Best way to batch to black and white?

[larry45]

I have a folder of Raw files - DNG.

What is best or easist way to batch these color images to a folder of black and white   jpegs?

Is there an action to upload somewhere?  Or would  the image processeccor do that somehow?  Or ?  Thanks.

[Stephen Marsh · Accepted solution]

In ACR, create a preset for the conversion. You might prefer multiple presets  for similar colour combinations as a one size fits all combination is often mediocre.

You can then batch output to JPEG directly from within ACR without having to open the files in Photoshop. No need for batch actions or scripts. Select All files (Ctrl/Cmd + A) in the "filmstrip" area and then press this button:

[larry45]

Very impressed with preset, ease. Much better interface than photoshop actions right?  Lot of issues though:

1- I TRIED TO dave to a different folder but it konked out after 1 image, any idea why?

2- at first ot was annoying when saved to the same folder, but now it's  ok because I see color next to the BW bue one image, one BW shows both as BW, how reset one to go back to color?

3- If you saved to another folder,  all orginals will open in BW how do reset all those to not have the filter applied back to color? Thanks!

1-- 

[Stephen Marsh]

@larry45 

1) No idea why

2 & 3) After applying a mono/gray preset in ACR and batch saving from ACR, hold down alt/opt and click Reset (originally Cancel)

[larry45]

Stephan, thanks , oddly that did not work, I selected the one BW images, option click reset,   stays BW...    But then I just click BW tab and back to color

[Stephen Marsh]

Stephan, thanks , oddly that did not work, I selected the one BW images, option click reset,   stays BW...    But then I just click BW tab and back to color

By @larry45

It sounds like you used the Edit feature's B&W button, not a B&W preset which is what I was referring to. If you get the monotone conversion you like and can easily return to the original colour versions, then all is good.

[Rob_Cullen · Accepted solution]

FYI:  The (BW) button is a 'toggle' button- it can switch the image (Profile) both ways [Color <> B&W].

The (BW) button applies a standard  'Adobe Monochrome' profile that is not always the 'best'.

Instead you could use the Profile Browser (button-  four squares & mag glass) to apply one of the many B&W profiles that may suit your image better-

Profiles are the base 'foundation' in the editing process and do not alter any of the editing sliders.

Alternatively, as suggested by @Stephen Marsh , there are many Develop Presets that will change develop sliders, adjustments, etc. The image can be reverted/reset to original from the '3 dot' icon-

[Stephen Marsh]

@Rob_Cullen 

Great advice!

[larry45]

Rob thanks, I actually just go beyond that, and pull all silders in BW mixer, but just saying the reset , mentioned previously not see to work, I click option, then reset, but stays same.

[Stephen Marsh]

but just saying the reset , mentioned previously not see to work, I click option, then reset, but stays same.

By @larry45

If you have exited ACR after applying and then reopened the images again, there is nothing in memory to reset.

[larry45]

Stephen thanks ok, so one out and go back in done, reset is only while working on it, got it.