MacMost Now 781: Using Automator to Resize Images

With Automator you can create your own application that will resize any image dropped onto it. In this example it will create a new file, name the file appropriately, and resize the image in that file. You can use this for a single image or to batch process several images.

Comments: 20 Responses to “MacMost Now 781: Using Automator to Resize Images”

    JG Francoeur
    12 years ago

    I wish I could get more info on how to use Automator. Seems useful but no clue how to use/configure it... Anyone?

    JG Francoeur
    Author, Messy Manager

      12 years ago

      Well, there is the video on this page :)
      And some others here at MacMost (http://macmost.com/tag/automator)
      Not sure what you mean by "configure it" -- it is just a tool that you can use for various things. Of course most Mac users never use it, or need to use it.

      Rich O
      12 years ago

      Automator seems daunting at first, but stick with it. Just take some time and play around with it. It wasn't long before I created Apps and Services (Services appear in "services" in the context menu). I am very particular about the photos I take. I like them named a certain way and I like to have a scaled web version. I created an app that simply renames, one that scales and renames. I even created an app that can reduce the file size of a PDF while retaining sufficient image quality.

      I learned from Gary here, practice, and trial & error. But once you got it, these tools are always with you. You will be thankful you invested the time to created tiny applications that do just what you need instead of launching a much larger app, or buying someone else's app that basically does the same thing.

      Happy Automating.

    Paddy zoller
    12 years ago

    This intro to Automator is great. Thanks for including this video. I always thought it would be beyond my scope of expertise. Now I can go forth with more confidence and discover what other uses it will have for me.

    Oliver Schwarz
    12 years ago

    Hey, Gary, thanks for this useful app! Thanks for your great tutorials!

    richard perrier
    12 years ago

    gary , i've save to desktop but now at 3:14 i'm not sure what you click to get 3:16 window i'm stuck there
    perhaps i'm missing a bar
    help

      12 years ago

      From 3:14 to 3:16 I simply quit out of Automator. I put the app that was created, plus a sample image, in a folder. So I am just looking at a Finder window that shows a folder with the created app and a sample jpg file.

    richard perrier
    12 years ago

    i would like to reduce in size my initial logo in order to insert into a text edit document or email.

    Nilesh Parmar
    12 years ago

    I use Automator as much as possible in my daily work life. This tip is great, especially when the photo/image is resized by the longest width, thank you.

    I find changing pc files from _ (underscore) and lowercase to Title Case and space to replace the underscore a godsend, my clients always send underscored silly title files. lol. Nice tip!

    Joseph Allen
    12 years ago

    How do you edit an app ... ??? Let's say you want to change the SCALE from 680 to 300; do have have to create a 2nd app using 300 or can you modify the 680 app like the one you just created ... ???

      12 years ago

      You can just open the app in Automator and change the number.

        Joseph Allen
        12 years ago

        Thanks, Gary. You da man ... !!!!!!

    Joel
    12 years ago

    Great video Gary. Very helpful. Thanks!

    Jerry
    12 years ago

    Thanks Gary. It is so much fun to learn something new about my Mac. This is so easy now to email photos and post to the web is paste too.

    My transition to Mac has been a delight thanks to all your videos. Keep em coming.

    Gavin Brooker
    12 years ago

    Hi Gary - thanks as always for these Brilliant "How To" videos - they are so helpful. I'd never even opened automator before as I had no idea what it did!!

    The app works brilliantly! :o) - 2 questions - 1. Is it possible to get it to create a new folder on the desk top and put the scaled images in the folder - I've been playing around with it and cant get it to do them - so I guess im not giving it the right command ... and 2) Is it possible to get the scaling app to sit in the dock at the bottom / side of the screen - as when I move it there - and drop a picture on it - a little gear appears in the tool bar at the top of the screen - but nothing happens ?

      12 years ago

      The problem with trying to get it to create a new folder is that you are asking it to do two things. The input comes in to the script (which files to convert) and then you take a detour and say "create a folder." So the input from the script gets lost because you are not using it.
      So you would have to store the input, then create a new folder, then recall the input, then do the conversion. It takes this from a beginner script to an advanced one.
      I would just create a folder manually that sits in your Documents or Pictures folder. Then have the results always go there. That would make more sense for a beginner script.
      As for the Dock, it should work there, yes.

    James
    12 years ago

    Thanks Gary great video.
    I have done the same thing but I created a service rather than an app and gave it a name like "shrink photo" when I clicked on the quit and save option.
    Then you just right click on any photo and the context menu has the option to shrink the photo it works identical to yours.
    You can play around with finder function options so you are only looking for photos this means if you right click on a document you do not get the menu but right click on an image and you do.
    Automator is awesome.

    Rob
    12 years ago

    Hi Gary,
    Thanks for great vid! I used automator to convert a pdf of a book to an rtf file but it removes the pictures and text formatting.

    Is it possible to convert a doc with pictures and formatting intact using automator?

    PS: More automator & Pixelmator videos would be great!

      12 years ago

      Not sure as I have never tried. If you have Microsoft Word installed, then it comes with a ton of Automator commands. One is the ability to "Save As" and an rtf file is indeed an option.
      Of course Word also has its own internal macros language which is pretty deep.

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