Where is it now?
Where is that option in Bridge?
Looks like I will have to keep CS3 around until Adobe either puts it back in Photoshop or makes the output in Bridge a truly professional tool.
10.5 MB for 6 contacts sheets in a PDF is simply unacceptable..
A "High-Quality" PDF contact sheet here with 9 images is 3.8MB.
If you want something smaller for eMailing, either:
save the Contact Sheet as a "low-quality" PDF (1.5MB);
or re-save the Contact Sheet PDF as a JPEG (straight out of Acrobat) to get a 540KB JPEG.
I just did the low quality one, 1.7MB, looks terrible, would not email that to a client.
The CS3 one is 1.8 MB and looks TONS better, saved JPEG/9, simple, fast, good.
Adobe, please put this feature back in Photoshop or make the output in bridge a professional level tool that is actually useful.
Adobe, please put this feature back in Photoshop
You must have missed the User to User at the top of the forum page.
Most of this stuff works. I am not one to use the contact sheet feature but if you must use it give it a try.
then report back.
<http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4047>
Surely it can't be hard to support such a simple action in CS4 and in the future.
For those that want to continue using the earlier version, just copy the plug-in from CS3 into CS4 — then you will have a choice of using either the new or the old version at will.
The same goes for a few other superannuated filters such as Extract and Pattern Maker.
Incidentally,those plug-ins some of which are downloadabel here:
<http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4047>
are also being shipped with CS4 (in the "Goodies" folder) for optional installation by the User.
For those that want to continue using the earlier version, just copy the
plug-in from CS3 into CS4 — then you will have a choice of using either
the new or the old version at will.
UPDATE after further testing:
Do NOT install the old Photoshop Contact Sheets files in CS4 because it appears that you will disable the far superior Bridge CS4 Output Panel if you do.
The CS4 Contact Sheets are not only superior in quality to the old CS3 ones but are also created in a fraction of the time.
I have mine set to launch on Boot-up so that it is permanently available to me and, if there is one reason above all others for upgrading to CS4, it is the new version of Bridge.
Memory hogging?
While I am working on another application with the Bridge window fully open in the background, Activity Monitor reports that Bridge is using a whopping 0.5% of the CPU and 72MB of RAM.
I only have 5.5 GB RAM and Bridge slows down … NOTHING!
Frankly you are more than foolish if you do not use CS4 Bridge.
Says you. Not everyone needs it. I'm sure for photographers it's great, but if you're not a photographer, there's little reason to use it.
Bridge is using a whopping 0.5% of the CPU and 72MB of RAM.
That's 0.5% and 72mb more than necessary for me. I go into a job and open up the 1, 2, or few images I need to and get right to colour editing. Don't need batching, don't need to see thumbnails, don't need anything that bridge has to offer.
Really I never understood the reason for removing functionality. Especially with John Nack talking endlessly about how we're going to be able to make photoshop customizable to what WE want, it seems silly to remove functions. People are using them. Leave the full feature set in there, and from there, as we the consumers use photoshop, let US decide what to remove. It seems like common sense to me.
And Bridge is not "just for Photographers"
It really comes into its own for those who use more than one of the CS4 applications that are part of the Creative Suite; and for the majority of us who are involved with far more than only having to be concerned with the need to "open up the 1, 2, or few images" for color editing.
Actually, if that is your only need, I can't see why you would need CS4 anyway.
8/
For the rest of us, there is Adobe ů and CS4 ů
Stoopid.
Ann, Photoshop and Illustrator work just fine for me without Bridge.
I suspect that you are botn dismissing something (Bridge CS4) that you haven't even tried yet and, almost certainly, do not know how to use?
Your loss, frankly.
The only thing they took OUT is the default installation of the plug-ins (which is just a clue that they are end-of-lifed).
If you can make a real good case why the old things should be continued, that's useful...complaining about stuff being removed that you don't have a strong use case, isn't.
My tests showed that the Bridge Scripts appear to kill Bridge CS4's Output Panel so I recommend that people should NOT install them but just use the old CS3 versions of Contact Sheet II and Web Photo Gallery directly out of Photoshop CS4 … if they insist.
But the new Bridge Output Panel versions are so superior that I fail to understand why anyone would want to use the old methods anyway.
Adobe has been "sharing the wealth" with PS, cherry picking several nice features & placing them in other thin apps.
I don't want to use Fireworks or Bridge to do simple things easily done in CS1 & 2, thank you.
You can save a LOT of money by never upgrading beyond CS2 … !
My tests showed that the Bridge Scripts appear to kill Bridge CS4's Output
Panel so I recommend that people should NOT install them
Are you referring to the actual Bridge start up scripts that ship in the CS4 Goodies folder, or trying to use the CS3 versions of the scripts in CS4?
Just because you find deleting features a good thing does not make is so.
"Make Photoshop everything you need, nothing you don't" - John Nack
I am referring to the files inside the Bridge Start-up Scripts — (and, yes i did install them as instructed!) from the downloaded "PHSPCS4_Cont_LS1.dmg" from Adobe's Site
<http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/thankyou.jsp?ftpID=4047&fileID=3768>
Bridge is not in my workflow either, and for Adobe to push me there unnecessarily
seems arrogant on their part.
Did you read this! No one is forcing you.
