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Batch Automation Issue with Large Batch due to Layer Names issue


James Pyle

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I have about 700 PNG images that I am batching, and about 75% of them the layer (there is only one layer in all files) is named "Background" but the other 25% it is named "Layer 0"

The action I am using is looking for "Background" so the ones with "Layer 0" error out.

I tried finding a way to do it without needing a specific layer but couldn't find a way so I figured it would be easy to batch rename the Layer 0 layers to Background and saving.

This is where I ran into my problem. When I rename to Background and save it always changes back to Layer 0. I thought maybe it was because PNG doesn't really have layers so then I converted all files to PSD with the layer named background. That worked, opening the PSD files the layer is called Background.

However then I batched saving them as PNG and the layer changed back to Layer 0 again!

I am lost as to how to fix this!

Thanks in advance.

Edit://
The only thing I haven't tried is thinkin in reverse. Converting all the Backgrounds to Layer 0 then changing my action to use Layer 0 instead of background - I might be forced to do this? maybe once the BG layer is unlocked and saved it can't be reverted to a bg layer in a PNG?

Also, If i Run my batch on the PSD files first of course it will work, then I can rebatch to PNG the problem is I need those files fixed in PNG form before my batch (these files I use many times for different batches so I need them to be correct, else I have this problem with every batch action I do)

(This is cross posted, because I meant to post here and posted on another forum by mistake...woooops..not a problem I just like to mention it.)​
 
Last edited:

colleague

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if the png has transparancy in it , it will never be "Background" but Always layer 0
If you can convert all png-files into " layer 0" and it solves your action then go ahead with it
 

James Pyle

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There's no transparency, although when I look close it looks like whoever cut these images maybe left some small edges..so maybe if I do action to create a new layer, place on bottom then merge it will save as background?

I could do it the other way but it would just take a lot longer.

Thanks for your reply though you probably helped me figure it out. I never knew why it would be Background or Layer 0...didn't know about the transparency thing. I will try what I said above and see if it works.

Edit:

Well that didn't work. There was indeed transparency in the edges but placing a background and flattening now I see no transparency but it still changes to Layer 0 :(
 
Last edited:

colleague

Guru
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so you have to start the action with layer >flatten image as first line
but maybe the action creates a transparancy
and you have to end the action also with layer >flatten image as last line
 

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