Automated Clipping Paths

We have over 150 images of small mechanical parts that need clipping paths. Is there any way to automate the process? Are there any Plug Ins out there?? The plan is to use the Magic Wand to select the background and invert to create the clipping path.
Just wondering if anyone knows of a better way to fly thru 150+ images using batch processing or automation?????

To see clippin gpath options you'd need to have the image frame or the image selected, but from your desription I don't think you really want to use a clipping path (where your options are to detect edges, use a Photoshop path, or an alpha channel).
Instead, draw the rectangle you want to use to clip the oval frame and positionit as you want it, then move it behind the oval and select both. Open the Pathfinder panel and click the Intersect button.
Or for more flexibilty cut the oval frame and "Paste Into" the rectangle and you can move it around to change the masking any way you like.

Similar Messages

Clipping path - automation

Hello,
For some time I have been trying to figure out a problem I am having with a script.
I have succeeded to write a script that does exactly what I want, wich is having Photoshop opening selected files, then apply the clipping path and finaly save as .png
The only problem I am experiencing is when Photoshop (CS 5.5) opens the selected number of files, it only applies the script to the first opened file, while the others remain unedited...
I was hoping to find some help and or a solution in solving this problem.
Thanks a lot in advance!
Kind regards,
    #target photoshop
//Input selection
var myInputFolder = Folder.selectDialog ("INPUT");
if(myInputFolder!=null){
    var myFiles = myInputFolder.getFiles(/.(jpg|psd|tif|png)$/i);
    for(var fileIndex=0;fileIndex<myFiles.length;fileIndex++){
        var tempDoc = app.open(myFiles[fileIndex]);
//Track
docs = app.documents;
for (i=0; i < docs.length; i++) {
    doc = docs[i];
    app.activeDocument = doc;
//Unlock Layer
docLay=app.activeDocument.layers;
l=app.activeDocument.layers.length;
while (l>0) {
    l--;
    docLay[l].isBackgroundLayer = false;
    docLay[l].allLocked = false;
//Clipping path
    if (app.documents.length > 0) {
    if (app.activeDocument.pathItems.length > 0) {
    var thePath = app.activeDocument.pathItems[0];
    app.activeDocument.selection.selectAll();
    thePath.makeSelection(0, true, SelectionType.DIMINISH);
//Clear Selection
try {
app.activeDocument.selection.clear();
} catch(e) {
alert("Sorry, dit document bevat geen pad!");
//Resolution
   var doc = activeDocument;
   var res = doc.resolution;
   doc.resizeImage(undefined, undefined, 150, ResampleMethod.BICUBIC);
//Trim
app.activeDocument.trim()
//Save PNG
var doc = app.activeDocument;
var Path = doc.path;
var Name = doc.name.replace(/\.[^\.]+$/, '');
var Suffix = "_DSok";
var saveFile = File(Path + "/" + Name + Suffix + ".png");
SavePNG(saveFile);
function SavePNG(saveFile){
    pngSaveOptions = new PNGSaveOptions();
activeDocument.saveAs(saveFile, pngSaveOptions, true, Extension.LOWERCASE);
activeDocument.close(SaveOptions.DONOTSAVECHANGES);

I didn't have how you set up your files to test this, so I hope it works.
#target photoshop
//Input selection
var myInputFolder = Folder.selectDialog ("INPUT");
if(myInputFolder!=null){
    var myFiles = myInputFolder.getFiles(/.(jpg|psd|tif|png)$/i);
    for(var fileIndex=0;fileIndex<myFiles.length;fileIndex++){
        var tempDoc = app.open(myFiles[fileIndex]);
//Track
//declare all variables.
var doc, res, Path, Name, Suffix, saveFile
var docs = app.documents;
for (i=0; i < docs.length; i++) {
    doc = docs[i];
    app.activeDocument = doc;
//Unlock Layer
docLay=app.activeDocument.layers;
l=app.activeDocument.layers.length;
while (l>0) {
    l--;
    docLay[l].isBackgroundLayer = false;
    docLay[l].allLocked = false;
};//end while loop
//Clipping path
    if (app.documents.length > 0) {
    if (app.activeDocument.pathItems.length > 0) {
    var thePath = app.activeDocument.pathItems[0];
     app.activeDocument.selection.selectAll();
    thePath.makeSelection(0, true, SelectionType.DIMINISH);
        }//end if app.activeDocument.pathItems.length
    };//end if app.documents.length
//Clear Selection
try {
app.activeDocument.selection.clear();
} catch(e) {
alert("Sorry, dit document bevat geen pad!");
}//end catch
//Resolution
   doc = activeDocument;
   res = doc.resolution;
   doc.resizeImage(undefined, undefined, 150, ResampleMethod.BICUBIC);
//Trim
app.activeDocument.trim()
//Save PNG
doc = app.activeDocument;
Path = doc.path;
Name = doc.name.replace(/\.[^\.]+$/, '');
Suffix = "_DSok";
saveFile = File(Path + "/" + Name + Suffix + ".png");
SavePNG();//removed saveFile since it's global, you don't need it here.
};//end for loop that sets each document as active.
function SavePNG(){
    pngSaveOptions = new PNGSaveOptions();
activeDocument.saveAs(saveFile, pngSaveOptions, true, Extension.LOWERCASE);
activeDocument.close(SaveOptions.DONOTSAVECHANGES);
};//end function SavePng

Clipping Path info

Hello guys,
Again I am coming with a need for help now.
I need a automation or plugin or script for spotting error on Photoshop paths.
I tried photoshop scripts, searched for options in indesign and other softwares like pdf preflights. I couldn't find any idea.
I will be working with lots of images more or less 100 images a day. I want to get the infos of clipping paths created in photoshop like path name, clipping flatness and open paths if any, all details in a log file or an log display window. Not an issue whether it works inside photoshop or outside like automation along with other softwares. But I simply need to spot the open path and clipping path name exactly.
Need help!!!
Thank you in advance!
Regards,
Purushoth...

function clippingPathIndex(){// returns -1 if no clipping path
var ref = new ActionReference();
ref.putEnumerated( charIDToTypeID("Dcmn"), charIDToTypeID("Ordn"), charIDToTypeID("Trgt") );
var desc = executeActionGet(ref);
return desc.getObjectValue(stringIDToTypeID('clippingPathInfo')).getInteger(stringIDToTypeID('clippingPathIndex'));};
function getClippingPathFlatness(){
var ref = new ActionReference()
ref.putEnumerated( charIDToTypeID("Dcmn"), charIDToTypeID("Ordn"), charIDToTypeID("Trgt") );
var desc = executeActionGet(ref);
   if( desc.getObjectValue(stringIDToTypeID('clippingPathInfo')).getInteger(stringIDToTypeID('clippingPathIndex')) != -1 ){
     return (desc.getObjectValue(stringIDToTypeID('clippingPathInfo')).getInteger(stringIDToTypeID('clippingPathFlatness'))/65536);
}else{
    return -1;
var pathIndex = clippingPathIndex();
if(pathIndex != -1 ){
var pathName = app.activeDocument.pathItems[pathIndex].name;
var flatness = getClippingPathFlatness();
var closed = app.activeDocument.pathItems[pathIndex].subPathItems[0].closed;
alert(pathName+': '+flatness+': '+closed);

Clipping path versus image mask?

I've been doing a lot of clipping paths lately and I'm considering purchasing PerfectMask 5 from onOne Software to make that process a little easier. It looks like PerfectMask creates image masks. What are the advantages and disadvantges of each?

If you've mastered the Pen tool, then stick with it. You will find it faster and more accurate ( in most cases ) than any "automated" masking tool / plugin. If you haven't mastered the pen tool, and you serious about being an expert in photoshop, then it's time to bit the bullet and master the pen tool.
With that said, I've used photoshops extract tool, Vertis Fluid Mask 3, OnOnes Mask Pro, and I still prefer the Pen tool for speed, accurate, and flexibility. I just moved to CS5 from CS3, I've heard the refine mask tool is excellent, tho I haven't had a chance to use it much yet. The other automated mask tools work good on things like smoke, hair, transparent, and objects where the pen tool can't be used because of the hard edge. Again, I've been told the new refine mask tool in photoshop CS5 really does a great job with these areas.
I found the automated programs had a learning curve. Not all that easy to learn. You don't just launch them, push a "mask my photo" button, and shazamm!! They do take time to learn, study tutorials, etc. OnOne Mask Pro I found easier for me to learn than Vertis Fluid Mask. Now if your going to use them, day-in, day-out, then I'd imagine you'd get very good at it. (just like the pen tool).
So don't be too quick to lay down your $$, both have free trials, so go there first and try them on you typical images to see what you think.
Maskerade and Primematte are two others.
Just my humble opinion
good luck.

Exporting Images and Clipping Paths

I ran into a problem exporting images the was previously reported by Ruvan Fernando on Jan 25, 2006, but nobody had responded, so I'm trying again...
I'm using the SDK to open images and then save them back out with different colorspaces, resolution, etc. When I have an image that has a clipping path in it, when it's saved, the clipping path is missing.
I am copying all the source image attributes to the destination image attributes.
Any help would be appreciated.

I tried dragging it, and it gave the original version.
At Share there are; Print, Email, Desktop, HomePage, .Mac Slides, Order prints, Send to iDVD, Burn Disk, Export
I tried Desktop and it put the current image do my wallpaper.

At open, illustrator puts clipping path on images and slices it up HELP!

