Batch: Convert TIFF to JPEG (MAC)

Hey Ryan,

I do think the caption might be a tricky one. However, my first thought is to try an Automator script. That sounds complicated, but it’s not. Just open up Automator and play with it for a few minutes, you’ll figure it out. I did check before typing this and there is a script set up already using GraphicConverter to “Convert into JPEG”. Once you make your script, if it’s something you’ll use a lot, save it as a finder plug-in. That way you can right-click (ctrl-click) and the script will be in your drop-down menu. I use Automator every time I import images to copy files off my CF card into a specific folder and rename to my convention. It’s a very powerful app.

Also, I know Aperture can do what you’re looking for… if you want to go that route.

Good luck!

-Art

Ryan, the save as function will provide you with an option to save the file in whatever format you choose. at the top of the panel you will see the field for the title of the image and where to put it. Underneath that there will be another field with the various file formats.

As for batch processing a bunch of Tiffs into JPGs, you can create your own “action” by simply recording the steps you take on one file and apply that to the rest. As far as I know, it shouldnt mess with any metadata at all. I always type up all my metadata in Bridge and save those files as Tiffs. Then whenever I want to derive a JPG from the original Tiff (which has all the right parameters already input, contrast, color balance, etc), I just convert the file to a JPG and size it as I wish. I have never lost any of the metadata at all.

Jon & Art, thank you for your replies. Jon, your first comment in particular is still causing me some trouble. For some reason, my photoshop allows me to save some TIFF’s as JPEG’s and other TIFF’s as PNG, Photoshop, RAW but not as a JPEG. It seems to treat certain files differently – for example TIFF files that I have used my digital camera to create won’t provide me with the SAVE AS JPEG option – where as images that I scan allow me to SAVE AS JPEG. I know this may sound like I am on crack, but I can assure you I am not. Anyone have a similar problem? Ryan

The jpeg may not be included in the “save as” because you use 16bits and or 8bits.

Ryan Check to see if some of your tiffs are 16bit, if so they can not be saved as jpegs, which are onlt an 8bit file format. To get jpegs go to image-mode-8bit and then try to saving the tiff to jpeg again. It shlould give you the option now. Jeremy

Hey Ryan,

Exactly what the 2 above posts said… switch to 8 bit, then you’ll get the jpeg option.

Yes that is the problem, if you are working with 16 bit files you wont be able to save as a JPG, you have to downsize to 8 bit.

You also cannot save as a jpeg if you have any layers or (I think) Lab color.
As for your original question, scroll to File>Scripts>Image Processor. I use that all the time to re-save folders full of TIFFs as jpegs. Also has a handy resize feature to make previews. All previous caveats re: 16 bit, layers, etc. apply.
-Jerry

Thank you all.
Ryan

I’m not sure if I understand you correctly, but if all you want to do is convert a whole bunch of TIFFs to JPEGs retaining the EXIF and without editing, you can Import to a program like Lightroom (beta 4, free for now) , select all the ones you need, and click Export – you’ll get various options when exporting including the names you want to use (you can choose Filename, Sequence numbering, EXIF etc.) – works for RAW, TIFF, etc.

Guys, that is exactly what I was doing – I was working with 16bit files and saving them as JPEGs wasn’t an option. Thanks. Also Aleph – thanks for the tip on Lightroom – downloading it now. Ryan.

Check out GraphicConverter, made for doing exactly this, for MASSIVE batches, I love it and use it almost daily for client proofs etc.

in Photoshop (cs3)
FILE > SCRIPTS > IMAGE PROCESSOR

You can save as a jpeg just fine when using layers. Note that if you use “Save for the web” you will lose your captions and other metadata.

Why do people want to “save for web” and lose the exif info? I am always frustrated when I see a photo online and want to know a bit more about it only to find no EXIF. If a photo can be made public on an open site, what is the harm in me knowing what exposure or camera body it was shot with?

“I am looking for a MAC program to batch convert TIFF’s to JPEG’s. The key here is that I need a program that won’t alter or change the caption information, any thoughts?”

I second Graphic Converter. It’s available at www.lemkesoft.com and costs around $50.

Photoshop’s batch actions will do this. It’s been in all the latest versions.
Open an image, go to the actions palette and hit the make a new set, name it then hit make a new action (both found at the bottom of the action palette)
then with your open tiff go to mode and change to 8 bit then go to file and down to save as, choose jpg and an outside folder, preferably on your desktop) now hit the square button on your action palette to stop recording and now you can use it for all your tiffs one by one or…

go to the file menu, down to automate, over to batch.
select your set, action folder source and destinations.

that should take care of it while you have a cup of tea :)

-scr

One quick question, where are you captioning your photos? If you use an older version of Photo Mechanic then you will loose the caption information when changing from TIF to JPG in any and all programs. I had a similar problem and contacted the creator of the program and never heard back from him. So, now I use IVIEW or BRIDGE to caption my photos and I no longer have that problem.

James, I don’t understand what you are looking for exactly. You need a program that does what you want on a MAC (apple) computer, right. And you need this program to be seperate from all other programs? Why? Do you have Adobe Photoshop? If you have Photoshop then you can do what I said earlier, it works like what Sandra suggested above but is much simpler. In either method, hers or mine you should not loose any caption information unless you choose the “save for web” function.

I made 2 screen grabs for people to see what I am talking about: