Expert: Tom Rouze - 3/19/2009

Question
How do you batch convert files from BMP to JPG in photoshop? I have over 300 files that I need to convert.

Answer
Hi Dave,

I came across this a while ago that someone posted. The did a pretty good job explaining it.
To begin this process you need to create an action. If you don't know how to do this or never used Photoshop's actions before, I'll explain it. First you must create a new action from the actions menu, give it a name and hit the record button. Photoshop will now memorize everything you do in between pressing the record button on and off. Just like a tape player (am I old?). In my case, I would load my image, press record, then change BMP to JPG (Image menu>Mode>Grayscale>Bitmap). After I'm finished with all my actions I would hit the record button again to stop recording. Photoshop now knows that every time that action is played it will recreate everything you've done in the recording mode. Remember to give your action a name.
Now, on to automating the actions via the batch command. From the actions menu select the batch command. It will then show the batch dialogue box. You have little variety here to select from, which is good because it makes things pretty easy. In my case, I just wanted to modify each file then load a new one and continue in a loop. So select a destination folder where all your graphic files are, then select one of the actions to be performed on each file. Select the option (Save and Close). Photoshop will now be automated. You can watch as Photoshop mechanically and quickly goes through all your files while you can sit back and relax. Your boss might be impressed as he wonders how you completed the task so efficiently, while you didn't even break a sweat.

Try this and if you have any questions please let me know. I'll try my best to help.

Thank you,

Tom