How to Resize Multiple Files with Photoshop Elements

Why Resize Multiple Files?

Resizing multiple files can be a time-consuming and tedious task, especially if you have a large number of images that need to be adjusted. However, there are several important reasons why resizing multiple files is essential in various scenarios.

Firstly, resizing files can help optimize the images for different devices and platforms. With the increasing use of mobile devices and responsive web design, it is crucial to ensure that your images are appropriately sized to provide the best viewing experience across different screen sizes. By resizing multiple files, you can easily adapt your images to fit the requirements of various devices, whether it’s a desktop computer, a tablet, or a smartphone.

Secondly, resizing files can significantly reduce the file size. Large image files can slow down the loading speed of your website, which can negatively impact user experience and search engine rankings. By resizing multiple files and optimizing their file size, you can improve the overall performance of your website, ensuring that your pages load quickly and efficiently.

Moreover, resizing multiple files can help save storage space. If you have a limited storage capacity or need to share the files with others, reducing the file size by resizing them can be extremely beneficial. It allows you to free up storage space on your computer or cloud storage, making it easier to manage and organize your files.

Additionally, resizing multiple files can be advantageous when you need to create a consistent visual appearance. When working on a project that requires images of the same dimensions, resizing multiple files ensures that they all align perfectly. This is particularly useful for collages, presentations, or any other project where a uniform size is necessary.

Lastly, resizing multiple files can make it easier to share or distribute your images. Whether you are uploading them to social media platforms, sending them via email, or including them in a presentation, having images of the appropriate size ensures that they look their best and are easily viewable by others.

Overall, resizing multiple files can save you time, improve website performance, optimize image viewing experience across devices, save storage space, maintain consistency, and enhance image sharing. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this article, you can efficiently resize multiple files using Photoshop Elements.

Step 1: Set Up Photoshop Elements

Before you can begin resizing multiple files in Photoshop Elements, you need to ensure that the software is properly set up on your computer. Follow these easy steps to get started:

Install Photoshop Elements: If you haven’t already, download and install Photoshop Elements on your computer. You can find the software on the official Adobe website. Follow the installation instructions provided to complete the setup process.
Launch Photoshop Elements: Once the installation is complete, locate the Photoshop Elements application on your computer and launch it. You should see the Photoshop Elements welcome screen.
Create a New Project: To begin resizing multiple files, you’ll need to create a new project within Photoshop Elements. Click on the “Create New” button or navigate to “File” > “New” to open the new project dialog box.
Set Project Parameters: In the new project dialog box, you can set various parameters for your project, such as the name, dimensions, resolution, and color mode. Enter the desired values based on your requirements. For resizing files, it’s recommended to choose dimensions that are suitable for your target platform or screen sizes.
Save the Project: After setting the project parameters, choose a location on your computer where you want to save the project file. Give it a descriptive name and select the appropriate file format. Click on the “Save” button to continue.

With these basic setup steps completed, you are now ready to begin resizing multiple files using Photoshop Elements. Proceed to the next section for a detailed guide on selecting the files you wish to resize.

Step 2: Choose the Files to Resize

Now that you have Photoshop Elements set up, the next step is to choose the files that you want to resize. Follow these steps to select the files before proceeding with the resizing process:

Open the Organizer: In Photoshop Elements, click on the “Organizer” button in the upper-right corner of the interface. This will open the Organizer workspace, where you can manage your image files.
Import Files: If the files you want to resize are not already in your Photoshop Elements library, you’ll need to import them. To do this, click on the “Import” button in the Organizer workspace and select the files from your computer that you want to resize.
Select Multiple Files: To select multiple files at once, hold down the Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) key on your keyboard while clicking on each file. This will allow you to select multiple files simultaneously.
Group Files: If you want to resize specific files together, you can group them. To do this, select the files you want to group, right-click on one of the selected files, and choose the “Group” option from the context menu. Give the group a name if desired.
Deselect Files: If you accidentally select the wrong file or want to deselect a file, simply hold down the Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) key on your keyboard and click on the file to deselect it.

By following these steps, you can easily choose the files you want to resize in Photoshop Elements. Once you have selected the desired files, you can move on to the next step to open them in Photoshop Elements and begin the resizing process.

Step 3: Open the Files in Photoshop Elements

After selecting the files you want to resize in Photoshop Elements, the next step is to open them within the software. This will allow you to access and modify the images as needed. Follow these steps to open the files before proceeding further:

Go to the Editor Workspace: In Photoshop Elements, click on the “Editor” mode button located in the upper-right corner of the interface. This will switch you to the Editor workspace, where you can perform various image editing tasks.
Open Files: Once you’re in the Editor workspace, click on the “File” menu and choose the “Open” option. This will open the file browser dialog box, allowing you to navigate to the location where your selected files are stored.
Select Files: In the file browser dialog box, navigate to the folder containing your selected files. To select multiple files at once, hold down the Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) key on your keyboard and click on each file. This will allow you to open multiple files simultaneously in Photoshop Elements.
Click “Open”: After selecting the desired files, click on the “Open” button in the file browser dialog box. This will open your selected files in individual tabs within the Editor workspace of Photoshop Elements.
Navigate Between Tabs: If you have opened multiple files, you can switch between the tabs to view and edit each file. Click on the tab of the image you want to work on to bring it into focus.

