In this tutorial we will learn how to take advantage of Batch Filter which is available in Browser and Editor in Edit menu.
Step One: We will demonstrate an use of a batch filter in Browser window, although it can be used in Editor window too. As a first step, browse to a folder with images and select some of them using a mouse or a shift key. Then go to Edit menu and click on Batch filter... command.
Step Two: A dialog will be shown. You can see that there are previews of selected files in the left part of the window. On the right side there's a list of filters which are meant to be applied on all selected images. A top center part contains a preview of current image, by default showing a "before and after" state of the image. A histogram can be displayed voluntarily and preview mode can be changed to a different one. You can use middle mouse button on preview to switch between before and after too. Bottom part contains controls for current filter which is selected in the right part.
Step Three: Click on the button with a green plus sign. A dialog will be shown where you can choose which filter will be added to the queue of operations.
Step Four: Once you have more operations, you can change their order using drag and drop. Please note that for Format and Renaming filters order can not be changed, because these two define how a result of a batch operation will be stored on a disk. This doesn't apply to batch operations in Editor window where these two filters are disabled.
Step Five: Because many filters have many settings, it is wise to learn how to use presets. There are two kinds of presets in Batch filter dialog. Local presets which you can find right below preview section apply to a selected filter. Global presets which are available in bottom right part apply to a whole dialog.
Step Six: You can click on any thumbnail to see a preview of your new batch operation before it is applied. If you're happy with the result, you can click on Apply to apply the operation on a selected file only, so you can adjust settings for the next image, or you can click on Apply to All to apply the operation on all files that you have selected in the first step.
Beware! If you don't have Format and Renaming filters in your queue of operations, an original image will be overwritten by the result of applied operation. Therefore we recommend to you to work on copies only.
Step Seven: Once you learn to use global presets in batch filter, you can apply all the predefined operations directly from Browser or Editor menu without having to launch Batch filter dialog.
Conclusion: Although the Batch Filter functionality in Zoner Photo Studio is very useful, it is necessary to use it with caution. When called from a Browser window, once it is applied it can not be undone! Therefore it is crucial to work on copies of original files. However once you learn to use it, it will save you a lot of time - instead of repetition of many operations you'll have to perform a single step. And then you can share your presets with your friends using the Preset Manager.
