nov 23, 2012 11:06 AM (in response to JJMack)JJMack - thanks for the reply.
It's been tricky for me, for sure.
Before your comment I had competely ignored the Fit Image. I'm not sure how Canvas size helps however because I already have the 75x75 canvas.
However I think using Fit Image in the series of actions will work. Thanks.
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3. Re: Why wont Actions center images?
JJMack Nov 23, 2012 2:52 PM (in response to jl2000)You do not understand me think. Fit Image will fit you images into a area 75x75 pixels or smaller. If you images do not have an Aspect Ratio of 1:1 the image document will be smaller then 75x75 Pixels. Canvas size will increase image the are now smaller the 75x75 pixels to 75x75 pixels and the image will be centered with either even top and bottom borders or even left and right borders.
If you try to paste the resized image into your 75x75 pixel psd you will not be able to batch the process with an action for you will not have the image filename in the PSD file and will not be able to save the psd or flattened PSD with the image name. You will also have to close the PSD file. If you don't the next image processed by batch the action will fail it not be able to open the psd file for it still exists in Photoshop's open documents ring. Just batch the two step action and set a destination folder that is not the same as the image source folder so your image don't get overlaid.


