Can layer comps be exported with only the layers that represent that comp?

[iBabs2]

Hello,

I am working with some PSD files that I have layer comps in them.

When I export the layer comps to be their own PSD files, it seems that ALL the layers and the other layer comps are coming with them?

Shouldn't this just export the layers associated with the individual comp?

Seems like its just duplicating the file with all the information, including the layers comp panel with the others?

Any advice on how to just export a layer comp so that the layers associated with that comp, are in the new file, would be greatly appreciated.

thanks!

Babs

[Bojan Živković]

Are you talking about File > Export > Layer Comps to Files with PSD file format selected? It may seem illogical to you but all layers will be exported. You can try with batch to delete hidden layers in exported files (Layer > Delete > Hidden Layers or to use some script which can be found online)

[iBabs2]

Hello Bojan,

thank you.... and yes, this does nothing. How disappointing? It basically just makes a copy of the file. You still end up having to rename it and re-link the separate images back it to InDesign. You might as well just do a save as and rename from the original. The command makes it sound like it will just save the actual layers in that comp and the one comp in the later comp panel. That would be a great asset!

I did end making a delete hidden layers batch, just as you suggested. I guess aside from a more advanced script that is the best I can do.

Thank you!

babs

[jane-e]

iBabs2  wrote

You still end up having to rename it and re-link the separate images back it to InDesign.

Hi Babs,

Please explain what your workflow is and what you are trying to do. When you place a Photoshop file with layers and / or with layer comps into InDesign, you can go to Object menu > Object Layer Options...

...and change the Layer Comps (or layers) from Inside InDesign. No relinking of the image is necessary—InDesign will keep the link. Will this work with what you are doing?

~ Jane

[iBabs2]

Hi Jane,

I will try to be very clear about what I am trying to accomplish and what steps I have done so far.

I am currently placing PSD files with layer comps and choosing which comp to use per page in InDesign (1 layer comp per page), using the method you have suggested about, the Object layer Options. All is fine on that part.

At some point maybe 5 of 10 will be approved. So, I can delete the 5 pages I no longer need.

Here is where it gets a little sticky. The files in InDesign need to be now supplied to another group, as an Individual file that has only one merged layer on a transparent background for other uses, and that is the image that has to be linked back to the InDesign File.

I know we have to rename and re-link in any case, but I was hoping to be able to export the 5 of 10 layer comps as a single file, and have a batch set to just delete the background layer and merge the visible layers. It just means adding another step to the action, remove the hidden layers.

Don't get me wrong, I love layer comps and push people to use them often, especially because of the control of InDesign and even now with the new version and the properties panel giving us the option to have and choose layer comps from our smart objects is terrific.

I think I was just surprised that the script left everything in the psd...to me it seemed no different than doing a save as?

Thanks!

Babs

[jane-e]

Hi Babs,

Thank you for explaining your workflow. As I understand it, you place one file into InDesign onto 10 pages, each displaying a different layer comp. Then 5 may be approved and then they need to each be on a single composite merged layer, each with a new name. Is that correct?

I agree with you that enabling the check box for "Selected Layer Comps Only" ought to do what it says, but it does not when I just tested it. It brings all the layer comps and all the layers. I would call this a bug which can be reported here:

https://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family

It sounds like you are currently using an action to merge the visible layers and delete hidden layers, and that is probably the best plan unless we can can Adobe to fix this script. I'll also bring it up when I talk to the Photoshop engineers next week at MAX.

[iBabs2]

Hi Jane,

Thank you so much for both your input and your willingness to bring it up with the engineers. Thats awesome, and I think it really makes sense based on what this command is named.

I will certainly report it on the link you have provided.

Cheers,

Babs

[Stephen Marsh · Accepted solution]

This is a common request, common enough that the script was modified and shared by a user in 2013.

I have just tested and it works as advertised in CC2018. However you will likely need to move the default script out of the scripts folder (keep it so that you can revert if needed).

https://www.ps-scripts.com/viewtopic.php?f=66&t=8124#p40461

Prepression: Downloading and Installing Adobe Scripts

P.S. Another option could be to insert a simple single line of script code into the original Adobe script to play your action (untested, so it may not be this simple).

[jnwbr]

The link above goes to a discussion of a script for deleting hidden files.

I'd really like to find the script that shows in the dialog box to Remove silly numbering.

Any idea where I can find that?

Thanks.