Known Participant

Question

Adding sequential numbers to psd images

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
September 16, 2017
6 replies
20254 views

Mac OS X, Photoshop CC latest version.

I have a folder of 44 psd images and would like to automate adding a number to each photo in the picture area (not change the filename).

My attempts using variables isn't working - Photoshop will only add a number to the image open in Photoshop and not the other 43 images in the same folder. All images and text document are in the same folder.

I have tried using a plain text document with only the number required to be added to each image. Also a text file with the filename of each image, tab or comma, and number required to be added to each photo - reversed order als, number, tab or comma followed by filename.

I have tried opening all of the photos in Photoshop, instead of only having the first image containing a text layer with number 1.

I can change the number on the first image open in Photoshop but nothing happens to the remaining 43 images.

Is there a way to instruct Photoshop to process all 44 images - apply a sequential number into each image please?

This is not about the filenam

This topic has been closed for replies.

angie_taylor

Braniac

Although variables are designed for creating multiple variations from one template file, theoretically you could use this feature, in combination with Actions to update multiple files. I dont think you are wrong in your approach, it may work and I applaud you for persevering :-)

angie_taylor

Braniac

Here's the tutorial I made. I hope it helps you figure it out. Please let me know how you get on; https://www.lynda.com/After-Effects-tutorials/Using-variables-Photoshop/123481/128893-4.html ?lpk35=8189&utm_medium=ldc-partner&utm_source=CMPRC&utm_content=524&utm_campaign=CD14836&bid=524&aid=CD1483

angie_taylor

Braniac

I think you may have to use Actions alongside variables to achieve what you want?

N

Nick WalkerAuthor

Known Participant

Thanks I will take a look at the tutorial.

angie_taylor

Braniac

If you have a subscription that includes After Effects you could us the Numbers Effect to do this. In After Effects, import the images as an image sequence. (Check force alphabetical order if they are not named sequentially). Drag the image sequence onto the new comp button and then select the sequence and apply the numbers effect. change the settings to whatever numbering system you need, making sure it's set to create a unique number for each frame. Then go to Composition menu > Add to Render Queue. Render the comp out as an image sequence.

N

Nick WalkerAuthor

Known Participant

Sorry I don't have After effects.

JJMack

Braniac

I use Windows you a Mac it may be the differences in culture but I have problem following what you write.

"I have a folder of 44 psd images and would like to automate adding a number to each photo in the picture area (not change the filename)."

Where do you want this number to be if not in the file name. Does each PSD contain a single Image or a layer you want identified with a number, do you want a text layer added? What do you actually want to do.

"My attempts using variables isn't working - Photoshop will only add a number to the image open in Photoshop and not the other 43 images in the same folder. All images and text document are in the same folder."

Photoshop variables are are associated with layers in a template psd file and columns in a CSV file used to populate the Template with your images and text the process creates new files would not update your 44 file in any way. Photoshop variable and open image I do not get what you are writing.

"I have tried using a plain text document with only the number required to be added to each image. Also a text file with the filename of each image, tab or comma, and number required to be added to each photo - reversed order als, number, tab or comma followed by filename. I have tried opening all of the photos in Photoshop, instead of only having the first image containing a text layer with number 1. I can change the number on the first image open in Photoshop but nothing happens to the remaining 43 images. Is there a way to instruct Photoshop to process all 44 images - apply a sequential number into each image please?

This is not about the filenam"

You are clear its not about File name you do not want them change and it is also seems clear you want your 44 psd files updated in some way that involves sequential numbers.

What is not clear is what you do want. It seems you may a text layer added to these PSD files. IMO the only way to automate that process using Photoshop is with a Photoshop Script. Which is way above your pay grade. For if you knew Photoshop scripting you would not have needed to start this thread.

If all the PSD are all the same size and resolution, have the same layer structure the script may be quite simple. If not the programming involved could be quite complex.

