Batch convert color space

[Jan C. Doddy]

Good morning! I need to convert hundreds of images. I've set up an action that will open a file, do the color space convert, save and close the image. When I run this from "File - Automate - Batch", it opens the file from the directory I've specified and then I get a dialog box that prompts me to select how to convert the color space.
All the batch is doing is opening the images, doing a save and close. I still have to select the color space and click OK.
What am I doing wrong?
Help please!! Thanks!
Jan

[Jan C. Doddy]

Tony, thanks for the reply, however, I must be missing something. How do I create an action without the "Open" command? Also, if I save the images as a .PSD, I will need to convert them back to a .JPG or a .TIF. I believe the problem I'm having is the correct way to create the action.

If it's not too much, please step me through the process of setting up the "Action" correctly. The "Batch" I think I have.

Thanks again for your help!

Jan

[YrbkMgr]

Okay Jan, good questions. There are variations on this, but I will share how *I* would do it. There is one step that you *could* combine, but I keep things separate for organization purposes. With that in mind...

First, open a "dummy" image. Begin recording an action that Converts Color Space. After it's done, stop recording.

Image is still open. Create an action that will Save As (file format of your choice).

Side note. I know that with JPG's, you can embed a profile with save for web, but I've never used that feature. In general, since web isn't color managed, and most JPG's go to web, embedding a color profile is worthless. Now, if it's going to a co-worker or will be viewed in a color managed environment, then it makes sense, but that's the only time I see it having any utility at all.

So my point with the above paragraph is, if you are converting to a profile then saving as JPG, it's probably a waste of time, and I'm not sure that profiles are embedded by default using the Save As feature from within Photoshop.

But let's continue, using Save As Tiff, since you can include a profile with that format.

So your image is open, you begin recording File|Save As. Pick all the options you want: whether to use compression, preserve layers, etc., and actually save the file. Stop recording.

Now, create a Third action: call it Convert Profile and Save. Your image is still open, so create the action, and record the playing of your first action (convert to profile) and then play the Save As Tiff action.

What you're doing with the above, is nesting an action - they could all be done in one action, but I think it makes more sense this way and is easier to manage since I can re-use any one of the individual portions: I can convert, I can save as tiff, or I can convert and save - personal preference.

But again, your third action is you playing action 1, then action 2 in succession; then stop recording.

Now you are ready to batch. Close your "dummy" file.

Look at the Save As action. Next to it is a little square - toggle the Dialog to OFF by clicking in that square.

Now, File|Automate|Batch

Action to Run: Convert and Save
Source: Folder
Choose: pick the folder containing the images
Destination: Folder
Choose: select the folder where you want the images to go.
CHECK the box that says "Override Save As Information".

Enter a naming convention (optional). Your files will automatically be Tiff, so make sure that the last entry is simply "extension". If you leave this section to it's default, your images will have the same name, but a Tif extension.

At that point, you're ready to rock. Each image in the Source folder will open, the profile will convert, and the image will Save As Tiff in the destination you chose.

Peace,
Tony