Process Multiple Files: Strange transformation

[Fauxtoto]

Hi,

To export my PSD files as converted jpeg files, even if for only one file, I use on a regular basis the >File >Process Multiple Files screen. For the first time what I describe bellow happened.

Here is a copy of the image I was seeing in the editor before opening the Process Multiple Files screen:
live.staticflickr.com/65535/51122466902_bea4210246_o.jpg

Here is a copy of the image that came out as a jpeg:
live.staticflickr.com/65535/51123034661_4ed1bcc655_o.jpg

I was able to avoid this strange transformation by creating a “Merge visible” layer on the top. I tried a few times and each time I do not activate the “Merge visible” layer, the strange transformation occurs. Is it normal? Am I missing something? Thank you.

Screen shot of what I see in the editor:
live.staticflickr.com/65535/51122468152_4831e43297_c.jpg

Screen shot of the Process Multiple Files screen:
live.staticflickr.com/65535/51122780094_54bbd47112_c.jpg

[BuckSkin]

Due to similar experiences, for the last several years, I always create a "Stamp Visible" or "Merge Visible" layer as the top layer in a PSD stack before saving it.

Although rare, for persistent problems, first = save the layered PSD; then, flatten the stack and save the jpeg.

[Fauxtoto]

Hi BuckSkin ,

Good to know that I am not dreaming (although there is nothing wrong with dreaming). As you say, it is easy to create a "Stamp Visible" or "Merge Visible". So, why not do so. Thanks.

[Chris]

Fauxfoto, thanks for sharing this. I had to look closely to understand what you mean. In the jpg export the border inlay is messed up.

Yes, creating a combined layer on top should solve this problem. (Control/Alt/ shift/E) It will increase the file size but will preserve your original image.

Out of interest, does this still happen if you save individually as a jpg or only when you process multiple files? Also are you saving your psd files to maximize compatibility?

Kind regards
Chris

[Fauxtoto]

Hi Chris ,

With the top "Merge visible" layer kept not visible, as I originally did, I tried again. I saved as a jpeg in a first attempt using "save for Web", and in a second attempt using "save as". The result: no problem in both cases.

In a third attempt, I retried to save as a jpeg using the "Process Multiple Files", with the same settings I had originally used. The result: no problem.

So, the problem disappeared, all by itself. Another technical mystery I can live with.

Making sure not to break the mystery, which by definition cannot be explained, all I can guess, as a person who doesn’t know anything about that kind of stuff, is that maybe the problem was related to the two bevel effect layers, by which the frame and the mat were created. It could look as if some instructions got mixed up somewhere in the computer. Shutting down the computer or exiting the program would have solved the problem?...

I am not sure what you mean by “to maximize compatibility”, but I usually save in psd format to follow, as much as possible, a non destructive workflow. 

Thanks.

[Chris]

May 10, 2021 14:42:11 GMT Fauxtoto said:

Hi Chris ,

With the top "Merge visible" layer kept not visible, as I originally did, I tried again. I saved as a jpeg in a first attempt using "save for Web", and in a second attempt using "save as". The result: no problem in both cases.

In a third attempt, I retried to save as a jpeg using the "Process Multiple Files", with the same settings I had originally used. The result: no problem.

So, the problem disappeared, all by itself. Another technical mystery I can live with.

Making sure not to break the mystery, which by definition cannot be explained, all I can guess, as a person who doesn’t know anything about that kind of stuff, is that maybe the problem was related to the two bevel effect layers, by which the frame and the mat were created. It could look as if some instructions got mixed up somewhere in the computer. Shutting down the computer or exiting the program would have solved the problem?...

I am not sure what you mean by “to maximize compatibility”, but I usually save in psd format to follow, as much as possible, a non destructive workflow. 

Thanks.

Thanks for the extra information Fauxtoto. Sometimes, computers have a mind of their own and after a reboot everything works fine. The other possibility is that as you work on a file, more ram and CPU resources get tied up causing errors. I'm glad its sorted out now. 

Saving a psd with maximum compatibility is enabled by default. You can find this under Edit/Preferences/Saving Files. This was probably not the cause of your problem but just a long shot to try. Disabling this results in a smaller psd file, but older Adobe programmes (eg Lightroom 6) might not be able to read all the layers. I think enabling this option embeds a merged file of all the layers that other programmes can read more easily. 

Kind regards
Chris

[Sepiana]

May 10, 2021 14:42:11 GMT Fauxtoto said:

I am not sure what you mean by “to maximize compatibility”, but I usually save in psd format

Maurice, according to the Help file, . . .

When saving a PSD, you can set a preference to maximize file compatibility. This saves a composite version of a layered image in the file so it can be read by other applications, including previous versions of Photoshop. It also maintains the appearance of the document, just in case future versions of Photoshop change the behavior of some features. Including the composite also makes the image much faster to load and use in applications other than Photoshop, and may sometimes be required to make the image readable in other applications.

Source:  Photoshop Format (PSD)

[Fauxtoto]

Sepiana, Chris,

"Maximize PSD File Compatibility: Always": I verified, and it's on. Now, I know it. Plus I know why it's on, what it does and why I want to keep it (among other things, I do use LR6).

Thank you.

[Sepiana]

Fauxtoto, you are most welcome! Glad to help.