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How to Use Batch Functions in Adobe Photoshop Elements 6

Contributor
By Richard Burke
eHow Contributing Writer
(9 Ratings)
Use Batch Functions in Adobe Photoshop Elements 6
Use Batch Functions in Adobe Photoshop Elements 6

One of the true advantages of Adobe Photoshop 6 is that it allows you to perform various functions on batches of files. Let's say that you have a whole bunch of photos that have "red eye." You can load all these files into the bin and perform red eye reduction on all of them at once. There are a variety of batch functions. In this article I will lead you through all the different things you can do to multiple image files at one time.

From Quick Guide: Photoshop Element Basics
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0
  • Copies of images requiring manipulation
  1. Step 1
    Open Files in BIN
     
    Open Files in BIN

    Open multiple files that you want to rename or edit in some way. From the FILE menu choose OPEN and using CONTROL and CLICK select all the files you want to open. These files will appear in the BIN at the bottom of the page. Notice you can choose BIN ACTIONS that will allow you to create an album, share the photos or use the create functions to make a photo book or calendar.

  2. Step 2
    Multiple File Wizard
     
    Multiple File Wizard

    Once you have loaded all your files in the BIN. Click on FILE and select PROCESS MULTIPLE FILES to bring up the processing wizard screen. Notice there are a lot of functions you can perform on multiple files from this screen. We will review them all.

  3. Step 3
    Browse for Files
     
    Browse for Files

    You can select files from the BIN or you can also select files from existing albums or file folders. You can also browse for additional files and add them to the BIN.

  4. Step 4
    Change Image Size
     
    Change Image Size

    First let's explore the IMAGE SIZE area. Here you can specify a specific image size or resolution for your files. Keep in mind when you click OK the processes you select will be performed on all images in the BIN. Higher resolution translates to larger sizes. If you try to make low resolution images larger you will get pixilation and other image defects. High quality images (5 megapixels or larger) will use resolutions of 300 dpi or 600 dpi.

  5. Step 5
    Add Labels
     
    Add Labels

    Next, you should look at the labels area. You can apply a label or watermark. You can also adjust the position, size, color and opacity of the label. These images were all taken in California in 2007 so I could create a caption that would say California 2007 for all the photos. A watermark is placed inside the image to prevent others from copying and using your image. A caption is placed below the image.

  6. Step 6
    Quick Fixes
     
    Quick Fixes

    You can apply image quick fixes to your images. You can change the color levels, brightness and apply these fixes to all your pictures in the batch. Review each image in the batch to make sure you got the adjustment you wanted. The batch adjustment may work for one image and not work for another.

  7. Step 7
    Rename Files
     
    Rename Files

    It is easy to rename all your files. You can create a document name and use a variety numbering and date options to append to your titles. For example, I could call these images "California" and append a three-digit number to identify each image.

  8. Step 8
    Convert Files
     
    Convert Files

    Finally you can convert all the files to another format. If you have all RAW files you can convert them all to JPEG, GIF or any of the other formats that are supported by Adobe Photoshop.

Tips & Warnings
  • Always experiment with image backup files to preserve your image archive.

Comments  

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Suff said

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on 12/1/2008 Thanks, this was a really helpful primer, but one big question: I still don't know to fix red eye on multiple files at once. Maybe I'm missing it, but on my Multiple Files screen (and on the one pictured above) there's no Red Eye option.

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on 8/27/2008 Wow, a lot of those tips would save tons of time! Thanks

Cherst1031 said

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on 8/26/2008 I know nothing about Photoshop Elements 6, but I would love to learn more, and this was very easy to understand.

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on 8/26/2008 Good information- photoshop is so confusing on a macro level, so its nice to have tasks broken down.

WriterGig said

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on 8/26/2008 Very detailed information here--great tips.

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