Batch processing allows running a series of programs or jobs on a computer without manual intervention. To batch process files using an action in Photoshop or Bridge, select the action, files, and processing options. You can batch process files in a folder and its subfolders by choosing "Folder" as the source, setting the destination to "Save And Close," and overriding the action's "Save As" commands so files are saved in their original folders with automatically generated names.

1.  Outline the steps to run an action on a folder of files.

2. In This Chapter, you’ll learn on:
 What is batch processing?
 Outline the steps to run an action on a folder of files

3.  What is Batch Processing?
 Batch processing is the execution of a series of
programs (also known as „jobs‟) on a computer
without the need of manual intervention.

 Basically, a program takes a set of data files as input,
processes the data, and produces a set of output
data files. As the input data are collected by
batches, and processed in batches by the program,
this operating environment is termed as "batch
processing"

4.  The usage for Batch Processing
 As we mentioned, batch jobs are set up so they can
be run to completion without manual intervention, so
all input data is preselected through scripts or
command-line parameters. This is in contrast to
"online" or interactive programs which prompt the
user for such input. An example of this is when you
need to resize a lot of images or convert them to
another format.

5.  Batch-process files
 Do one of the following:
o Choose File > Automate > Batch (Photoshop)
o Choose Tools > Photoshop > Batch (Bridge)
 Specify the action you want to use to process files
from the Set and Action pop-up menus. The menus
display actions available in the Actions panel. You
may need to choose a different set or load a set in
the panel if you don‟t see your action.

6.  Batch-process files
 Choose the files to process from the Source pop-up
menu:
 Folder Processes files in a folder you specify. Click
Choose to locate and select the folder.
 Import Processes images from a digital camera,
scanner, or a PDF document.
 Opened Files Processes all open files.
 Bridge Processes selected files in Adobe Bridge. If no
files are selected, the files in the current Bridge folder
are processed.
 Set processing, saving, and file naming options.

7.  Batch-process files in nested folders into different
formats
 Process your folders as you would normally, until the
Destination step.
 Choose Save And Close for the destination. You can
specify options for Override Action “Save As”
Commands to do the following:
o If the “Save As” step in the action contains a file name, this name is
overridden by the name of the document being saved; all “Save
As” steps are treated as if they were recorded without a file name.
o The folder you specified in the “Save As” action step is overridden
by the document‟s original folder.
 Note: You must have a “Save As” step in the action; the Batch
command does not automatically save files.

8.  Batch-process files in nested folders into different
formats
 You can use this procedure, for example, to sharpen, resize,
and save images as JPEGs in their original folders. You create
an action that has a sharpen step, a resize step, and then a
“Save As JPEG” step. When you batch-process this action, you
select Include All Subfolders, make the destination Save And
Close, and select Override Action “Save As” Commands.