Many users are unaware that Photoshop allows the use of a wide range of scripts. It supports scripts written in Javascript, Visual Basic or Applescript. The scripts on this site are written in Javascript and will only work in conjunction with Photoshop.
What is a script?
A script is a file containing code which can allow many actions in Photoshop to be easily accessible to the user. If you have used Actions before, you will know that they allow you to record a series of Photoshop steps which you can replay as many times as you like with any file you like. Scripts can go much further in that they have an interface where you can enter values, make choices and initiate a wide variety of events.
Island in the Tweed – 4 Way Symmetry, no additional editing
The Scripts
At the moment, there are only two scripts available for free download:
- KaleidEfex: this is a complex script with many possibilities. It allows you to crop, create 2 or 4-way symmetry, flip the symmetry elements, add a variety of effects and create a wide range of kaleidoscopic images.
- Framer: this is a much simpler script which will frame any image. Values for all dimensions can be entered and a variety of frame textures is included.
Check out the Symmetry and Kaleidoscopes galleries for more images.
Squelch – 4-way symmetry with Twirl effects, some additional editing
Nerdy Stuff
I am an amateur scripter and I wrote these scripts almost entirely for my own purposes. In particular, I wanted to ‘play’ with symmetry, reflection and kaleidoscopes. The scripts were written in Javascript and Extendscript which adds in a set of Photoshop-specific keywords. I used ScriptUI, another extension, to create the dialogues. The scripts are as robust as I can make them but I can’t guarantee they won’t ever crash.
The scripts work exclusively with Photoshop and they make no changes whatsoever to your computer other than to change a couple of PS preferences. They set units to pixels and the number of history states to 250. The script will restore your original values when it finishes. However…… if the script crashes for any reason or you exit the script by pressing Escape, your original values will NOT be restored.
I don’t know if the scripts will work with earlier versions of Photoshop such as CS or on a Mac. I haven’t tested these.
Moonrise and Sunset – kaleidoscope using the Rectangle method
Autumn Leaves – Kaleidoscope using the Triangle method
Navigating the Scripts Section
You can navigate the pages in this section by using the links at the bottom of each page to move through the material sequentially, or you can use the sidebar menu on the right. Having said all of that, you can also jump right in and run the scripts with the default settings! Experimentation will yield some great results!
Tyne Bridge, Newcastle – framed with Framer