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PookJP · Jun 26, 2001, 08:57 AM

I need a simple application that converts PDF and EPS files to GIFs or JPGs. Preferably it would have the capability to convert in bulk, as I have a few hundred PDF/EPS files that need to be converted. As a final restriction, the application needs to be able to work on Unix.

I know this is a very specific search question, but any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Can OSX run Unix applications?

Thank you in advance.

-Pook

MacMerc.com · Jun 26, 2001, 11:44 AM

If it was me, I'd do in Photoshop with actions. You could create an action that opens a file and then saves it as a JPEG of a specified compression. Then using that action you could batch process a folder full of these PDF's and EPS's and go out for a bite while it chugs away at it.

-Rick

PookJP · Jun 26, 2001, 12:13 PM

That sounds like a good idea, MacMerc. Now tell me: is there a way that I can use an action on multiple files? I know how to set up an action where I open the PDF/EPS file, double click the action, and the Save As... dialog box is brought up. Then I have to add the .JPG/.GIF and press "Save" for each one.

I doubt this is the best way to use actions, so if you know a better way, please tell! And it would be ideal if I could make an action work without my intervention on multiple files while I, as you put it, went out for a bite.

Thanks for your help.

-Pook

MacMerc.com · Jun 26, 2001, 12:46 PM

Sure! In Photoshop 5.5 under the File menu go to Automate and choose Batch. In the window that pops up, choose the action you created, the folder that holds you files to be batched and then designate another folder for the converted files to be saved into. Then go to Starbucks and get a coffee and maybe a cinnamon roll.

-Rick

[ 06-26-2001: Message edited by: MacMerc.com ]

PookJP · Jun 26, 2001, 03:50 PM

That works well, MacMerc, so thank you for that tip. This does not solve the issue, however, that I have in regards to operating systems. I ultimately need a UNIX program to do the conversion. Do any of you know of one?

Thank you again, MacMerc, you have given me a great temporary solution. Now if any of you can solve my long term problem...

PookJP · Jun 27, 2001, 01:23 PM

I have found an answer to my question at another site. If any of you are interested, www.ImageMagick.org has a program called Image Magick that will do the trick. It works on Mac, Windows, and Unix.

-Pook