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thomas2017
thomas2017
Participant
August 10, 2017
질문

Import several images, lay them out according to a template and export results

  • August 10, 2017
  • 1 답변
  • 430 조회

I'm completely new to Photoshop, so I want to apologize in advance for that.

I engrave jewelry and need some help setting up a template file that can be imported into my engraving software.  My goal is to have a template file, and in as few steps as possible, "import" a lot of files from a specific folder, line them up into a "grid/collage", and then export that file.  The engraving software must import a vector file (svg, ai, dxf...).  I realize it may be better to post this in the Illustrator forums, but I'm posting it here because I found JJMacks Photo Collage Toolkit scripts can almost  do exactly what I need and I'm hoping someone can help me make it work or show me a better approach.  I'm open to any method or software that makes this happen as automatically as possible. However, I need it to work with vector files so my engraver can follow the curves/lines as a "tool path". 

Details about the project:

-The files I receive are all the exact same dimensions.  I have several shapes that I engrave on (circles, crosses, hearts....etc) but all the files are square.  For instance, every file that will be engraved on a heart, will be the same dimensions.  that way I really only need to have a template for each different square size and the alignment can be based on the square edges.

-The finished document needs to contain as many of the imported images that will fit on a 110mm x 110mm page size (that's the engravers max marking area).

Here is a sample file i made to try and show you what I need.  I hope I have explained it well enough.

https://we.tl/qYRHRGDTmG

I really appreciate any help and time on this. 

Thomas

    이 주제는 답변이 닫혔습니다.

    1 답변

    E
    edgrimley
    Participating Frequently
    August 10, 2017

    Look up variables and data sets in the help files. It may work for you.

    thomas2017
    thomas2017작성자
    Participant
    August 10, 2017

    Thanks for the thought. Ive been looking at variables and data sets but from what I can tell, I would have to have a several different variables on the page, all reading the same excel file.  Each column could be associated with a variable, but I'm still left with generating the excel file with all the image names in those columns. 

    The reason I like how JJMacks collage tool works, is because it will read all the files in a folder and apply them to a template, then save.  It doesn't need any other work/steps after its set up and goes through the entire folder creating as many finished templates as it can.  I just need it to work with vector images. 

    I'm hoping someone can help me either modify JJ's tool to work with vectors, create something similar in AI or some other smarter method than what I can think of. 

    thomas2017
    thomas2017작성자
    Participant
    August 14, 2017

    There is a problem Photoshop has limited vector support my scripts are Photoshop scripts.  You can have PSD documents with vector layer.  If you place in a PSD file into a document Place create a smart object layer. The layers object is a PSD file however pixels are rendered by Photoshop for the layer's object and used as the layers content that is set in concrete. Smart object layers transform like a raster layer via interpolation not vector graphics.  The only vector smart objects are Placed AI and SVG files.  They are AI file types. Photoshop does not actually support SVG file.  You can open a SVG file in Photoshop and have Photoshop scale it during the open process, However, it will open as a raster layer not  AI vector layers.  The document will not have any vector graphics in it. It best to place in SVG files they are vector smart objects.

    AI is Adobe vector editor. I do not install AI or know how to use it. AI can be scripted You can have vector layers in Photoshop. However, Photoshop has few vector tools.  For your work I would think AI is the application you should use.  About all you could do in Photoshop is to create Paths for you engravings and define custom shape.  Use these custom shapes to create shape layer the size you want and positioned where you want.

    I have done very little scripting of custom shapes.  I would not now how to get the Aspect Ratio of a custom shape.  All I have done is create Custom shapes and create shape layers the size of the custom shape I defiled position where the Path was.  You would need to get the custom shape aspect ration and create custom shape layers that have the same aspect ratio when you create the shape layer otherwise the shape layer created will have distortion. If you transform a path the new paths bounds must have the same aspect ratio as the defined custom shape bounds otherwise the the resized path will be distorted.

    Creating and deleting custom shape would also be difficult.  Define custom shape names need not be unique. They actually also have a uuid or an index you use can use the get the proper one you want to use or delete. I only Hack at Photoshop scripting I have a programming background but actually I never learned Java or Javascript

    If you use place to place in image files that support vectors. PSD with Vectors layers and placed AI and SVG file.  If in Photoshop you open smart Object Layer's object AI and SVG files may open is AI. If you have AI installed.I do not know for sure.  Places PSD files will open as PSB work document  in Photoshop. The vector layer will be the size of the layer in the PSB work document .  Most likely not the same size as the smat object transformed size.

    You need to work with your engraver t]o find out exactly what they want from you. Then design a process that can be automated.  Are you a programmer?


    JJ, Thanks for the help and detailed explanation. 

    I'm just not familiar enough with Photoshop to really understand and try what you are talking about with custom shapes. 

    I will try and Place the objects and see what they do as vectors in Photoshop. 

    I am the engraver, which is why I have flexibility on files types and programs.  I just need a vector file as the finished result. 

    I am not a programmer, although I wish I was. 

    I will also see if I can find something like your script for AI or see if someone can make it work.  

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