How do you batch rotate images in Photoshop?

To batch rotate images in Photoshop, you can use either layers or actions depending on whether the images are already in a single document or are separate files. Here's how to do both:

Method 1: Rotating Multiple Layers (Images within a Single Document)

This method works when you have multiple images loaded as separate layers within a single Photoshop document.

1. Select the Layers: In the Layers panel, hold down the Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) key and click on each layer you want to rotate to select them.

2. Use the Transform Tool:

   • Press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Command+T (Mac) to activate the Free Transform tool.
   • Alternatively, go to Edit > Free Transform.

3. Rotate: Position your cursor just outside one of the corners of the bounding box. A curved, double-headed arrow will appear, indicating rotation mode. Click and drag to rotate the selected layers to the desired angle.

4. Confirm the Rotation: Press Enter (Windows) or Return (Mac) to apply the rotation. All selected layers will be rotated together.

Method 2: Rotating Multiple Files (Using Actions)

This method is for rotating multiple separate image files.

1. Open one of the images you want to rotate. This will be your sample image for creating the action.

2. Create a New Action:

   • Go to Window > Actions to open the Actions panel.
   • Click the Create New Action icon (looks like a page with a folded corner).
   • Give your action a name (e.g., "Rotate 90 Degrees"). Choose a set to save the action in, or create a new set if needed. Click Record.

3. Perform the Rotation:

   • Go to Image > Image Rotation and select the desired rotation (e.g., 90° Clockwise, 90° Counter Clockwise, or Arbitrary).
   • If you choose "Arbitrary", enter the desired angle.

4. Stop Recording: In the Actions panel, click the Stop Playing/Recording button (the square icon).

5. Batch Process the Images:

   • Go to File > Automate > Batch...
   • In the Batch dialog:
     • Set: Choose the set containing your action.
     • Action: Select the "Rotate" action you just created.
     • Source: Choose the folder containing the images you want to rotate.
     • Destination: Choose a destination folder for the rotated images. Consider creating a new folder to avoid overwriting the originals. You can also choose "Save and Close" if you want to overwrite the originals and keep the same file names (use with caution!).
     • File Naming: Customize the naming scheme for the rotated files, if desired.
   • Click OK. Photoshop will now automatically open, rotate, and save each image in the specified folder.

Important Considerations:

• Saving: Pay close attention to the destination and file naming options in the Batch dialog. Accidental overwriting of original files can lead to data loss.
• Image Format: The batch process will save the rotated images in the same format as the originals by default. If you need to change the format, you can incorporate a "Save As" step into your action after the rotation step.
• Complex Rotations: For more complex or variable rotations, using scripting may offer greater flexibility.