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sajidcreative_3187137

9 Messages

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226 Points

Fri, Feb 10, 2012 6:27 PM

Not a problem

Photoshop: Batch Convert PDF Bug (with Video)

Batch converting PDF or AI files causes the same name to be used when saving the files resulting in only one file. Here is a video showing the issue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su8idv...

The problem is that Photoshop is taking the "Name" field from the PDF Import dialog and saving it as part of the action. This cannot be overridden even within the Batch Dialog.

Problems

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Updated 

9 years ago

7

6

Responses

Official Solution

JeffreyTranberry

Adobe Administrator

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15.8K Messages

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295.1K Points

9 years ago

From Photoshop engineering: "This is "As Designed" - The reason PDF works this way is to avoid overwriting the original PDF, which may be a 1,000 page document from which Photoshop extracts one page or one image. This is by design, but unfortunately it has the side effect of causing this batching problem."

So, best bet is to use the workarounds and be safe about doing it:

Safest:

"In the Batch dialog, add number sequence to the file name and you'll get all files are converted. But the result is the file names will be different than the original one."

Easy to overwrite the original file:

"Create your action with a more generic open action (such as by opening a JPEG file), then use Batch (override Action Open and Save commands) and you should be able to get the action to perform as expected."

Sr. Product Manager, Adobe Digital Imaging

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brett_n

2.1K Messages

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32.2K Points

9 years ago

Looks like the problem isn't in the Save part of the action or options in the Batch, but in the Open step of this action. You notice that each file actually opens as "Red" (not as Blue, Green, or whatever the file name may be). So when the files get saved, they are saving as the file name used when opened.

This is because you created the action by importing AI files that had to be converted. This import/convert doesn't get treated the same way as a simple Open.

If you create your action with a more generic open action (such as by opening a JPEG file, or using the Insert Menu Item command), you should be able to get the action to perform as expected.

If you like, I could create a video with the correct steps to create this action to make it work properly.

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sajidcreative_3187137

9 Messages

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226 Points

9 years ago

Thanks, for the reply Brett.

Yes, the reason it saves with the same name is because it doesn't open properly to begin with.

I'm working on a project where the files I was provided only came in AI format. One of my tasks is to convert them to TIFF. I've converted JPGs successfully in the past, but these AI files are causing difficulty.

That said, I do not know how to open an AI or PDF in Photoshop by using a simple Open.

If you have a solution for batch converting AI / PDF files, let me know! Even a textual list of steps would be great in case you don't have time to make a video.

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brett_n

2.1K Messages

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32.2K Points

Basically, what I'm suggesting is to recreate your action, but use a JPEG as the the file that you perform the steps with (open, et al) when creating the action. Then Batch the Action against your AI and PDF files.

Additionally, have you ever worked with the Image Processor (File > Scripts)? It might do what you are looking for.

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9 years ago

0

realtime_counter

227 Messages

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3.5K Points

One sure solution, Use the Image Processor Pro:

http://russellbrown.com/scripts.html

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9 years ago

0

realtime_counter

227 Messages

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3.5K Points

Actually above i suggested the Image processor pro, but a co-worker just tried Brett's solution and it works perfectly.
Thanks Brett, that'll save the designers where i work ton's of frustration.

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9 years ago

0

sajidcreative_3187137

9 Messages

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226 Points

The Image Processor Pro script works well, Dan!

Brett's solution above isn't feasible for me for reasons given below but this script you pointed me to does exactly what I need without having to rename the files after conversion... thanks!

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9 years ago

0

yali_lei

5 Messages

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100 Points

9 years ago

If you create your action with a more generic open action (such as by opening a JPEG file), then use Batch (override Action Open and Save commands) and you should be able to get the action to perform as expected.

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yali_lei

5 Messages

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100 Points

9 years ago

Another workaround:
In Batch dialog, add digital number beside file name, you'll get all files are converted. But the bad result is the file name is inconsistent with the original one.

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sajidcreative_3187137

9 Messages

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226 Points

9 years ago

Brett / Yali,

I tried the first workaround which you suggested which was to use a generic open step (such as JPEG) when recording the action. While this did work on the PDF files, I lost the ability to specify the raster settings such as dpi, anti-aliasing, etc.

Because of this limitation, this solution is not an option in my workflow.

The second workaround that Yali suggested is better. Though I have to manually remove the serial numbers after-the-fact, at least I have the ability to specify the raster settings and save out multiple files.

Longer-term, I hope Adobe fixes this bug in the future.

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pdf

bug

photoshop