Batch processing while retaining file structure?

[AcroSteve]

Anybody aware of a batch processor that will take a complete directory with files and subdirectories and process them to a new location while retaining the same file and folder names?


I have used PS essentials in the past, but do not have it installed on a pc currently, but I don't think it would do sub-directories.

That is the only one that I have used in the past.

Thanks

 

[Recty]

Have you tried Irfanview? I think it might do that, not 100% sure. I know I've batch processed to another directory and I think you can say to keep directory structure and apply the batch process to every folder underneath your main folder. You'd have to verify that, but it's a free download and easy to test

 

[oscar.millan]

I'm sure there is a reason why, I'm trying to figure out what I'm missing. Why not just copy and paste? Discuss.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

 

[AcroSteve]

Well, it is for conserving space while archiving or photos. The photo files from my cameras are from 1mb to 4mb and larger. Thousands of them in different directories based on subject and date taken. They add up to many gigabytes of information.


I don't really have any plans for processing them digitally and printing them out - just want to save them for future viewing on electronic devices.

Most of the photo viewing programs have a feature where you can "export" a photo and change the size of the photo and quality of the data compression. What this accomplishes is a major reduction in file size. The 1mb file I mentioned before would be down to around 200k with what I commonly use. So the reduction in disc space needed is significant.

I am only dealing with jpg files - no RAW. They get even larger.
I imaging I could put 30gig of photos I have in one particular location on one single layer DVD, but I have not tried yet.


Thanks for the recommendation on Irfanview, I will check it out and let you know.

 

[Mike_Noren]

Arrggh... How do I delete messages?

 

[pyroboy1der]

IMO you're going about this backwards. If something does happened to your computer/HD you're going to want those full resolution pictures not the processed down-sized ones.

I think a better solution would be for you would be to buy an external hard drive (you can get a Terabyte for a hundred bucks) and find a program to automatically back up your photos (and perhaps all your other valuable computer documents) to it automatically. I know it sounds like a lot of wasted space but it's worth it when you have that computer crash to know it's somewhere safe.

Alternatively (Or in addition too) you could look into one of the many off-site backup programs that are available (Crashplan, BackBlaze, Carbonite, etc) and for a couple bucks a month they will automatically back up your computer to a server so even if your house burns down you'll have your pictures and documents from your computer.

 

[Scizzle]

Use Adobe Fireworks. If you don't have it download the trial. It has a great batch processor for photos. I use it all the time.

 

[AcroSteve]

IMO you're going about this backwards. If something does happened to your computer/HD you're going to want those full resolution pictures not the processed down-sized ones.

I hear you, but...

In this example, my original photo was 3072x2304 and 1.2mb. Using Picasa, I exported this with "normal" quality and re-sized it to 2000x1500 and the size is now 417kb. A reduction of nearly 2/3 - significant. And for the pictures in question, the new size is still quite useable for my needs.

At home with family pictures, I am a little more particular and do have several external hard drives. But here at work, these new sizes will be more than adequate for what I need them for.

 

[AcroSteve]

Well, Irfanview looks to be a very capable program with many advanced options. And it DOES keep the file structure with sub-directories. I am running the batch as I type this.

I will give an update, but I started with 9,006 files taking up 7.63 gb.

 

[rogerwilco357]

well i have two large drives i dump my backups to all in Raw and then i send another copy of said photos to the photobucket but i pay 2 bucks a month for that option but they are safe..until i get that unit that holds 4 drives and can backup terabytes of data maybe then i will drop photobucket maybe lol..good luck sounds like alot of work..

 

[AcroSteve]

Forgot to update...


Files where reduced to just under 3gb