I have never used, let alone- created a batch action in CS3.... can anyone tell me how or have a tutorial I can check out? There are a few different types of batch actions I would like to create: re size, place watermarks, run action and change format.

Well, every time I have made one I have had to go back and tweak it so I obviously am not the right person to ask. However, I do have good news--in CS3 there is a script called Image Processor which is an easy, easy way to resize a bunch of images or save them as a new format, etc. So you do not have to make your own. It's under File>Scripts.

Okay! So exactly how would I go about doing that?...File>Scripts.... then what? Sorry! I am new to that part of CS3.

Thats right! I've always used Image Processor from Bridge... It is the easiest way that I have found to resize and put in a folder. (untill I got Lightroom)
But creating an action is easy.
Open an image...
Open your action Pallet, leftclick one time with your mouse and highlight the action folder that you will be recording to.
Default actions should be the top action folder. You can record it there if you'd like.
On the bottom of the pallet will be a few small icons. Mouse over them and the discription of the icon should pop up.

Select the one that says "create new action"
You will be asked to name your action... after you name your action, you should see the round "record" button on the bottom of the pallet turn color.
You are now recording an action.
Make the changes to the image, (resize, watermark and so on) and after You are finished with the image, simply hit the square icon or "button" on the action pallet to stop recording.
Simple as that... *disclaimer... all that was from memory so I hope I didn't leave anything out!! *

There are 2 ways to "batch" that action.
File>Animate>Batch

And then a Window will pop open and thats your batch processing screen.

But I'd recommend using Image Processor from Bridge...

There are also open source programs that are simple to use to do the same things.
Check out Fast stone resizer. Awesome program... unless you're on a Mac.

I hope this helps!!

Sorry, it's just File>Scripts>Image Processor.

Pops up a window and you pick what folder you want to run, length & width of the new files, jpg quality, etc. etc.

Just a note about watermarking--make sure that when you record your action you are working on a file that is the same dimensions/resolution as what you'll be running the batches on (i.e. if you know you'll be batching images that are 640p on the longest side at 72dpi then record your action on that). Also, when you move your watermark layer use the align tools, don't just move it. Aligning is relative; moving records fixed position (so that what looks right on a horizontal image will be in a diff. place on a vertical). At least this has been my experience--again I am still learning too!

I appreciate all the help!! I've created my own actions.. so I've pretty much got that down.. it's just creating the batch that I haven't done yet. This may be a really stupid question.. but I went to File>Scripts>Image Processer... is this something that I will need to change everytime? (The details I am checking and unchecking in the image processer box)

There is a save button that creates a file, I think in your document folder. Also, there is a load button to reload the same batch selections next time. I mess up the location, save and generally redo an action everytime I start a batch. Some actions, with open and close steps, really mess me up.

http://www.russellbrown.com/tips_tech.html


Dr. Brown, who is an Adobe developer/evangelist, has a suped up image processor that I really like. He also has tons of tutorials, some not really for photographers, but lots of good information.

Thanks so much for all the help. I will check out the tutorials right now!