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R
RemmiDemmi
Participant
July 7, 2017
Question

How to change colors in color overlays globally

  • July 7, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 1769 views

Hi everybody!

First of all, we have a huge file structure here in wich we need to change colors globally. But here's the catch:

There are like 10 main psd files which contain (and share) hundreds of smart objects. These psd files as well as the smart objects contain lots of layer compositions so its very very complex. We now have to change about six basic colors (focus/highlight colors) that are spreaded deep in layers/ layer comps.

Lets say theres a layer A. The objects themselves are always white. However, they contain 6 different color overlays with only one visible at a time. With layer compositions we determine the visible color.

We desperately try to find a way to change all these six colors (created as color overlays) without having to touch every layer and layer compositions.

So far, my online research wasn't successful and it seems like need to approach this with a script. Since we dont have any experience with PS scripts, we wanted to ask the community for possible solutions!

Any help is appreciated!

This topic has been closed for replies.

2 replies

c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
July 9, 2017

Please provide a more meaningful description including screenshots to illustrate the Layer and File structure.

    R
    RemmiDemmiAuthor
    Participant
    July 10, 2017

    Big thanks for your replies so far!

    Since this is an ongoing work project and we signed a non-disclosure agreement, i cant provide any screenshots of the layer structures... However i can try to explain it a little further.

    (I leave out any unnecessary things like connected smart objects that wont have to be changed)

    Basically what we need is a script (or another way) to change color A to B within all layer compositions (around 80 on avg).

    In Detail:


    In our PSD files theres is a varying amount of layers that need to be changed. EVERY layer that needs to be changed is a vector shape whose colors are ALWAYS defined in color overlays. However, the amount of color overlays and effects of an object can vary)


    These layers appear in a various amount of layer compositions in different states. Some layer effects are visible, others not (not sure if that info is important)

    As for the file structure:
    The layers that are to be edited are in varying depths of groups. Connected smart objects dont have to be taken into consideration since we would simply open every smart object/psd file and run the script)

    So all we need is a script that finds certain color values (hex or rgb) and replaces them in all  layer compositions. So without knowing howe a script could work, here's what i think would be valuable to specify what to look for. The script should:

    ->find vector shapes with layer effects in all layer compositions->then check for color overlays

    ->if certain value (one of the colors that need to be changed), replace with new color.

    Does that sound realistic/doable? Do u need further information? Do u know anyone who could make these scripts?
    Thank you so much for for your assistance!

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 10, 2017

    Hi

    This may not apply to your current structure but I was thinking about the issue of Global colours. Illustrator allows you to set global colours and these change throughout the document. Photoshop does not. But there is a bit of a workaround.

    I created a group with the colors as solid color fill layers and converted each to a smart object. I then duplicated the smart object each time I wanted to use that color fill layer. Turning of the "color" group made the originals invisible.

    Now to change a color fill globally all I had to do was change the appropriate Color fill within the master in the "group colors" folder. Save it and the copy's all changed with it.

    This may help anyone building a structure in a similar way

    Dave

      JJMack
      Community Expert
      JJMackCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 7, 2017

      I script will only be able to help if all your PSD have a consistent design structure and the Smart object layers do not have  colors the were effected by your color overlay.  For Photoshop renders Pixels the object when the layer is created and the pixels are locked. If your all you PSD  have unique design that does not conform to some structured design.

      JJMack
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