Pass Only Files With an XMP Sidecar
 |
If you want to import raw files into Aperture that you’ve already edited with Photoshop Camera Raw, (or perform some other action on those files using Automator – such as zipping or uploading) then this Automator Action might ease your migration. If you’ve got a lot of raw files, it can be time consuming to sort through which ones you have already selected and deemed worthy of further editing. But, if you’ve already sorted through those files and processed them in Photoshop Camera raw, and if you’ve got your Camera Raw preferences set to create sidecar XMP files, then this action will greatly speed your importing. |
The idea behind this action is that if an XMP file is present, then the raw file that’s associated with it must be one that you decided was a keeper. So, the action sorts through all of the files that you pass to it, identifying any document with an XMP extension. It then parses out the filename of that file and builds a new filename using the extension that’s appropriate for your raw files. You can select which extension you want to append by using the pop-up menu in the action.
The resulting list of raw files is then passed to the rest of your workflow. Currently, CR2, CRW, ORF, and NEF extensions are provided as options. If you’d like additional formats supported, just drop me a line.
To use the action, (available below for free download) use a Get Specified Finder Items action to select a batch of files (of course, if you’re making this action part of a larger workflow, then you might be passing files from a different action).
Next, add the Pass Only Raws with XMPs action. You’ll find it listed in the Finder action library. Configure the Pass Files of Type pop-up menu to the extension that your raw files use.
The Pass Only Raws action will produce a list of new files that you can pass on to the rest of your workflow.
Download Pass Only Raws with XMPs (.zip)
If you’d like to know more about Automator, check out Apple’s Automator pages.
As with all Automator Actions, you can install this one by placing it in your Home > Library > Automator folder. If such a folder doesn’t exist, then create one.
Other photo-related Automator Actions
AppleScript for Digital Photographers
Taking Action with Photoshop Actions
Adobe Illustrator Automator Action
For more on Automator, check out:
Automator.US
automatorworld.com
Comments
One Comment on Pass Only Files With an XMP Sidecar
-
Patrick Bennett on
Wed, 23rd Aug 2006 7:39 pm
Hi Ken,
Just starting in Automator, Aperture as well for that matter. Does this “Pass Only RAWs..” make it possible to import RAW’s into Aperture and bring the .xmp data in as well? Such a keywords, description, etc. I’ve got some 25,000 images all label nice and neat but have hesitated using Aperture because I haven’t found a sure, simple way to do it.
Thanks, keep up the good work.
Tell me what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
-
Follow Me
Nothing Else to Buy!
Fifth Edition
Order Now!Complete Digital Photography
by Ben Long.Everything you want and need to know about digital photo-
graphy - from buying a camera, to editing your images, to making your final prints. Completely reorgan-
ized and loaded with more content than any previous edition!
More To Read
Real World
Capture NX2
Order Now!
by Ben Long.
Learn the ins and outs of Nikon's exceptional new image editing application. Capture NX 2 provides revolutionary selective editing tools, and a fully non-destructive image editing environment that can be used on any TIFF or JPEG file. If you're a Nikon shooter, then Capture NX 2 will also perform your raw conversions. Completely re-written, and covering every aspect of the program, this book is ideal for beginning to advanced shooters. Real World Nikon Capture NX 2 will show you everything you need to know to get the most out of this excellent image editor.