Photoshop Automation at DVinfo.net

Chris Hocking · September 14th, 2006, 11:15 PM

Hi Everyone,

Another question for the Photoshop gurus! How can I make an action/script/etc. that merges two images (seperate files) together?

For example:

Something that automatically copies Photo_Top_001.png on top of Photo_Bottom_001.png and creates Photo_Complete_001.png, then Photo_Top_002.png on top of Photo_Bottom_002.png to create Photo_Complete_002.png, etc, etc.

As far as I can tell the actions "open" feature can only grab exact file names. I really need something that can grabs the file with the next sequential number.

I have access to PS7 (PC), CS (Mac) and CS2 (PC).

I haven't used CS2 much, but I know it does have a script feature. Could I use this to achieve the desired result?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Chris!

Frank Hool · September 14th, 2006, 11:41 PM

You're right PS actions can work only with exact file names. But this problem can be solved as automated in AE. Both of Your picture groups(top/bottom) can be handled as sequencies. AE is familiar with picture sequncies. As far AE is pretty much PS in timeline w/o printout extensions You can do pretty sophisticated merge there.

Another pretty nasty option is to convert both picture streams to filmstrip and merge them despite of everything in PS.

Chris Hocking · September 15th, 2006, 12:59 AM

Thanks Frank!

Yes, I'm aware that you can do this kind of thing in After Effects or Shake. However, I just wanted to see if its possible using ONLY Photoshop (long story). I think it is in CS2 using scripting. Haven't had the time to play with it yet.

September 14th, 2006, 11:15 PM	#1
Chris Hocking Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 595	Photoshop Automation Hi Everyone, Another question for the Photoshop gurus! How can I make an action/script/etc. that merges two images (seperate files) together? For example: Something that automatically copies Photo_Top_001.png on top of Photo_Bottom_001.png and creates Photo_Complete_001.png, then Photo_Top_002.png on top of Photo_Bottom_002.png to create Photo_Complete_002.png, etc, etc. As far as I can tell the actions "open" feature can only grab exact file names. I really need something that can grabs the file with the next sequential number. I have access to PS7 (PC), CS (Mac) and CS2 (PC). I haven't used CS2 much, but I know it does have a script feature. Could I use this to achieve the desired result? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Chris!

September 14th, 2006, 11:41 PM	#2
Frank Hool Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Barca Spain Posts: 384	You're right PS actions can work only with exact file names. But this problem can be solved as automated in AE. Both of Your picture groups(top/bottom) can be handled as sequencies. AE is familiar with picture sequncies. As far AE is pretty much PS in timeline w/o printout extensions You can do pretty sophisticated merge there. Another pretty nasty option is to convert both picture streams to filmstrip and merge them despite of everything in PS.

September 15th, 2006, 12:59 AM	#3
Chris Hocking Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 595	Thanks Frank! Yes, I'm aware that you can do this kind of thing in After Effects or Shake. However, I just wanted to see if its possible using ONLY Photoshop (long story). I think it is in CS2 using scripting. Haven't had the time to play with it yet.