2
\$\begingroup\$

For the purpose of automated and unassisted batch-processing (using bash and GNU make) I need a command-line tool to develop jpgs from my raw+xmp files.

I am on OS X and have the complete Adobe tool chain available (Lightroom 4, Bridge 5, Photoshop 5), however, have not yet found a way to interface to them from the command line; the answer to this question indicates that, at least for Lightroom, this is not yet possible. On Mac OS X it might be implementable via some crazy (and brittle) UI scripting, but Adobe products are generally not open to that as well because of their very specific UI toolkits.

I certainly would prefer developing via the Adobe engine, but if this is not possible, I would also go for another engine given that it – at least to some degree – applies the development settings stored in the XMP sidecars.

I know about dcraw (Open Source) and Apple's sips, but as far as I understand they would not apply the (Adobe) development settings stored in the XMP sidecars. But maybe there is some conversion tool available?

Any further suggestions?

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
4
  • \$\begingroup\$ Why not go the Lightroom-API way, using Lua? You should be able to execute these Lua scripts using bash and then the possibilities are endless, surely. \$\endgroup\$
    – Unapiedra
    May 26, 2013 at 11:01
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Unapiedra: Sounds complicated, but feasable. Do you have an example for sich a Lua script that could be taken as starting point? \$\endgroup\$
    – Daniel
    May 26, 2013 at 18:43
  • \$\begingroup\$ I think using a non-Adobe engine will be a non-starter. It's easy to see, for example, that Clarity is set to +20, but unless someone else implements the same Clarity algorithm, that's not going to help. And I doubt anyone can do that, for both technical and intellectual property reasons. And starting with Process 2012, even the simple-sounding adjustments (Exposure, Blacks, Whites...) are complicated image-adaptive algorithms, much like HDR tone mapping operators. \$\endgroup\$
    – coneslayer
    May 26, 2013 at 19:31
  • \$\begingroup\$ @coneslayer: Well, in the end it is a trade-off decision. For me, being command-line scriptable is more important than perfect quality. If the quality is okayish, it might be a starter. \$\endgroup\$
    – Daniel
    May 27, 2013 at 12:03

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
\$\begingroup\$

Adobe Lightroom (not so sure about Photoshop and rest) does not support command-line-scripting. You can easily write plug-ins and there are numerous resources to help you (SDK Guide, Lightroom SDK). But according to a thread on the Adobe-Forums, calling a script that executes a specific Lightroom action does not work from the command line.

A pity, really.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
0

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.