Expand / collapse a group via JavaScript?

[gregbenz]

I work with a lot of groups (layersets) that contain content that clutters the screen.  It would be great to use some ExtendScript command to collapse groups (similar to pressing the triangle next to the group, not talking about visibility).  Is there a way to do this?  The Script Listener does not record any code when doing this, and I can't find any documentation on it.  But it seems like something that should be addressable in code.  Thanks for any suggestions!

[c.pfaffenbichler]

If I remember correctly there was a work-around, probably the thread was over at the now-defunct ps-scripts.com.

You might be able to find something in the archive:

ps-scripts.com • Index page

[Philip_Cord]

The work-a-round could be these scripts here.

buliarca's scripts BCM Tools

[gregbenz]

Thanks!

[gregbenz]

While this script definitely works as advertised, it takes a very roundabout approach.  I'm concerned with potential robustness, as well as speed on complex images.  If anyone knows a more direct option to open/close layer sets, would love any suggestions.  Thanks!

[Vova_p · Accepted solution]

Hi 😃

I had this broblem too. But i found a answer. It strange a little bit, but it works.

So, we have a layers in the group, and group is expand. Group is a acive layer.

var groupname = app.activeDocument.activeLayer.name // remember name of group
var idungroupLayersEvent = stringIDToTypeID( "ungroupLayersEvent" ); // this part from  Script Listene -- ungroup group
var desc14 = new ActionDescriptor();
var idnull = charIDToTypeID( "null" );
var ref13 = new ActionReference();
var idLyr = charIDToTypeID( "Lyr " );
var idOrdn = charIDToTypeID( "Ordn" );
var idTrgt = charIDToTypeID( "Trgt" );
ref13.putEnumerated( idLyr, idOrdn, idTrgt );
desc14.putReference( idnull, ref13 );
executeAction( idungroupLayersEvent, desc14, DialogModes.NO );
var idMk = charIDToTypeID( "Mk  " ); // this part from  Script Listene --  group selected layers
var desc15 = new ActionDescriptor();
var idnull = charIDToTypeID( "null" );
var ref14 = new ActionReference();
var idlayerSection = stringIDToTypeID( "layerSection" );
ref14.putClass( idlayerSection );
desc15.putReference( idnull, ref14 );
var idFrom = charIDToTypeID( "From" );
var ref15 = new ActionReference();
var idLyr = charIDToTypeID( "Lyr " );
var idOrdn = charIDToTypeID( "Ordn" );
var idTrgt = charIDToTypeID( "Trgt" );
ref15.putEnumerated( idLyr, idOrdn, idTrgt );
desc15.putReference( idFrom, ref15 );
executeAction( idMk, desc15, DialogModes.NO );
app.activeDocument.activeLayer.name = groupname // recall group name

P.S. Sorry of my english. It doesn't my mother tonque.

[gregbenz]

Works when multiple layers are selected.  Any idea how to create a closed group that only contains a single layer?

[Panchromatic]

A workaround could be to create a temporary layer inside the group, then to use the above script by Vova_p, and then to delete the temp layer ?

[Panchromatic]

Sorry, my suggestion was loosy. The last step would reopen the group!

[Panchromatic]

I spoke too fast (well... Ok...lesson learned). It's possible too delete the temp layer without reopen the group.

[Stephen_A_Marsh]

It has been a few years, however, it is still a great answer Vova_p!

[gregbenz]

the suggestions listed here so far work under limited assumptions. But closing a group this way removes a lot of information from the group: layer styles, lock status, color, blendIf, opacity changes, etc.

Is there no JSX command to do it without altering the group?

[r-bin · Accepted solution]

Type in search collapseAllGroupsEvent

[gregbenz]

Thank you

[Stephen_A_Marsh]

I have extended the script from @Vova_p and collected some related scripts here:

https://gist.github.com/MarshySwamp/a39e3e1efee41174b3b92ee68c40fcd8