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Inspiring
May 3, 2020
Answered

Is there a way to automatically export and name multiple layers as PNG's?

  • May 3, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 6134 views

So I am trying to make multiple sprites for me and my sister, and it is working out pretty well. The problem is that it often takes more time to export, name, and sort the sprites than it takes to draw them. I was wondering if there was a program that could export all of the different variations of layers and name them by the names of all of the combined layers. I have attached a few pictures of the sprites to hopfully clarify what I mean. I have been naming them by the names of the layers from top to bottom (eye shape/ direction of eyes, mouth shape/expression, body/base position.png), and I was wondering if this program existed if it could do that too. I have each group of layers seperated (so eyes are with eyes, mouths are with mouth, etc.) and I would hope the program would not mix the layers in the groups together. (I don't want all of the eye shapes mixed together in one PNG). I know this is very specific, but it would save me so much time. If this program does not exist is there someone I could reach out to to commission them to make this program. Thanks a ton!

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Correct answer Gaming_Giraffe

I'm looking into multiple different things trying to figure this out as it will save so much time I will be sure to look into what you said and get back to you once I do. I also found this which seems promising and I am currently trying to tincker with it to see what I can do. Thankyou for all the advice I really appreciate it!

https://github.com/mechanicious/photoshopCompositionComposer

3 replies

Inspiring
May 4, 2020

This Script did Exactly what I wanted! It named based on the group/folder name and then did all the different combinations of the layers inside and named after those!

Stephen Marsh
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 4, 2020

Can you screenshot the layers panel with two or more sets/groups expanded?

 

Look into Generator, Generate Image Assets...

Stephen Marsh
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 4, 2020

I started to write a script to help automatically rename layer sets for Generator, you may find this topic informative:

 

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop/quick-export-as-png-as-standalone-script/td-p/10490162/page/2?page=1

 

That being said, I didn't know about a nice little extension panel that already existed:

 

https://blogs.adobe.com/cssdk/2013/12/adobe-layer-namer.html

https://exchange.adobe.com/creativecloud.details.1680.adobe-layer-namer.html

https://exchange.adobe.com/creativecloud.details.2365.generator-layer-names.html

 

 

Gaming_GiraffeAuthorCorrect answer
Inspiring
May 4, 2020

I'm looking into multiple different things trying to figure this out as it will save so much time I will be sure to look into what you said and get back to you once I do. I also found this which seems promising and I am currently trying to tincker with it to see what I can do. Thankyou for all the advice I really appreciate it!

https://github.com/mechanicious/photoshopCompositionComposer

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 3, 2020

For best results, use abbreviated layer names without spaces. 

img_1, img_2, etc... because these will be appended to the PSD's filename.

1. Go to File > Export > Layers to Files.

2. Select a destination folder.

3. From the File Type options list, select PNG-8 or PNG-24.

4. Click on Run.

Depending on how many layers you used, this could take a while.

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
Inspiring
May 3, 2020

Does it matter if the Layers are Visible/ Invisible? (Should all layers be turned of or turned on or does it not matter?) Thankyou so Much!

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 4, 2020

Visible layers only is an option.  When enabled, invisible layers are excluded.

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert