Photoshop® CS4 Bible

Chapter 25. Digital Workflow Overview and Automating Processes

IN THIS CHAPTER

Digital workflow overview

Automating Photoshop processes

The word workflow generally refers to a sequence of steps or processes that one should follow in order to create high-quality digital photographs or artwork. There are many types of workflows, ranging from the very specific to the very general. For example, there are color workflows, intended to carefully manage the color quality of an image from its inception to final printing and screen output. There are also Web workflows, which can refer to optimizing a finished image for the Web or creating an entire Web site design within Photoshop.

The key point to remember is that workflow is about process: using the right tools (often in a specific sequence) to get the best possible result.

The first part of this chapter provides a high-level overview of a typical digital photography workflow, and includes components of other workflows such as color management, image retouching, and Web optimization. The second part of this chapter deals with functions and features that can make parts of your Photoshop workflow more efficient.

It is not uncommon for many Photoshop users to find themselves in situations where they must perform the same task repeatedly on many images. Doing so manually can quickly become so time-intensive that you fall behind schedule. Given that scenario, you'll see how Actions, Droplets, Scripts, and the Photoshop Image Processor can help ...