Layers TV: Episode 66

RC talks about using Photoshop actions to automate image resizing.

• Open a new action in Photoshop and name it, begin recording
• Open an image and resize it to the size you need. Save and close the image and stop the action recording
• Create a new folder on the desktop for the exported images
• In Photoshop, go to File>Automate>Batch
• Run the resize action on the chosen source folder
• Choose an export folder for the destination of the resized files
• You can automatically add extensions to the file name
• Create a droplet using a similar action
• A Droplet allows you to just drag and drop files onto an action and have it run

Corey shows how to take a 3D object created in Photoshop CS4 Extended into After Effects.

• Create a new 3D shape in Photoshop
• Open 3D panel and create a new texture under the opacity option
• Choose show grid option to display grid on the texture layer
• Use step and repeat commands to create vertical black boxes along the grid, then invert the values
• Save and close the opacity layer and the 3D object has taken on a new design. Save the new document
• Open After Effects and import the shape document
• Make sure the Live Photoshop 3D box is checked when importing
• You can manipulate the 3D object using the 3D layer controller in After Effects
• With the controller layer active, press R to bring up the rotate tool
• Set keyframes and set the rotation to 1 to set the object rotating once
• Create a new solid layer and experiment with blending modes to create a new design

Links mentioned in this week’s show:

• Check out Moose Peterson’s blog at Moosenewsblog.com
• Moose does some teaching with digitallandscape.org
• Check out Kelby Training for a list of Moose’s online training courses
• Layers has a new page on Facebook
• Layers Magazine is on Twitter!
• RC is also on a Layers Twitter page
• Also on Twitter is Corey’s Planet Photoshop

Contest Winner
RC and Corey have decided that the weekly contest winner from Layers TV will be announced in RC’s blog post. Remember when you submit your answer in the contact form to choose Layers Blog from the drop-down menu. Be sure to check the front page post for the name of this week’s winner and tune in to this week’s episode to find out what the contest question and prizes are.