Batch editing allows you to automate editing tasks in Adobe Photoshop and apply the same edits to multiple photos at once. This saves a tremendous amount of time when you need to process hundreds or thousands of images. Here’s how to leverage Photoshop’s powerful batch editing capabilities:
Table of Contents
Set Up Your Folder Structure
Before starting any batch editing, you need to set up your folder structure properly:
- Place all the photos you want to edit in one main folder
- Create a subfolder called “Edited” where the processed images will be exported
- Make sure all images are formatted consistently (JPEG, PSD, etc.)
Consistent formatting is crucial – batch editing works best when all source files are similarly formatted.
Record a Photoshop Action
Actions allow you to record all edit steps and replay them automatically:
- Open an image and make your edits as usual
- Click the “Create new action” icon in the Actions panel
- Give your action a name and click Record
- Make your edits to the open image
- Click Stop to finish recording
The action now contains all edits to be applied in batch mode.
Adjust Batch Processing Settings
With your action recorded, set up the batch processing:
- Go to File > Automate > Batch
- Select your action under “Play”
- Set source folder to your images folder
- Set destination folder to the “Edited” subfolder
- Adjust any other settings
Check the boxes to override saving/file naming actions – this gives you more control in batch mode.
Run the Batch Command
You’re now ready apply the editing action:
- Click OK to run the batch command
- Photoshop will automatically process all files
- Edited images will be exported to the destination folder
Monitor the progress in the batch dialog box. Your edits will be applied to all photos automatically.
Bonus Tips for Smooth Batch Editing
Follow these tips for optimal batch editing results:
- Record actions that work non-destructively via adjustments layers
- Adjust only global edits like curves, levels, hue/saturation
- Keep local edits like cloning or healing to a minimum
- Use flexible color adjustment methods like Photo Filters
Flexible edits prevent issues – destructive edits may not work well across all images.
Batch editing is a must-have technique for efficient photo post-processing. By recording key adjustments into reusable actions, you can automate global edits across any number of images. Follow these steps for smooth batch editing in Photoshop.
