fastest way to reduce file size of multiple images

Question

Our server is loaded down with photos taken at our job sites and we need to keep them all, but only need low resolution images (they are just for research). I need to know how to quickly and easily reduce the file size of multiple images at once Adobe creative suite software.

I have tried lightroom and Photoshop but have not been successful.

Thank you!

D Fosse · Answer

First of all, if these files are anything other than jpegs, saving them as jpeg quality 6-8 will be a massive size reduction in itself, even without reducing pixel size (resolution). But if they already are jpegs, you need to reduce pixel size.

Record an action using File > Scripts > Fit Image, where you set the maximum pixel size. End the action with a Save For Web step that saves to a holding folder. Then run the action as a batch on multiple selected files from Bridge.

Copy over when done. Note, you do not want to save the files directly to the server. You will very likely end up with a number of corrupt files. Save them out locally, then copy them over when done. In a pinch you can use an external drive, but do not touch the external drive as the batch is running. A moment's broken connection may again corrupt files.

(edited a bit for clarity)

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