Script for importing an entire alphabet into one folder

[Staci27651327tzfl]

Hello all;

I'm looking for someone who can create me a script for photoshop that will allow me to import an entire hand drawn alphabet set into one folder. This is so that I may swap out patterns all at once to save time as opposed to having to do each letter separately. I know it can be done, I just don't know how to do it. Thx in advance.

[Bojan Živković]

Do you mean to import multiple files into a single document and place them on layers, one above the other? There is a built-in script for that: File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack.

[Staci27651327tzfl]

No, not separate layers. I'm trying to fill an entire alphabet with a pattern and instead of doing each letter one by one, there is a way apparently to pull in the entire alphabet into one layer with the outline for the alpha in a different layer and the pattern in separate layer. Hoping the screen shots help to explain what I'm trying to accomplish.

[Stephen Marsh]

@Staci27651327tzfl 

Perhaps if you could post screenshots and list step-by-step what you want to achieve...

[Staci27651327tzfl]

I'm trying to fill an entire alphabet with a pattern and instead of doing each letter one by one, there is a way apparently to pull in the entire alphabet into one layer with the outline for the alpha in a different layer and the pattern in separate layer. Hoping the screen shots help. It wont let me post a video.

[Stephen Marsh]

I'm trying to fill an entire alphabet with a pattern and instead of doing each letter one by one, there is a way apparently to pull in the entire alphabet into one layer with the outline for the alpha in a different layer and the pattern in separate layer. Hoping the screen shots help. It wont let me post a video.

By @Staci27651327tzfl

I don't know of a native feature for this, outside of a custom script.

You have three layers. If I'm understanding your request, you wish to replace the middle linked smart object layer with the pattern. Then repeat for each other image for each letter of the alphabet. You might even be able to do this with a batch action if the layers have consistent names.

How many different patterns/textures do you need to fill each letter with? Are these to be retained as layered files, or do you just need to save off a PNG with transparency for each letter without retaining the layers?

A detailed step-by-step explanation really would help.

[staind_9578]

Yes you are correct on the middle layer being the "pattern" that I'm wanting to fill the alpha with. Each letter would be the same pattern, not different. They do not need to be retained as layered files, as i'm only wanting the completed PNG's. NOTE: each letter in my alpha set is created with 2 layers originally in PS (see attached PS file). The solid layer I use to attach my pattern to and the top layer would be the outline of the letter and the pattern layer would go in the middle and would need to be a clipping mask for the bottom layer. 

I'll try my best to explain below the steps from what I've gotten from the video I posted.

1. I would go to "scripts" in PS and go to browse and find the jsx or jsxbin file that i'm asking to be created in order to pull into "scripts" in Photoshop

2. then I would go to my pattern folder and choose a pattern.

3. then I would choose the folder that contains the font (alpha) set I'm wanting to use.

4. I then create a new folder containing the 3 items I chose and hit "open".

[Stephen Marsh]

How many patterns are there?

You will need to supply at least two files for the alphabet letters and at least two different textures so that a better understanding of the source assets can be obtained.

It would also be helpful to understand the filing structure of folders and files for both the input and output.

[staind_9578]

No, only one pattern for all the alpha. Please see the video attached. 

[Staci27651327tzfl]

Hopefully the video explains it.

[AlanGilbertson]

I may be missing something basic, but I don't see why this couldn't be done using an action and the Photoshop > Batch command from Bridge or File > Automate > Batch in Photoshop (if your alphabet files are all in a folder that contains only the alphabet). I don't see anything happening in Photoshop that couldn't be part of an action.

[staind_9578]

Can you explain further on this process. I'm not familiar with actions or the batch command. Have you seen the video I posted?

[AlanGilbertson]

Actions are recorded steps in Photoshop that can be replayed.

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/actions-actions-panel.html

You create an action using the Actions panel.

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/creating-actions.html

In this case, you would record all the steps to do one pattern swap as an action, then either a) in Bridge, select all the glyph files you want to process and choose Tools > Photoshop > Batch, or b) choose File > Automation > Batch in Photoshop.

The instructions for running batch operations are on this page. Scroll down to the section headed "Process a Batch of Files."