photoshopHelp

Batch Renaming Files

Terry writes,

I use the simple web slide shows in PS to show clients the results of portrait sessions and also to show some of my work in progress.  I want to use the File Name field they offer to show the File Name, but it seems that this only works if I go into each image's File Infoscreen and manually type in the information.  I can't figure out howto batch process, making the file name (which I renamed in the File Browser area) the File Name... if that makes sense.  I'm using Photoshop CS, by the way.

Try using the Batch Rename command and re-name the entire folder. You'll find the feature in the CS File Browser.
Choose File > Browse from thePhotoshop menu.
The File Browser window appears.
Choose Edit > Batch Rename from the File Browser menu.
The Batch Rename dialog box appears.
Choose a Destination for your newly re-named files.
In the File Naming: section, assign a logical name to your files. You can also add a series of serial numbers date perfect for sequential shoots. When you're satisfied, click OK.

I hope this helps.

Keep My Keywords ver.2

Thanks to photographer and writer, John Beardsworth, for his help in sorting out keyword back-up. See yesterdays Post.

John writes,
Check which version of Bridge you're using here. The Adobe Bridge Keywords.abdata file was only used up to version 1.01 of Bridge. The version 1.0.2 update (which Adobe strongly recommends) changed this to an .xml file called Adobe Bridge Keywords.xml. It left the redundant abdata file in place.

He also informed me that the new back-up file type can be found in the same directory as the .abdata file. I updated to 1.02 yesterday. You should too.

Keep My Keywords

Ray writes,

In Photoshop CS Browser, I created several Keyword Sets and Keywords which were conveniently displayed under the Keywords tab. A storm caused power problems which affected my computer: Photoshop CS reverted back to the default keyword sets in the display under the Keywords tab. I don't want this to happen again. What folder and filename do I need to back up? I'm using Windows XP.

To the best of my knowledge (please correct me if I'm wrong), in Photoshop CS, there is no way to save the keywords, or keywords sets, in the event of computer disaster. However, in Photoshop CS 2, you can save the workspace, which will save the keywords as well. You'll need to back up the data file that is created to ensure that the info is safe. Click below to learn more...

Rotation? No, thank you.

Moira writes,

I have jpeg images from a canon 10d that are later saved in tiff format. The tiff images in browser ps cs have an automatic rotation applied. I have tried opening, rotating and saving, /and rotating, applying the rotation in browser but either produce the same results : auto rotation is applied again. Can I switch off auto rotate?

I think the problem may lie in your camera software. Some digital cameras detect and  save the camera's Orientation for each exposure. This information is stored in the image file as EXIF data ( a form of metadata). File Browser recognizes the embedded data and attempts to "help" you by rotating your images to match the camera's assumption.
Check your camera's documentation. Your Mission: Find the option to turn this feature OFF. Unfortunately, I am not that familiar with Canon cameras (I've always been a Nikon guy). I hope this helps.

5 Star Rating

Here's a cool Bridge trick, use your number keys to rate your pictures quickly and easily.
Select the image.
Press CTRL + keys 0-5 for stars
Press CTRL + keys 6-9 for labels

You can even eliminate the need for the Control key if you want.
Choose Edit > Preferences > Labels
Deselect the Require the Control Key to Apply Labels and Ratings option.
Click OK.

No modifier key is needed now. Just the numbers. Nice.

Rotate Reliably

It seems like lots of people are finding the Rotate feature in both the Browser and the Bridge to be, well, let's just say unreliable. Here's a workaround I use. Rather than using the Rotate button, try creating some Actions, one that roates images clockwise and another that rotates them counter clockwise.
In the Bridge, or Browser, select the files you want to rotate, then
Choose Tools > Photoshop > Batch
The Batch dialog box appears.
Select the appropriate Rotate Action and run it.
The files are rotated.

JPEG Thumbnails

Diana writes,

How do I get thumb nails instead of JPEG icons in my folders when renaming them and moving them to another folder, I want to view thumb nails. I'm on a Mac and have CS2.

Since you are using CS2, you should consider using the Bridge to do all your image management chores. It will provide thumbnails in addition to the wealth of information attached to your digital images. Check out my post on batch renaming files easily and quickly. Note: Since you're using CS2, the batch renaming feature has moved to the Tools menu in the Bridge menu.

Bridge Rotation Update

More than a few readers have responded to my Post regarding image rotation in the Photoshop CS2 Bridge. In the previous version of Photoshop, you needed to choose Apply Rotation from the File Browser menu to commit a rotation. In the CS2 Bridge (File Browser's replacement) that step has been eliminated...most of the time.
Some image rotations from the Bridge may not be permanent. Consider the following.
Do you you have permissions to edit the images? Network permission etc.
Are the images on a CD or DVD? These files cannot be written.
Are the images RAW files? Some RAW files have a rotation setting that the Bridge can't override.

Photoshop CS2 Rotation

Swami writes,

In the CS Browser I rotated the images, and then "Applied Rotation" Within the Bridge I can also rotate the images; but, how do I apply rotation in the Bridge? Thanks for your help. PS. I tried 'help' but could not find the answer.

You don't need to "apply the rotation" like you did in the File Browser.
To rotate an image from the Bridge in CS2...
Click the Rotate 90° Clockwise or Rotate 90° Counterclockwise button or
Choose Edit > Rotate 90° Clockwise or Edit > Rotate 90° Counterclockwise or even Edit > Rotate 180° and you're done.
When you can't find the answer in Photoshop Help, try photoshopHelp.com.

File Browser Rotation

ATC writes,

I have a problem with Rotate Canvas in Adobe Photoshop CS. I deleted the prefs but problem persists. I can rotate an image and it looks okay. Then I close it and reopen it and it is usually 90 deg. off. What's going on?

Are you rotating the images in the File Browser? Rotating images in the File Browser is a two step process.  If you don't complete both steps, the image will revert back to its original un-rotated state.
Step 1. Rotate the image in File Browser...
Choose Edit > Rotate... or use the Rotate buttons.
Step 2. Apply the rotation...
Choose Edit > Apply Rotation.

Now your rotated images should stay that way.