Why wont Actions center images?

Question

Hi
Im using actions to scale and center batches of images to make thumbnails. I have a master psd that is 75x75px. I have a folder of jpgs of various dimensions. The batch action opens each jpg, scales it, and is supposed to move center of the small layer to X=36 and Y=36px.
The scaling always works but the layer is way, way off. I tried using percent for the X&Y, but the % sign is rejected by Pshop. 
Is there a trick to this?
TIA
J2
Mac, Lion, cs6

Answer 1

jlucchesi wrote:
Hi
Im using actions to scale and center batches of images to make thumbnails. I have a master psd that is 75x75px. I have a folder of jpgs of various dimensions. The batch action opens each jpg, scales it, and is supposed to move center of the small layer to X=36 and Y=36px.
The scaling always works but the layer is way, way off. I tried using percent for the X&Y, but the % sign is rejected by Pshop. 
Is there a trick to this?
Is this a trick question? 75x75 pixels is a very specific 1:1 aspect ratio and size PSD file. How do the jpeg of various dimensions relate to this 1:1 aspect ratio? Is scaling done to fit images into a 75x75 pixel size area and retain the original aspect ratio or are the being the being cropped or virtually cropped to this the area?  How is the action designed to work with the jpeg and an additional  psd files?  Batch processes like menu File>Automate>Batch and menu File>Scripts>Image Processor normally open files from a folder and use a users action in the process. and wind up saving a file. Why is an additional PSD file needed in the process?  This  x=36 y=36 where does that come from the center of 75x75 would be x=37.5 y=37.5?
If you just want to center your scaled jpeg to the center of a 75x75 pixel canvas I woul think a very simple action is all that you would need for your jpeg file.
Action
Step 1 menu File>Automate>Fit Image... (in the Fit Image Dialog enter 75 in both width and height) That will be recorded into the action step and not be displayed when the action is played.
Step 2 menu Image>Canvas Size.  In the Canvas size dialog enter 75 PX in width and height. leave anchor point in the center.
Batching that action should do the trick in that case.