Expert: LizaL - 2/3/2005

Question
Photoshop 7,
   I have 135 headshots to place on a 16x20 size completed piece of photo paper.  Is this complicated in p/s or should I buy a template software somewhere? The lab wants about $700.00 just to make it up.  I need to put their names and ranks on it also.  I can't find directions anywhere (step-by-step) to help me!  Please help!  Thanks, Jack, Adams Studio of Photography, Spring Lake, Michigan  

Answer
Hi Jack,

Whoa, that's some project! The best way I can think of for you to do this in Photoshop is through Contact Sheet II.

I'm using Photoshop CS, not 7, but I don't think Contact Sheet's too different, between the two versions. I didn't use Contact Sheet II very  much when I was using Photoshop 7, so if you come across something I've told you here that doesn't mesh with your program, please let me know and I'll help you figure it out.

Anyway, Contact Sheet II is a batch automation. It's really very handy for things like this. You'll set up the template information, designate a 16 x 20 layout, and let Photoshop figure out the placement for the headshots, and put them on the page.

The command for Contact Sheet II is under the File pulldown menu, under the submenu Automate. Take a look at this little movie -- I'm showing you the commands to get to Contact Sheet II, and also the various parts of the dialog box:

http://little-works.com/all_experts/contact_sheet_movie.mov

(It might take a minute or so for that movie to load, as it's kind of large.)

As you can see, you'll be presented with a dialog box that lets you specify the size of your layout, and the actual layout -- that is, the  number of pictures across and down. You can specify your printing resolution, as well. You can also have Photoshop name your pictures, and it sounds like you'd want to do this, since you mention you need to put their names and ranks on the layout.

When you're satisfied with your dialog box choices, hit OK, and the automation will begin. Your layout will come out something like this:

http://little-works.com/all_experts/contact_sheet.png

Real exciting subject matter, huh :-)  But I just grabbed a folder of old pictures to use as an example. Notice here that my pictures aren't all the same size, but Photoshop laid them out with the file names all in the same place.

What you'll need to make sure of is that you name your files using the people's names and ranks, so that when Photoshop does the automation, it prints this information below the picture. There are some limited options for fonts, but options all the same.

You should also make sure you have all your pictures in one folder -- then you can just hit that "Choose" button in the Contact Sheet II dialog box, and point to the location of the folder. Photoshop will then know to take all the photos in that folder and use them for the layout.

I'd kind of assume your pictures will all be the same size, but that's really neither here nor there. At any rate, Contact Sheet II will place them all in a layout for you, and you can determine the overall page size.

I hope this helps! And if it doesn't, or if I need to clarify anything or help you figure out something else, please don't hesitate to post back ASAP!

Lisa