Save Active Layer Name As File

[gangeek]

Good evening, everyone.

Is there a way to save the active layer in a photoshop document as a .jpeg?

In other words, I would like to:

1. save the current(active) layer as a .jpeg

2. use the active layer name as the file name

3. assign the save path in the script (for example, "/g/MyFolder")

I have few scripts which are close to this but not quite.

Thank you in advance 🙂

[Jenny Rhea]

I have composites built with individual pictures I want saved out as the layer name.  So a background will show up behind each layer of a kids photo.... Is there a way to save the shown layer as a file, or even to automate the process so that layer saves, turns off the layer, turns on the next layer, saves as that layer name, turns off the layer, turns on the next layer,.....  But the background won't change and other layers won't change either.  Does that make sense?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

It might make sense to post meaningful screenshots (including all pertinent Panels) to clarify. 

[Stephen_A_Marsh · Accepted solution]

I have composites built with individual pictures I want saved out as the layer name.  So a background will show up behind each layer of a kids photo.... Is there a way to save the shown layer as a file, or even to automate the process so that layer saves, turns off the layer, turns on the next layer, saves as that layer name, turns off the layer, turns on the next layer,.....  But the background won't change and other layers won't change either.  Does that make sense?

By @Jenny Rhea

Yes, having static layer/s combined with variable layers is a common enough situation that there are existing scripts. Otherwise you would make use of the native Layer Comps feature.

https://github.com/Paul-Riggott/PS-Scripts/blob/master/Layer%20Saver%20Plus.jsx

https://github.com/Paul-Riggott/PS-Scripts/blob/master/Layer%20Saver.jsx

https://github.com/mechanicious/photoshopCompositionComposer/tree/master

[JasonSawtelle · Accepted solution]

(It is insane that Adobe doesn't monitor this community to supply direct solutions to questions like this). @gangeek  you can use the built-in feature called "Image Assets" under the File > Generate menu in Photoshop. Here is more about the feature, including the ability to export files to specific directories: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/generate-assets-layers.html

[Hazel35450925m18c · Accepted solution]

The user is asking how to save a file in Adobe software using the name of the currently active layer. There are two main methods mentioned:

1. **Using the "Export Layers to Files" option:**
- Hide all other layers except the active one.
- Go to File > Export > Export Layers to Files.
- Check the "Only visible" box and leave the prefix empty.
- This will save the active layer as a separate file with its name.

2. **Using a script:**
- Code snippets are provided in the thread that automate the process of getting the active layer name and saving the file with that name. This method requires some scripting knowledge.

Overall, the user is looking for a way to streamline their workflow by automatically using the layer name as the file name when saving.

[focused_Essence0D44]

Hello,

Thank you for your answer It saved me so much time but I am having another issue.. 

I was wondering if there is any way to add my layer name to my file name and save it.

Like; my file name is OBJ and my layer name is redcarpet so when I export it the final jpg name would be OBJ_redcarpet. 

[Lumigraphics]

You would need to modify whichever script you are using to either save with app.activeDocument.name tacked on or rename the file once saved to disk.

[Stephen_A_Marsh]

You would need to modify whichever script you are using to either save with app.activeDocument.name tacked on or rename the file once saved to disk.

By @Lumigraphics

Adding a third option, one can also duplicate the active document with a new name, and save that file.

[Stephen_A_Marsh]

@focused_Essence0D44 

Can you provide more info on the workflow or the code that you are currently using?

[Davide_Barranca]

Answers have already been given; I just wanted to point out that you can now drag a layer, say, directly to the Desktop (or any other folder in the File Explorer / macOS Finder) to simulate the Quick Export as PNG.

[Lumigraphics]

With one caveat, this doesn't work if Legacy Export As is enabled.