Computer Graphics with Photoshop

Author

Bulk Scanning

Monica Pasqualotto

2004-12-28, 7:14 pm

Hi,

2 questions for the panel.

I do quite a lot scanning, about 100 passes per day, including mostly
various small items put together side by side like a mosaic. I then:
1. scan into into photoshop
2. select the white bits bewteen the items
3. cut the blanks between the items to leave a coloured background
4. apply a 5% increase in the canvas size as a frame
5. paint the the frame the same background colour
6. save the file with the "save for web" command.
7. close the file

I have automated steps 3 to 7 with an action linked to a function key
My questions are:
a) is it possible to automate even further? (steps 1 and 2)
b) a lot of time is taken to prepare the items on the scanner bed. Would a
document feeder help keeping in mind that I am scanning compositions of
various different size, sometimes small items?

I use an Epson perfection scanner as speed is the main discriminating factor
(and I can't afford anything professional!)

Thanks in advance for all your help and advice.

The Gadget Shop

2004-12-28, 11:14 pm

1. Photoshop doesn't have much control over your scanner driver, so to
automate that part, you would need to use a Windows macro recording program
which could then trigger a PS action for the rest... maybe try
www.simtel.net for a freeware macro program.

2. You can record a magic wand selection, say in a corner which will never
have a photo in it - then use expand/feather/smooth/delete as appropriate.

3. Cut to leave transparent background

5. As far as painting the frame to match the background colour, set your
background colour before you do the canvas size...

Cheers, Jason
Folio: www.gadgetaus.com/photos