How to 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.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0
• Copies of images requiring manipulation

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Resources

• Adobe Photoshop Elements