Batch Optimize Images and Resize using Automator

Automator

Free Workflow Included

In a pinch Apple’s Automator, already installed on you Mac, is still a great option to optimize images. In some cases Fireworks and Photoshop will not batch compress images for one reason or another. This is were Automator comes in handy to optimize images:

1. Open a new window in the finder and navigate to your Applications Folder.
2. Double-Click on Automator.
3. In the first dialog you will see select a starting point for your new workflow. Click Custom.

Automator

1. You should already have your images in a primary folder called Backup.
2. Create a second and call that “Batch”.
3. Next you will need double-click on the Backup folder and Select All (Apple + A) the images in the folder and drag them into Automator.
4. Once you have moved them a dialogue will appear asking you if you want to create a additional backup folder. You can dismiss this since you already created a backup folder.

All this sets up your batch process so that you have a folder of original files and a folder to hold your optimized images.

Automator

1. Next, go to the Library > Photos.
2. Select Scale Images.
3. The dialog asks to create a second folder so that you can duplicate all your images before batching them. Click Add.
4. Select the Batch folder on the desktop.
5. Set To Size (pixels) and type in 500 in the text box.

Automator
HINT: If you want to change the type of images from TIFF to JPEG you will have to Select in the same Library > Change Type of Images. Dismiss the Dialog since you already have copied the files to the Batch folder. Set the type to you desired output.

When ready, click Run. You can Save your workflow as a Workflow, Application or Plug-in. I am including a sample file to help you get started on your own Batch Optimize and Resize in Automator Workflow. To use the Application simply create a Batch folder on your desktop and then run the app. That’s it!