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konrad79
konrad79
Inspiring
August 18, 2019
Answered

Apply filter (offset) to multiple layers at once

  • August 18, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 10115 views

How can I apply a filter (e.g. offset) to multiple layers at once?

Multi select of layers or grouping them into a group don't work.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Stephen Marsh

I think, scripting would be the only solution.

zenginejulia​ Actions wouldn't help, since my fastest method currently is to select a layer and use the STRG+ALT+F (Reapply Filter) short cut to each layer.

jane-e​ There is nothing I can drag&drop ... the offset filter is applied on the pixel based layer. I think, in PS for pixel layer there is nothing like a non-destructive effect or filter list like e.g. in Illustrator, where I can select/enable/copy single filter/effects, isn't it?


Have you looked at my replies #8 and #9?

There are some ready-made scripts to play an action to all selected layers, so all you need to do is record an action that has the offset values.

I have also posted a modified script based on some other similar topics that I linked to.

You should be all good to go!

4 replies

Stephen Marsh
Stephen Marsh
Adobe Expert
August 18, 2019

Perhaps somebody could share:

Apply Filter to Multiple Layers At Once (without converting to a SO)

A quick web search also returned:

Offset All Visible Layers Photoshop Script By Hesido

Stephen Marsh
Stephen Marsh
Adobe Expert
August 18, 2019

And some more:

Re: Possible to apply an action to each frame in a video footage??

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Paul-Riggott/PS-Scripts/master/Run%20Action.jsx

Script I made: Iterate Action Over Layers

This one would need modifications, such as below:

#target photoshop
// To Do: Add a suspendHistory function
var originalRulerUnits = preferences.rulerUnits;
preferences.rulerUnits = Units.PIXELS;   
if(app.documents.length>0){
    var docRef = activeDocument;
    var layerNum = docRef.layers.length;
    for(var i=0;i<layerNum;i++){
        docRef.activeLayer = docRef.layers;
        if(!docRef.activeLayer.isBackgroundLayer){
            try{offSet ()}
            catch(e){}
            }
        }
    }
else{alert('There are no open files')};
function offSet(){
var docRef = app.activeDocument
var activeLayer = docRef.activeLayer
activeLayer.applyOffset (50, 50, OffsetUndefinedAreas.REPEATEDGEPIXELS); // Offset Filter Options
preferences.rulerUnits = originalRulerUnits;  
}
Chuck Uebele
Chuck Uebele
Adobe Expert
August 18, 2019

Is there a reason you can't apply the filter individually to each layer? The filter allows you to type in an offset value.

konrad79
konrad79Author
Inspiring
August 18, 2019

I can apply the filter individually:

Select layer --> CTRL+ALT+F

Wait the filter to be applied

Select layer --> CTRL+ALT+F

Wait the filter to be applied

Select layer --> CTRL+ALT+F

Wait the filter to be applied

Select layer --> CTRL+ALT+F

Wait the filter to be applied

Select layer --> CTRL+ALT+F

Wait the filter to be applied
etc.
You see the problem for many layers ;-)
konrad79
konrad79Author
Inspiring
August 20, 2019
I think, in PS for pixel layer there is nothing like a non-destructive effect or filter list

You could convert the individual Layers to Smart Objects. that way you could alt-drag the Smart Filter/s, but that would not seem to be much of an improvement on your current situation.


You could convert the individual Layers to Smart Objects. that way you could alt-drag the Smart Filter/s, but that would not seem to be much of an improvement on your current situation.

The conversion alone would take as much time and clicks as my current process of applying the offsett filter to each layer individually.

The only solution, that would improve my workflow would be an "multi select all layers --> Apply the filter XYZ to them" - and that seems to be possible only via scripting in current PS version.

    josephlavine
    josephlavine
    Adobe Expert
    August 18, 2019

    My favorite route would be to create a Smart Object of the group of layers or you might need to to a merge copy of them.

    konrad79
    konrad79Author
    Inspiring
    August 18, 2019

    If I select 10 layers in multiselect and convert them to smart objects, they are combined into one single object/layer - ok, I can offset this one object but how can I re-convert the smart object(s) into the 10 plain layers?

    I don't want to merge the layers into one. I want to offset a large number of layers all by the same numbers.

    c.pfaffenbichler
    c.pfaffenbichler
    Adobe Expert
    August 18, 2019
    I want to offset a large number of layers all by the same numbers.

    At current one can’t apply a Filter to multiple Layers simultaneously on Photoshop.

    A Scripting solution seems possible, though, but depending on the selected objects it may need to be a bit involved.

    Is a Selection involved?

    c.pfaffenbichler
    c.pfaffenbichler
    Adobe Expert
    August 18, 2019

    You could convert them to a Smart Object.

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