Using OS X Automator to scale images

Posted by Matt Thommes on April 1, 2009 | Post type: Gain

I've heard of the power of Automator, but never had a need for it myself. I don't do a lot of batch processes, but I imagined it could be useful for the right task.

That task came the other day when I had a folder of 150+ images that needed to be re-sized for display on the web. I cringed at the thought of opening each one and re-sizing individually. I estimated at least 30 minutes to an hour to do all that.

Opening Automator, I wasn't sure what to expect. As with all "batch process" and workflow applications or utilities (Automator, Photoshop "actions", etc), there's always that lingering doubt that the time you spend learning or configuring the automated process (with the hope that it works) is the same time you could have simply done the task the normal way.

It's about getting the best out of your time.

Turns out Automator was worth the initial setup time, in order to quickly re-size 150+ images.

Opening Automator

Automator makes it simple. When you first open the application, a dialog window helps get you started:

Screenshot of Automator

I was able to immediately recognize that I needed to select a bunch of files from the Finder.

Screenshot of Automator

Each image was loaded in, while Automator awaited my next action.

I then chose Photos > Scale Images, and was asked to confirm that I wanted to actually change the files passed into Automator. I could also have opted to copy the files first, then make the changes to the copied files - in case I overlooked an Automator setting, and proceeded to batch update files that can't be reverted.

Screenshot of Automator

After choosing "Don't Add" (I had a backup of the original images elsewhere), Automator then placed the "Scale Images" action in my workflow:

Screenshot of Automator

I could then adjust my desired size in which the images would change to.

Workflow completed

Once your workflow is set, simply click Run in the upper-right corner, and Automator does the rest!

Screenshot of Automator

This saved me a lot of time, and I imagine there is lots more that Automator can do besides just this.

About the author(s)

Matt Thommes is an independent publishing enthusiast, mobile blogger, content creator, informative writer, web developer from a suburb of Chicago. Never one to conform, Matt intends to promote the effect the web has on our lives, in an effort to intensify, instruct, and clarify all that is happening around us.

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