Resizing and Renaming Files in Automator

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Level 1

8 points

Resizing and Renaming Files in Automator

Hi!

I am trying to build a workflow in Automator but am having issues.

Basically, I have batches of 50+ files. Which need to be renamed and resized into 4 different names and sizes. And collated into one folder.

So for example..

I will have an image called 34019101_1 (2498x3200).

Which needs to be resized to 1249x1600 and renamed to 34019101_1_highres.

Then resized to 320x410 and renamed to 34019101_1_picture.

Then resized to 180x231 and renamed to 34019101_1_list.

And then resized to 74x95 and renamed to 34019101_1_thumbnail.

Then all the images collated into one folder.

I have built a workflow in automator which does this.. (see below)

But the image quality is effected.

Is anyone able to help?

Thanks

Sam

Mac Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12.6)

Posted on Sep 21, 2017 9:02 AM

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Answer 1

HD

Level 5

4,945 points

Sep 21, 2017 10:34 AM in response to strenouth

Hi and welcome to Apple Discussions! You've posted in an area of the forum which deals with Apple's Pages for Mac word processing application, and you may get more knowledgeable answers if the post is moved, probably to

Mac OS X Technologies

I can request a move if you like.

I think the answer may be, though, that the basic 'Scale Images' Automator action is a bit of a blunt instrument. It doesn't allow you to specify the resolution of the resized image, and it doesn't distinguish between landscape and portrait orientation. (I don't know if it scales by width, or by height, or by longest dimension - any could have an effect on image resolution.)

One possibility would be to invest in the shareware application Graphic Converter, available from the App Store or https://www.lemkesoft.de/

It includes a Scale Images action with far more options:

Add: Even Apple's own Crop Images action may give you the options you need. Worth a try.

Hope this helps.

H

I have no connection with Graphic Converter or Lemkesoft

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Answer 2

Sep 21, 2017 5:27 PM in response to strenouth

Try using AppleScript and Preview.

Preview has quite remarkable image editing tools but remains simple.

You haven't explained how the image quality is effected. Obviously it will be affected if you change its resolution. Normally you compensate by adding a bit of Sharpening.

Also you have not said what format you are saving in, and I hope you are not trying to upscale the image, that definitely will not work.

If you are saving as .jpeg do not do multiple chained conversions, e.g. half, then half on the half.

Always work from the original, and keep a reasonable level of compression.

Peter

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