I am still using CS2, but this same problem has happened when I open a legacy (older version) file in CS4..... When I open a file, it all of a sudden has a clipping path around the image. Also, it is slicing up some images randomly. It is very strang and I can't explain it. I just saved and closed the file yesterday and today I go to open it on the same computer and all the photos have these clipping masks around them and some are sliced into multiple pieces. Can anyone help with this???

It's easily explained: It is opening the data as if it were an EPS or PDF, so the fault is probably with the options you chose when you saved the files in
CS2. Check them. also of course keep in mind that some specific features have notably changed, so it may do thius simply to retain appearance, which you can influence by setting teh respective prefs....
Mylenium

How do I save a clipping path in Photoshop so that Quark gives me the option to change the path opti

I created a clipping path on a photo, clipping out a person's head so that I can have the person's head show up over the masthead on a cover.
But when I save the photo in Photoshop and then import it into Quark, the option where it says I can change the clipping options in Quark is greyed out.
This is what it says to possibly fix it on the Quark help page:
"You may want to choose "None" from the Clipping path pop-up menu when you save the image from Adobe Photoshop, so you can specify which path to use as the clipping path when you import the image into QuarkXPress. Or, you may want to choose a path from the Clipping path pop-up menu, so you can be sure only that path will be used to clip the image."
I don't understand what that refers to....I can't find anything like that in the Photoshop options.
My goal is to have the person's head over the text, with the rest of the photo still retained in the background. As it is now, I just get an import of the clipping path alone, with Quark substituting the background part of the photo with a white box.
Thanks!

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[AS][Photoshop] Checking if there is any paths or clipping paths

Hey guys,
I would like to determine if there is any paths or clipping paths in the files dropped onto the droplet. Then sort them into different folders. One folder for files with paths and one for without paths. Getting the files to move I think I can manage, but I can't get checking for the paths to work. Anyone got a clue? This is how far I have got.
> on open fileList
> tell application "Adobe Photoshop CS3"
> activate
>
>
> repeat with thisFile in fileList
> open thisFile showing dialogs never
>
> set CountOfPaths to count of path items
> display dialog CountOfPaths
>
> end repeat
>
> end tell
end open

Solved it! :D
on open fileList
tell application "Adobe Photoshop CS3"
activate
-- DO WITH EVERY FILE DROPPED ONTO THE DROPLET
repeat with thisFile in fileList
open thisFile showing dialogs never
tell current document
-- CHECK FOR PATHS
set CountOfPaths to every path item
if CountOfPaths is equal to {} then
-- IF THERE'S NO PATH
tell application "Finder"
-- MAKE RED IN FINDER
set the label index of thisFile to 2
end tell
else
-- IF THERE IS A _CLIPPING PATH_
if exists (every path item whose kind is clipping) then
tell application "Finder"
-- MAKE GREEN IN FINDER
set the label index of thisFile to 6
end tell
else
-- IF THERE IS A PATH BUT _NO_ CLIPPING PATH
tell application "Finder"
-- MAKE PURPLE IN FINDER
set the label index of thisFile to 5
end tell
end if
end if
end tell
-- CLOSE THE FILE
close current document saving no
end repeat
end tell
end open

How do you identify a clipping path in CS5?

In CS2 the name of the path was outlined in the paths pallet. This does not seem to be the case in CS5.

For me the clipping path is in bold letters, but you can only
tell when the path is deselected in the paths panel (not active).
I know what you mean, for earlier versions, as most books seem to show clipping paths
that way (outline) in the paths palette, but photoshop 6 is installed on the same machine
and it shows clipping paths the same way cs5 does, so i'm not sure why some machines
display one way and others do not.
MTSTUNER

How do I get clipping paths to work in PhotoShop CS5?

I've always used clipping paths to pull-out parts of images that I then save as eps files and bring into other images.
For some reason, I can't get CS5 PS to capture only the path I created, instead it continues to capture the entire image.
I normally create a path with the pen tool, save the path, identify it with the Clipping Path from the dropdown, then save out as an EPS. Has worked thousands of times for me in previous versions of PhotoShop, but not with CS5.
Anyone else encounter this problem or have a solution?

Ok, I did that but it's still reacting the same way. So I need to start from scrtach and build a new path? That can't b
e. When I make the change and hit selection I am still getting an inverted selection. See.

