Re: Trying to align two images side by side, hopefully in a way so I can batch proces
Iamsam - I've actually watched that video before as it came up in my searches, but as he was manually creating the exact size canvas for two images he knew the exact width of, I couldn't apply it to my problem where one image width varies.
I like your idea and almost works, but the problem I have now is that while trim remove the excess from the right of cover, space remains between the logo and the cover, and not sure how to remove this? Perhaps it's the way I'm introducing the pictures together as I see you mentioned 'merge', where as I am simply copy and pasting.
Here's what I'm doing step by step...
1. Open logo and extend canvas width.
2. Open cover, select all and copy.
3. Back to logo, I paste, so that now both logo and cover are on the same canvas. Logo is on the far left where it should be, and cover is in the middle of canvas with unwanted space between logo and cover. Trim > Transparent Pixels removes empty space from the right edge of the cover, but this still leaves empty space between right edge of logo and left edge of cover.
hawkeye - Thanks for the images and explanation. I've no doubt this works, but I just cannot get it to work for me. After setting variable, adding that to a set, then selecting Image > Apply Data > Set > Data Set 1, nothing happens. I tried different pixel replacement methods, along with different alignment too, just to test, but regardless of what I tried the layer remains in the exact same position on canvas. I'm clearly going wrong somewhere?
I understand the concept of variables, but it is so confusing to use, particularly for a newbie. I think I'd need a step by step guide on this one (hankeye, anyone, pretty please) 
I've used PhotoScape in the past to combine images, which is so simply to do, but I use photoshop for everything else so thought I'd try combining images here. Who knew such a seemingly task would prove to be so difficult! I've already spent another 3 hours on this today, and all of last night, so will return to it tomorrow. In the mean time, please keep suggestions coming. Thank you.
[EDIT] Whooha I'm now allowed to edit post! Next thing you know I'LL be help people! 
One last very important thing I just remembered for me trying to switch! PhotoScape doesn't have option to batch combine! Plus I noticed that my Photoshop outputs were of sharper quality.