With the files successfully opened in Photoshop Elements, you are now ready to proceed with resizing them. In the next step, you will learn how to create a batch action to automate the resizing process for all the selected files.

Step 4: Create a Batch Action

Once you have opened the files you want to resize in Photoshop Elements, the next step is to create a batch action. A batch action is a sequence of commands that can be applied to multiple files simultaneously, allowing you to automate the resizing process. Follow these steps to create a batch action:

Open the Action Panel: In Photoshop Elements, go to the “Window” menu and choose the “Actions” option. This will open the Actions panel, which will be used to create and manage your batch action.
Create a New Set: To keep your actions organized, it’s a good idea to create a new set. Click on the folder icon at the bottom of the Actions panel to create a new set, and give it a descriptive name.
Create a New Action: With the new set selected, click on the “New Action” button at the bottom of the Actions panel. Give your new action a name that reflects its purpose, such as “Resize Images”.
Start Recording: Click on the “Record” button in the Actions panel to start recording your actions. The panel will now record all the steps you take in Photoshop Elements, allowing you to create a sequence of commands to resize your images.
Resize the Image: In the Editor workspace, go to the “Image” menu and choose the “Resize” option. This will open the Resize Image dialog box, where you can set the desired dimensions for your images. Adjust the width, height, and resolution as needed, and click “OK” to apply the changes.
Stop Recording: Once you have resized the image, click on the “Stop” button in the Actions panel to stop recording your actions. Your batch action is now created and ready to be applied to multiple files.

By following these steps, you can create a batch action in Photoshop Elements to resize your selected files. In the next step, you will learn how to set the image size and other output options for your batch action.

Step 5: Set the Image Size

After creating the batch action in Photoshop Elements, the next step is to set the desired image size for your resized files. This step allows you to define the specific dimensions and resolution that you want your images to be resized to. Follow these steps to set the image size:

Select the Batch Action: In the Actions panel, locate and select the batch action you created in the previous step.
Edit the Action: Once the batch action is selected, click on the “Toggle dialog on/off” button at the bottom of the Actions panel. This ensures that the Resize Image dialog box will appear each time you run the action, allowing you to specify the image size.
Resize the Image: With the Resize Image dialog box open, adjust the width, height, and resolution of the image according to your desired size. You can enter specific values or choose from the available presets. Make sure to select the appropriate units for the dimensions (e.g., pixels, inches, centimeters).
Apply Additional Changes: If you need to apply any additional changes to the image during resizing, such as sharpening or applying filters, you can do so within the batch action. Simply record the desired steps in the action and ensure they are applied in the order you want.
Save the Action: After setting the image size and any additional changes, click on the “Save” button in the Actions panel to save the batch action. This will ensure that your settings are preserved for future use.

By following these steps, you can easily set the image size for your resized files using the batch action in Photoshop Elements. In the next step, you will learn how to choose the output options for your batch action and specify where to save the resized files.

Step 6: Choose the Output Options

Once you have set the image size for your resized files in Photoshop Elements, the next step is to choose the output options. These options determine how the resized files will be saved and what format they will be in. Follow these steps to choose the output options:

Select the Batch Action: In the Actions panel, ensure that the batch action you created is selected.
Edit the Action: If the “Toggle dialog on/off” button at the bottom of the Actions panel is toggled off, click on it to enable the dialog box. This will allow you to specify the output options each time you run the action.
Choose Output Format: During the recording of the batch action, Photoshop Elements will remember the last used save settings. However, if you need to change the output format, click on the “Save As” option in the Batch dialog box. Choose the desired file format, such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF.
Specify Output Folder: To determine where the resized files will be saved, click on the “Choose” button next to the “Destination” field in the Batch dialog box. Browse to your desired output folder and click “Select” or “Open” to set the destination.
Naming Conventions: Optionally, you can specify the naming conventions for the resized files. By default, Photoshop Elements appends a number to the original file name to avoid overwriting. However, you can choose to customize the file name using a combination of predefined options or even create your own naming convention.
Choose Other Output Options: Depending on your requirements, you can explore additional output options in the Batch dialog box. These include options for file compatibility, image compression, color profiles, and more. Adjust these settings based on your specific needs.

By following these steps, you can easily choose the output options for your batch action in Photoshop Elements. In the next step, you will learn how to run the batch action and review the resized files.

