How to Resize a Batch of Images in Photoshop CS3

In this tutorial, I will show you how to use the “Image Processor…” function in Photoshop CS3 to automate the image resizing process. For this tutorial, I am using Photoshop CS3, but it might be the same for CS4 and CS5 versions.

Before We Begin

In order to automate the image resizing process, all your “raw” images have to be the same dimension, meaning same width and height for all images to be processed. Otherwise your processed images will be distorted.

About Image Processor

Image Processor converts and processes multiple files. Unlike the Batch command, the Image Processor lets you process files without first creating an action. You can do any of the following in the Image Processor:

  1. Convert a set of files to either JPEG, PSD, or TIFF format; or convert files simultaneously to all three formats.
  2. Process a set of camera raw files using the same options.
  3. Resize images to fit within specified pixel dimensions.
  4. Embed a color profile or convert a set of files to sRGB and save them as JPEG images for the web.
  5. Include copyright metadata into the converted images.

Let’s Begin!

Place the images to be resized in a “source” folder. Launch Photoshop CS3 then:

Go to File ->Scripts ->Image Processor… as shown in the image below:

Image Processor function in PS CS3

From the Image Processor window, shown in the image below:

Image Processor Window in PS CS3

  1. In step 1 click Select Folder… to specify the source folder containing the “raw” images to be processed.
  2. In step 2 click the second radio button to activate and click the Select Folder… button to specify the destination folder for your resized images. Here, you can save in the Same Location, or choose a different folder. If you save in the Same Location, it will create a new folder inside your source folder called JPEG (assuming that this is your choice of an output) and puts the processed images there. It will not overwrite your original images.
  3. In step 3 select the output File Type for your images. In this example I am saving all images as JPEG with a maximum quality of 12. In general, I recommend saving as JPEG with a quality of 10 or 11. Your photos will be noticeably reduced in file size and will remain in very good quality.
  4. Also, in step 3 select Resize to Fit and enter the dimensions you want. To keep the aspect ratio of your images, divide the height and width separately by the same number.
  5. Don´t worry about step 4.
  6. Finally, click Run and Photoshop will start processing the images. Wait for it to finish, then you can close Photoshop.

That’s all. Now you can resize hundreds of images with a few clicks and a saving of many laborious hours.

The limitations of the “Image Processor…” function are:
1. The original images MUST have the same dimensions to start with.
2. You need to specify the height and width in pixels. There is no percent option.
3. You cannot save the output images as PNG or GIF.

About the Author |
Boutros is a professional Drupal & WordPress developer, Web developer, Web designer, Software Engineer and Blogger. He strives for pixel perfect design, clean robust code, and user-friendly interface. If you have a project in mind and like his work, feel free to contact him. Connect with Boutros on Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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2 Responses to “How to Resize a Batch of Images in Photoshop CS3”

  1. Ray S. says:

    My friend recommended this blog and she was right, keep up the good work.

  2. Jack W. says:

    Great article. A lot of useful information here. Thanks for sharing!