IMO you should open each in Photoshop one at a time and add the number you want where you want and if a visible number in the image the size and location you want. Its only 44 files. If this will become a regular ongoing process you need to do. You could think about automating the process. However it will take a very long time to learn to Script Photoshop, weeks, months perhaps years.

JJMack

N

Nick WalkerAuthor

Known Participant

I am trying to place a number on each image (text layer), in the corner. I start by opening a psd file and add a text layer with the number 1. I record this as an action in case its needed for variables.

I complete a text file with a heading and a list of numbers 1-44. I set up variables > define > data sets using the same folder containing the 1-44 psd files and the text document used by variables.

I use export > data sets as files but it gets stuck on the psd image open in Photoshop.

I dis find this tutorial How to create a batch job, numbering images (writing text on them) from 1 to 100 in Photoshop? - Graphic Design Stack Ex…

In Photoshop CC I can't find the same option 'select file' as the tutorial suggest -

"A Data Set is a collection of values that apply to a particular output document, not a complete set of values in a comma-delimited file, so now we define a starting image for our template by clicking the "Select File..." with the Image variable selected. I chose the Chrysanthemum image. Be sure that "Do Not Replace" is NOT selected."

ahmed_waheib

Inspiring

Actually, I do that with Lightroom you will do it very easy and do the job very well

Check the below solutions:

Solution A same as (JJMack): Creating data-driven graphics in Photoshop

Solution B: Using Photoshop Lightroom

Go into the Slideshow module.
Pick a template if you’d like (Tom had me choose Widescreen).
On the bottom toolbar press the “ABC” (“add text”) button.
From the adjacent popup menu, choose “Filename.”
Position the filename over the image as desired.
In the lower left corner, choose “Export PDF…” (or hold Opt/Alt to get “Export JPEG…”).
If for any reason you want the visible numbers to match the images’ filenames, add the following steps:
- Choose Library->Rename.
- Back in the Slideshow module, select a preset like “Custom Name – Sequence.” (You can choose “Edit” to get fancy with renaming tokens, but the presets will likely suffice.)

Solution C:

Using Photoshop to make 44 empty PSD and then add numbers on them with that tutorial How to Automate Thumbnail Numbers in Adobe Photoshop - YouTube
Then open them and add the photos you have in each one
Then open File>Scripts>image processor

Chuck Uebele

Braniac

Use Bridge or LR. Select all the photos you want, and use batch rename, using the file's current name as part of the naming process.

N

Nick WalkerAuthor

Known Participant

Hi Chuck,

Thanks for your reply - I did write in my original post this is not about filename changes, its about adding a number in the picture area

Stephen Marsh

Braniac

Changing the filename can be a temporary means to an end. It is possible to backup the original filename when sequentially renaming. Then a script is run to add the sequential filename as a text layer on the document. After saving, it is a simple matter to use Bridge to batch rename all of the files to their original names.

E

edgrimley

Participating Frequently

It could be done with variables and data sets, but I question the efficency for such a small number of images. You might want to search for a script.

N

Nick WalkerAuthor

Known Participant

Hi Ed,

I don't have a clue about scripts. Regardless of there only being 44 images, do you know how to achive this with variables and data sets?

I know the steps, I have set up the variables 'Define' panel correctly. After importing the text file in 'Data Sets' there are 1 - 44 data sets shown in the drop down panel.

When I go to export 'Data Sets as Files' all data sets is selected but everytime I get the following, A file named 01.psd already exists in this location, do you want to replace it (usual options; don't replace, replace or cancel). Only changes are allowed to image 01.psd - open in Photoshop.

I thought if the text file and images were in the same folder, variables would work on all of the images?

angie_taylor

Braniac

It's such a long time since I used data sets and variables. Can you choose to save them

into a different folder? I have a tutorial

on data sets somewhere that I did a few years back. Let me see if I can dig it out for you.

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Scanning file for viruses.

This file cannot be downloaded