Help with aligning 2 lines of text

[Sl6n]

Hi,

Im designing an image with a price written on it. I need the currency "USD" to always appear exactly below the last number (no matter how long/short the price is). I have hundreds of images to apply this to and the price will vary from $1 to $2000, so I need it done automagically where the only thing I have to do is just change the number without having to re-align the currency for every different price.

To make it clear, here's what happens when I change it to $5:

I need it to appear like this without me having to re-align anything:

I've spent hours in the last 2 days trying to figure this out and im going crazy here. Either Photoshop can't handle this sort of thing or I just can't figure it out by myself (probably the latter since im a noob).

[Mylenium]

That would be easy in InDesign, so you should consider doing it there. Otherwise I'd simply create a bunch of "prototype" layers with the alignment already in place and duplicate those as needed.

Mylenium

[Sl6n]

Unfortunately, I don't have InDesign and im still barely figuring out PS as it is let alone learn how to start using a whole different app. I guess I have to align the currency manually then /cry

[Imaginerie]

Maybe I am not figuring it out exactly, so forgive me if I'm completely off-marks!
The way I would do it, is:
Create a new text layer where you'll type the price , soft return, then the currency
Flush right,

Change the size of the currency text to your liking alongside the leading which will be by default too too (since text sizes are different)

Lock the position of the text layer (only the position obviously, but not mandatory) in the layers panel.
When you'll change the price, the text will not move and just extend on the left if the figure is bigger. (since you flushed right)

Locking the positionning of the layer will also allow not to be accidentally moved while typing.
While you're typing your text:

Check leading and kerning so the text seems right for all text lengh (Everything can be found in the properties panel, no messing in a thousand menus, productivity first!)

If you really have to do it lots (eg: as in "for a living", it may be beneficial you have a look at variables in Photoshop.

https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/photoshop/using/creating-data-driven-graphics.html
(not the simplest thing, but again... Productivity!)

[PECourtejoie]

I like the idea of creating three templates: one number, two, and three. this would work if your text is tabular (character set where each number occupies the same space as every other one...)

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Could you please post screenshots with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Options Bar, …) visible? 

I suppose if you put both lines in one Type Layer and set them to »Right align« you could align the Type Layer via an Action (or a Script) after changing the numbers. 

[Sl6n]

Sorry! I forgot to mention that I need the text to be centered on that white background, too.

It can be easily done if I didn't need the price to be centered inside of that shape, but unfortunately I do. Any workaround or should I just give up?

Here's my panel:

[c.pfaffenbichler]

You can use an Action to automate the task. 

[Sl6n]

Oh, never heard about actions before. Are you saying it will automatically align it for me instead of me doing it manually for every number I change?

I will look up actions and try to learn how it works. Thanks!

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Actions provide automation with the option of some input. 

One can record a procedure (some steps may not be recordable in a meaningful manner, though) and then play it on other files etc. 

In this case »Set current text layer« has the »Toggle dialog on/off« button checked, so I can enter new text before the Action resumes. 

[Sl6n]

What an awesome way of automating things and it was also so easy to learn! It's just like building a "macro" where it records whatever I input (which I already have experience with). I wish I knew about actions years ago, could've saved myself plenty of time and headache. Thank you so much!

I learned so much today from all of you! From actions, to data-driven graphics, to the simple idea of going with templates for different numbers (easy method to achieve my project, yet I never thought about doing it this way!). All of those will be very helpful to me in the future. Thanks to everyone who posted here, you can't believe how big of a help you all were! 

Although the data-driven graphics could be the ultimate way for me to complete my project in a timely manner, im not sure how I can make it align the currency to the far right into this whole automated process for every data-set. Can this be included in the mix or should I just do it manually with the help of actions?

[Lumigraphics]

You can use an Action and/or paragraph styles for the alignment. You'll find that graphics pros who use Adobe apps in production will normally use a lot of automation, from scripts to actions (which are similar) to some of the other listed features.

[PECourtejoie]

Thank you for the feedback, it is quite appreciated in these "hit and run" times... do stick around, and try to pay it forward, we all have a piece of knowledge others might not...

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Another option might be using Baseline Shift and Kerning. 

But one may have to re-apply the kerning if one has to change the the rightmost number, too. 

[Lumigraphics]

If it was me and I HAD TO use Photoshop, I would use data-driven graphics with a spreadsheet of values, and use a paragraph style to right-align the text.

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/creating-data-driven-graphics.html

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/formatting-paragraphs.html