Step 7: Run the Batch Action

After setting the output options for your batch action in Photoshop Elements, the next step is to run the action and resize your selected files. This step automates the resizing process, allowing you to apply the defined settings to all the files simultaneously. Follow these steps to run the batch action:

Select the Batch Action: In the Actions panel, make sure that the batch action you created is selected and ready to be executed.
Choose Files: If you want to run the action on specific files or groups of files, select them in the Organizer workspace, or within the Editor workspace by selecting the tabs of the images to be resized.
Run the Batch Action: With the desired files selected, click on the “Play” button at the bottom of the Actions panel to run the batch action. Photoshop Elements will automatically resize the selected files based on the settings you defined in the action.
Monitor Progress: As the batch action runs, Photoshop Elements will process each file in the sequence. You can monitor the progress in the Actions panel, which displays a checkmark next to each completed step of the action.
Review the Resized Files: Once the batch action has completed, you can review the resized files in the output folder you specified. Open them to ensure that they have been resized according to your desired dimensions and other output options.

By following these steps, you can easily run the batch action in Photoshop Elements and resize your selected files. In the next step, you will learn how to save the resized files for future use or distribution.

Step 8: Review the Resized Files

After running the batch action in Photoshop Elements, the resized files are ready to be reviewed. This step allows you to assess the quality and accuracy of the resizing process. By reviewing the resized files, you can ensure that they meet your expectations and comply with the desired dimensions. Follow these steps to review the resized files:

Open the Resized Files: Navigate to the output folder where the resized files were saved. Double-click on each file to open it in an image viewer or an appropriate software that can display the file format you chose during the output options setup.
Check Dimensions: Verify that the dimensions of the resized files match your desired specifications. Use the software’s tools or properties panel to confirm the width, height, and resolution settings of each file.
Inspect Image Quality: Examine the visual quality of the resized files. Pay attention to any artifacts, blurriness, or loss of detail that may have occurred during the resizing process. Compare them to the original files to assess the level of image degradation, if any.
Ensure Consistency: If you resized multiple files that are meant to be uniform, check that they all display the same dimensions, aspect ratio, and visual appearance. This is particularly important if the resized files are intended for a project that requires consistency.
Make Adjustments if Needed: If you are not satisfied with the results of the resizing process, you may need to go back and modify the batch action settings. Consider adjusting the image size, resolution, or any other output options that impact the quality and appearance of the resized files.

By following these steps, you can thoroughly review the resized files to ensure they meet your requirements. Take the necessary actions to improve any issues you encounter before proceeding to the next step: saving the resized files for future use or distribution.

Step 9: Save the Resized Files

After reviewing the resized files and confirming their quality, it’s time to save them for future use or distribution. Saving the resized files ensures that you have a copy of them in their resized state, ready to be utilized according to your needs. Follow these steps to save the resized files in Photoshop Elements:

Select the Resized Files: In the Editor workspace or the Organizer, select the resized files that you want to save. You can use the Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) key to select multiple files simultaneously.
Choose the Export Option: In Photoshop Elements, go to the “File” menu and choose the “Export As” or “Save As” option, depending on your version of the software.
Specify the Save Location: Navigate to the desired location on your computer where you want to save the resized files. Create a new folder if necessary to keep them organized.
Set the File Name and Format: Enter a descriptive file name for each resized file to easily identify them later. Choose the appropriate file format based on your requirements, such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF.
Adjust the File Size and Quality: Depending on the file format chosen, you may have additional options to adjust the file size or image quality. Make those adjustments according to your needs or leave them at the default settings.
Save the Files: Once you have set the save location, file name, format, and any other applicable options, click on the “Save” or “Export” button to save the resized files to the specified location.

By following these steps, you can successfully save the resized files in Photoshop Elements. It’s recommended to choose a location that is easily accessible and well-organized to ensure efficient future use or distribution of the resized files.

Step 10: Repeat the Process as Necessary

After saving the resized files in Photoshop Elements, you may find yourself needing to resize more files in the future. This final step ensures that you are prepared to undertake the process again whenever necessary. Follow these steps to repeat the resizing process:

Organize your Files: Make sure your original files are well-organized and easily accessible. If you have new files to resize, ensure they are in a separate folder to avoid confusion. If you are working with existing resized files, make sure to differentiate them from the original files.
Open Photoshop Elements: Launch Photoshop Elements on your computer and switch to the Editor workspace for resizing multiple files.
Select and Open Files: Depending on your needs, select the files you want to resize. If they are new files, import them into the Organizer workspace. Then, open the files in the Editor workspace by selecting them and navigating to “File” > “Open”.
Run the Batch Action: In the Actions panel, select the batch action you created earlier. Click on the “Play” button to run the action and resize the selected files automatically.
Review and Save: After the batch action completes, review the resized files to check their dimensions, quality, and consistency. If satisfied, save the resized files by specifying the desired location, file name, format, and any other necessary options.
Repeat as Needed: Repeat the entire process whenever you have new files to resize or when resizing existing files with updated dimensions or requirements. Each time, adjust the output options and settings as necessary.

By following these steps, you can easily repeat the resizing process in Photoshop Elements as needed. This allows you to efficiently resize multiple files and maintain a consistent workflow for future resizing tasks.