Developed a UXP (Unified Extensibility Platform) tool for Adobe Photoshop to streamline the process of exporting custom graphic templates for use in Adobe Illustrator. This tool was designed to enhance cross-application workflows by allowing users to prepare graphics in Photoshop, then export them as Illustrator-ready templates with predefined layers, artboards, and other design assets. Additionally, the project included a separate automation script to optimize various repetitive tasks within Ph
What I delivered:
- Export to Illustrator Functionality: Implemented functionality to convert Photoshop graphics into pre-structured Illustrator templates.
- Custom Template Setup: The UXP tool allowed users to define specific parameters for exporting templates, including:
- Automation Script for Photoshop: Created an additional automation script to handle repetitive tasks such as:
- User-Friendly UI: Developed an intuitive interface using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS within the UXP framework.
- UXP for Adobe Photoshop: Leveraged the latest extensibility platform to build a modern plugin for Photoshop.
Result: The UXP tool greatly enhanced the workflow for users working between Photoshop and Illustrator , allowing them to quickly prepare and export custom templates. The additional automation script saved significant time by streamlining repetitive tasks, ensuring consistency, and reducing manual errors in large-scale projects. This tool provided a com
Overview
Developed a UXP (Unified Extensibility Platform) tool for Adobe Photoshop to streamline the process of exporting custom graphic templates for use in Adobe Illustrator. This tool was designed to enhance cross-application workflows by allowing users to prepare graphics in Photoshop, then export them as Illustrator-ready templates with predefined layers, artboards, and other design assets. Additionally, the project included a separate automation script to optimize various repetitive tasks within Photoshop.
Key Features & Responsibilities:
- Export to Illustrator Functionality: Implemented functionality to convert Photoshop graphics into pre-structured Illustrator templates.
- Exported layers, groups, and artboards from Photoshop as Illustrator-compatible files, ensuring seamless transfer of design elements.
- Automated the creation of properly named layers and artboards, facilitating the transition from Photoshop to Illustrator.
- Custom Template Setup: The UXP tool allowed users to define specific parameters for exporting templates, including:
- Predefined layer names, artboard sizes, and guide setups to match Illustrator's requirements.
- Customizable export settings to handle different template types.
- Automation Script for Photoshop: Created an additional automation script to handle repetitive tasks such as:
- Batch processing of images: Automating resizing, renaming, and exporting to various formats.
- Layer organization: Automatically grouping and renaming layers based on user-defined rules.
- Template preparation: Streamlining tasks such as adding watermarks, applying filters, or preparing assets for specific formats (e.g., web, print).
- User-Friendly UI: Developed an intuitive interface using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS within the UXP framework.
- Included real-time feedback, such as export progress indicators and error warnings for invalid template setups.
- Simplified user interaction by providing pre-configured options for different types of Illustrator templates.
Technologies & Tools:
- UXP for Adobe Photoshop: Leveraged the latest extensibility platform to build a modern plugin for Photoshop.
- JavaScript, HTML, and CSS: Used to create a responsive and user-friendly interface.
- Photoshop Scripting API: Automated complex tasks and enabled seamless interaction between Photoshop and Illustrator workflows.
Skills Applied:
- UXP Development: Created a powerful and flexible tool within Photoshop to automate the export of graphic templates for Illustrator.
- Photoshop and Illustrator Integration: Managed the export process to ensure compatibility between the two applications.
- Automation Scripting: Reduced manual tasks and increased efficiency with custom scripts for batch processing and template preparation.
Outcome
The UXP tool greatly enhanced the workflow for users working between Photoshop and Illustrator, allowing them to quickly prepare and export custom templates. The additional automation script saved significant time by streamlining repetitive tasks, ensuring consistency, and reducing manual errors in large-scale projects. This tool provided a comprehensive solution for designers who needed to move between Adobe applications efficiently.
Photoshop Automation Plugin for Architectural Visualization (C++ Development)
Description:
This project involved developing a sophisticated Photoshop plugin using C++ and the Adobe SDK to automate repetitive tasks for CityScape Digital UK, an architectural visualization company. The plugin significantly improved workflow efficiency for artists by streamlining various processes in Photoshop, allowing them to focus more on creative aspects.
Key Features:
- Batch Processing Automation: The plugin automates a series of tasks in Photoshop, including loading background photography, executing internal scripts, importing renders, and performing essential layer modifications.
- Integration with Excel: The plugin utilizes Excel files to manage project data, with a list of files and operations to be performed stored server-side. This ensures that artists can easily reference and execute tasks as needed.
- API Notifications: Sends notifications via email to the server upon completion of tasks, keeping team members informed of project progress.
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed to allow artists to differentiate between consented and proposed operations easily, enhancing decision-making and efficiency.
Technical Implementation:
C++ Development: The plugin is built on the Adobe Photoshop SDK, utilizing custom C++ Windows to create a seamless user experience.
File Management: The script reads from Excel files (.xls) to access lists of assets and operations, enabling dynamic project management.
Automated Workflow:
- The automation script performs the following:
- Loads background photography.
- Executes internal scripts.
- Imports render files.
- Alters layer names, creates strokes, and generates paths based on predefined criteria.
Project Timeline and Tasks:
Initial Development: The project began on July 4, 2019, focusing on the core functionalities needed for batch processing.
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Incremental Updates: Several updates were made to enhance the plugin, including:
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Updates to layer management based on artist input.
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Integration of additional functionalities such as masking from alpha channels and managing file bit depths.
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Finalization: The plugin was completed with a focus on user interface improvements and performance optimizations, with the final version released on September 23, 2019.