Skip to main content
Participating Frequently
March 16, 2021
Answered

Batch action for a generic filename

  • March 16, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 596 views

I have a bunch of images in a folder linked with multiple InDesign files and would like to save them in a smaller quality PNG file. The thing is I don't want them to lose their link, so I need them to be overwritten and to keep the same dimensions (so the image doesn't change its size when relinked).

 

I have tried to use Image Process Pro, but the images actually got larger than before when saving for Web and with different PNG settings. The only way I actually managed to make them smaller was to "Save as" and to overwrite the file chosing the "smallest file size (slowerst saving)" option. The images are already pretty small, ranging drom 8kb to 60kb, but the file I'm working is massive and has lots of repetitive images, so any reduction helps not only to improve the indd file performance but also to lower the exported PDF file size.

 

So I performed these exact steps as an action, but for some reason the files are saved as a copy. I'm not very used to work with actions in Photoshop, so might be doing some rookie mistake. Below is the image with my settings for the action:

 

 

Looks like the whole problem is the "With Copy" part, but I can't get rid of it. If I'm able to overwrite the files that's it, just need to make a batch change in the folder.

 

Any idea on how to solve this? Any tip of alternative is very welcome.

 

Thanks!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Bojan Živković11378569

To get rid of Copy in action step uncheck As a Copy option when saving or flaten file before saving and of course check that As a Copy is unchecked.

2 replies

Stephen Marsh
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 16, 2021

You may also wish to do a save as in InDesign as it will optimise the file.

Participating Frequently
March 16, 2021

Yes! Good recall, discovered this not too long ago... Reduces significantly de file size

Bojan Živković11378569
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 16, 2021

To get rid of Copy in action step uncheck As a Copy option when saving or flaten file before saving and of course check that As a Copy is unchecked.

Participating Frequently
March 16, 2021

Yeah, rookie mistake indeed... 

 

Thanks very much, Bojan!

Bojan Živković11378569
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 16, 2021

You are very welcome!