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posvar
posvar
Known Participant
June 20, 2021
Question

automate batch layer composition & export

  • June 20, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 3588 views

I'm trying to auto-compose and export 1000s of combinations of layers across multiple layer groups.  I understand I probably need to feed a script to make this work.  I have a PSD file with 8 different LayerGroups.  Each LayerGroup between 1-30 different layers. I want to feed instructions to batch export (PNG) specific combinations.

 

E.g.

Final PNG 1 = LayerGroup 1:layer 3 + LayerGroup 2:layer 7 + ... + LayerGroup 8:layer 87

Final PNG 2 = LayerGroup 1:layer 2 + LayerGroup2:none + ... + LayerGroup 8:layer 94

...

Final PNG 1000 = Layer gruop 1:none + Layer group 2:layer 8 + ... + Layer group 3:layer 92

 

I saw PhotoshopCompositionComposer javascript on GitHub - but it throws an error, I'm working in latest Photoshop 22.4.2 Release.  Any help would be appreciated.

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3 replies

Bojan Živković11378569
Community Expert
Bojan Živković11378569Community Expert
Community Expert
June 21, 2021

If you can not figure out script be aware that data sets can be used to show/hide layers and layer groups. At least you have alternative solution.

    posvar
    posvarAuthor
    Known Participant
    June 21, 2021

    what is this feature called? Can PS use a dataset to compose layer combinations and export bulk PNGs?  Where can I read more aobut how to do this? Thanks in advance.

    Bojan Živković11378569
    Community Expert
    Bojan Živković11378569Community Expert
    Community Expert
    June 21, 2021

    You can not export PNG files but rather PSD which can be bulk converted to PNG.

     

    Here is official help page Create data-driven graphics

     

    Here are my tutorials on that topic Easy Way to Automate Photoshop with Variables At the bottom zou have links to more connected tutorials. 

     

     

      The Productivity Shop
      The Productivity Shop
      Participating Frequently
      June 21, 2021

      @posvar  Are you on a mac or PC? thanks!

      posvar
      posvarAuthor
      Known Participant
      June 21, 2021

      PC - I just provided a more detailed breakdown of what I'm trying to do in the response above.  I was able to get the PhotoshopCompositionComposer script to work - but it produces every possible combination across the Folders, in my case 89K+ PNGs would be created, taking multiple days of non-stop processing.  I'd prefer an approach where I can instruct the specific ~1K combos I'm targeting.  Thanks in advance.

      R
      r-bin
      Legend
      June 20, 2021

      Without a description of the specific structure, as well as an algorithm for what exactly you want to display in the current PNG, it is hardly possible to solve the problem. Your script seems to leave one visible layer in each folder for the next combination. Not sure if this is what you want. What kind of error does it give? And also give the exact link to the script if you want to fix it.

        posvar
        posvarAuthor
        Known Participant
        June 21, 2021

        Here's a better understanding of the structure (actual structure has ~8 folders, and ~100 individual layers):

         

        Folder 1: HAIR

        • Layer 1: short
        • Layer 2: ponytail
        • Layer 3: medium

        Folder 2: GLASSES

        • Layer 4: small
        • Layer 5: aviators
        • Layer 6: sunglasses

        Folder 3: MOUTH

        • Layer 7: open
        • Layer 8: closed
        • Layer 9: smile
        • Layer 10: frown

        Folder 4: JEWELRY

        • Layer 11: nose ring
        • Layer 12: earring left
        • Layer 13: earring right

        Folder 5: FACE

        • Layer 14: round face
        • Layer 15:  square face

         

        I want to be able to feed it specific instructions on which single layers to use, e.g.:

         

        Export PNG 1 = Folder1:layer3 + Folder2:layer5 + Folder3:layer8 + Folder5:layer14

        This will export a "round face" with "aviator" glasses, "medium" hair, "closed" mouth, and NO jewelry (since no layers from Folder 4 were specified).

         

        In the script - i will instruct the specific ~1,000+ combinations I'm looking for (e.g. 1,000+ final PNGs).

         

        The canvas is only 24x24 pixels - so the file (and the layers) is quite small.

         

        I was able to get the PhotoshopCompositionComposer script to work - but the way it works, is it produces every possible combination across the Folders - in my case, it was going to create 89K PNGs - which was going to take my laptop 3+ days of processing (based on the time it took to make ~20 before I shut it down).  I'd rather just have a script with the specific 1,000 combos defined - using the processing power only to produce those combos.  Does this better explain it?  Thanks in advance!

         

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