Making a simple image resizing tool using macOS Automator
Automating basic photo editing tasks frees up time to focus on music
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Let’s dive into today’s topic:
Making a simple image resizing tool using macOS Automator
Automating basic photo editing tasks frees up time to focus on music.
Why it matters
Building a career as an artist is like starting a business; it requires a diverse set of skills. Basic photo editing is one of them. For instance, artists often need to:
Publish smaller-sized photos on social media.
Manage file size and type restrictions when distributing artwork to DSPs such as Spotify.
Share lower-resolution press photos via email instead of the original files.
These simple tasks can be time-consuming, distracting artists from their core focus: creating music and cultivating their community.
How it works
I created a simple image resizing tool in macOS Automator over a decade ago.
It adds a ‘Quick Action’ to the right-click context menu in Finder to resize image files to 1024px in width or height. I use it daily to resize images to a lower resolution.
Please note: This example uses Automator, a native macOS tool. After a quick Google search, I found some Windows alternatives, but since I haven't used them personally, I can’t make any recommendations. If you have one, please share it in the comments.
Here’s how to create this simple resize tool using macOS Automator:
Open Automator: Spotlight search with
cmd + space > Automator.File > New > Quick Action.Select the actions described in the screenshot below.
Alternatively, download the complete script and open it in Automator.Run the Quick Action for a test by right-clicking an image file in Finder
> Quick Actions > Scale Images to 1024px.
The script duplicates the file to a new image with a 1024px width or height.
Yes, but..
As with many time-saving hacks, this method is not foolproof. For instance, the script does not adjust an image's aspect ratio, so it cannot change a picture from 1:1 to 1:19 while keeping the subject in focus.
Nevertheless, this technique can save time in about 80% of instances when working with images.
Take action now
Using the example above, artists using macOS can create a Quick Action to resize image files.
Go deeper by exploring Automator actions. For instance, create a Quick Action to change an image’s file type to .jpg.
Your thoughts
We’re eager to hear your experiences and insights on today’s topic. Join the conversation and engage with hundreds of artists, creators, and industry professionals in the comments.
Further reading
Automator User Guide for macOS Sanoma (Apple Support)
How artists can improve their work priorities (The Fanbase Builder)
How to utilise NFC tags as an artist (The Fanbase Builder)
How to write press releases (The Fanbase Builder)
How to access the Spotify Web API (The Fanbase Builder)