Trouble with clipping paths in Photoshop CS5

Hello everyone, I am having trouble with clipping paths in Photoshop CS5. When I start a new path both path and anchor points are not visible. working on a Layer not background 0 and a Path Layer was created.I've also noticed that Photoshop started running pretty slow. All other programs are fine. Any Ideas or suggestions? Thank You

edtGrfx wrote:
Hello everyone, I am having trouble with clipping paths in Photoshop CS5. When I start a new path both path and anchor points are not visible. working on a Layer not background 0 and a Path Layer was created.
What do you mean by "a Path Layer was created"? Path are in the path palette, there is a path in shape layers and they is a path in a vector layer mask. I have never seen a reference to a path layer before this. When a path in the path palette is selected activate it wall also be shown in the image window. Does not matter if there is a targeted layer or not. Control points may or may not be displayed. Using Path tool you can select and select segments and show some or all control points, Path are editable.
View the following image in a new tab and scale to actual pixels for a clear image this site scales image poorly.

Trouble with Photoshop CS5.1 eps images with clipping path placed in FHMX

Photoshop CS5 eps files, clearcut with clipping paths now show a black box instead of a transparent background when placing in Freehand MX.
Tiff files with clipping paths work OK but look ugly and make Freehand redraw the screen all the time, thus slowing down my work.
The eps file placed in InDesign CS5.5 is OK
Anybody knows a work-around? I', doing most of my work in Freehand

Photoshop CS5 eps files, clearcut with clipping paths now show a black box instead of a transparent background when placing in Freehand MX.
Tiff files with clipping paths work OK but look ugly and make Freehand redraw the screen all the time, thus slowing down my work.
The eps file placed in InDesign CS5.5 is OK
Anybody knows a work-around? I', doing most of my work in Freehand

Trouble with clipping paths and expanding

Hey y'all. Okay, so I have a Illustrator element that uses a clipping path.
Even after I run "Expand Appearance" on it, it's not trimming the art to the bounds of the path.
It's making for difficult to position correctly when copying into Photoshop as a Smart Vector or Shape Layer:
And it isn't correct in After Effects either.

What you are describing is just another example of the very common need to trim artwork (including filled, unfilled, open, and/or closed paths) without wrecking its already-applied Attributes, Appearances.
As has been discussed many many times here, Illustrator simply does not provide that basic functionality...neither by its horribly-designed cutting tools nor through its problematic and caveat-riddled Pathfinders. Expanding a Clipping Path doesn't serve as a workaround for this long-missing functionality; nor does flattening transparency. You can't do it without resorting to the workarounds you've already tried or others that will no doubt be suggested.
Once again:
NONE of Illustrator's cutting tools (Knife, Scissor) can cut across artwork that includes multiple open, unfilled paths. Open unfilled paths are ignored by the Knife cut. The Scissor cannot cut across multiple paths at once.
Illustrator's recently-added, very poorly implemented Eraser tool comes nearest to the needed functionality. It can at least cut multiple unfilled open paths without their becoming converted to unstroked, closed fills. But it unpredictably alters the shapes of remaining portions and has no means by which to accurately control a cutting shape other than rectangular.
This is a prime example (there are others) of how Illustrator confuses and clutters the interface with multiple under-powered tools designed for similar functions, none of which measure up to a single tool properly designed for the same purposes in most other programs.
Pathfinders are riddled with ridiculous caveats. Those which come close to providing the needed functionality are incapable of ommitting the unwanted deadwood and/or wreck strokes by outlining them.
Illustrator needs a feature that allows any given path to be employed as either a selection marquee or a cutting path. And the cutting operation needs to act as expected regarding strokes as well as fills--as common in any other drawing program that does provide the long-missing functionality (most do; Illustator never has).
JET

How do I show a clipping path on an image in Illustrator?

Hi there
I am a beginner when it comes to Illustrator and only use it when I have to - like now!
I was wondering - Is it possible to place an image into an AI file and show its clipping path? (that was created in Photoshop)
I have tried saving the image as a TIFF, PSD but no luck.
I have also attached a screen shot - just to show the image that has a path.
Thanks in advance.

I have placed the image but the 'Embed' option isn't highlighted so I can't click on this!
I think I have worked out another way to do this - I have saved the image on a transparent background in photoshop as a psd file and then when I place this in AI, the Photoshop Import options box appears and with this set to 'Convert layers to objects' it somehow
works! like so............ (probably not the best way to do it?!!)

Why is the JPG missing its clipping path when opening in Illustrator?

I need to be able to create jpg images images in photoshop with a clipping mask so that my clients can open the files in their own programs with a transparent (not solid white) background. I thought I used to be able to do this. But now when I open the jpg files in my own Illustrator program, it doesn't have the clipping path. I can resave the jpgs as eps files, and the path comes through just fine, but many of my clients can't use eps files and the file sizes of eps files are way too big. I've tried saving the jpg files and opening them up in CS3 and CS6 photoshop/illustrator programs. The clipping path is still in the jpg files when I open them in photoshop; they just seem to disappear when I open the files in Illustrator.
Is there a way to keep the clipping path in a jpeg file when using it in Illustrator?

JPG files cannot have a clipping path. Save as a PNG file from Photoshop for a transparent background.

Automated Clipping Paths

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