I think Adobe listens to it customers and this is the way the customers want things to go, but you say they should not listen to their customers they should only listen to you.
I might be wrong but that does seem a bit arrogant to me.
I see what you're talking about, and I'm asking some questions here to get more info.
You seriously think Adobes' customers WANTED the Contact Sheet feature moved to Bridge or as a lame-duck install?!?!?!?!
Yes, you are wrong.
The functionality moving to Bridge was to support more customers. Bridge ships with other Adobe point products and in the Suite configurations so it gets more exposure and hopefully more usage. It also allows for more improvements and extensibility that the Legacy feature does not. Also in CS2 & CS3 Suites, there was a Bridge/InDesign Contact sheet so it was fairly natural to remove the InDesign and Ps dependencies and put it all under one process (which also adds efficiency to many workflows, but not all).
The Contact Sheet II feature can still be setup in Ps, but a certain amount of focus needs to be applied so we don't bog users down in feature bloat. The maturity of Ps makes for a tough balancing act between legacy and innovation.
There is also a 3rd party solution that is frankly better than this legacy feature.
I don't see that Adobe is pushing the 'take it or leave' presented in this thread. We will try to present new methods that are seen as progression which helps with efficiency or innovation. But, at the same time we, more often than not, offer some makeshift to help in the transition.
I am not a one-trick pony, but IMO making me learn a new trick, a new app (Bridge that I dislike) and/or go through a Goodies search and new installations just so Adobe can have remove one item from the Automate drop-down menu does not make sense. How complex was it really to just leave it alone, even if Adobe did add other (better for some) solutions?
Calling an existing, buried in a short drop-down, "feature bloat" is frankly nonsense. When we ask Adobe to avoid bloat, what we mean is leave things alone, don't add four new ways to achieve what already works.
To get back to you regarding the CS4 Optional Scripts and plug-ins:
Itested both the plug-ins and the Scripts.
Automate/ContactSheetII.plugin and WebContactSheetII.plugin can be installed in Photoshop CS4 and both seem to work and not to cause any problems with other parts of the Application.
But installing the Bridge Startup Scripts in accordance with the instructions:
photoshop_contact_sheet_ii
photoshop_contact_sheet_ii.jsx
photoshop_web_contact_sheet
photoshop_web_contact_sheet.jsx
caused Bridge CS4 to be unable to display the normal contents of its Output Panel.
It was possible to use the scripts from bridge to generate the old CS3 kind of Contact Sheets but the ability to use the CS4 Outputs was destroyed.
I have now removed those Scripts and Folders.
----------
* The instructions state:
Optional: To add this legacy functionality back into Bridge (as a menu
item): 3. From the Photoshop CS4 install disc, drop the //<language>/Goodies/Optional
plugins/Bridge Startup Scripts/photoshop_web_contact_sheet folder
and
photoshop_web_contact_sheet.jsx file into following the locations and
then restart Bridge. Macintosh: //Library/Application Support/Adobe/Startup
Scripts CS4/Adobe Photoshop/
Bridge works transparently with the Finder. Any folder structure you modify in Bridge is automatically reflected in the Finder and vice versa. No damned libraries or catalogs to worry about.
Anyone who wants to "learn" Bridge can do it during a coffee break.
Any argument related to "learning" Bridge is specious.
I understand that Lightroom 2 will now interface seamlessly with Bridge CS4 but I have no way of testing that at the moment.
The time I spend learning new Adobe tricks is UNBILLABLE.
Playing devil's advocate for a moment, couldn't you then conclude that learning any new software is a waste of time; and by extension, you should never upgrade?
Neil
That, for me, is superior..
Now THAT is productive...
Now just to be crystal clear, how do I get Contact-II back in CS4 without
disrupting the bridge output page...?
Just install the Optional Plug-ins:
ContactSheetII.plugin
and
WebContactSheetII.plugin
in CS4/Plug-Ins/Automate/…
Do NOT install the optional "Bridge Scripts" and you will be fine — you will be able to use the CS3-type Contact sheets from Photoshop and still be able to use the new Bridge Output modules if you choose to do so.
Actually the quickest way to make Contact sheets will probably prove to be to use the Bridge Output method (with High Quality and set to open the resulting PDF immediately and automatically); and then saving that PDF as your usual Level 9 JPEG.
However, that will depend on how many images you put on a sheet.
Alternatively you could put your images into a Web Gallery and upload the Gallery to your Web Server where your Customer can view it.
Bridge CS4 does that very quickly and efficiently.
From my limited experience with it otherwise, Bridge CS4 seems very good, the upgrade really went seamlessly, and it is a nice surprise and a pleasant environment. I wouldn't object to having a checkbox in the PS CS4 general preferences for launching Bridge on opening.
I wouldn't object to having a checkbox in the PS CS4 general preferences
for launching Bridge on opening,
You can set that option in the Bridge Prefs./Advanced.
I was unable to enter numerical values in the Layout fields for Columns
and Rows.
You should be able to do that. Which PDF Template did you have selected?
Try choosing the "2*2 cells" Template and then, in the Layout tab, try adding whatever number of cells and rows you need.
"Alternatively you could put your images into a Web Gallery and upload the Gallery to your Web Server where your Customer can view it."
One long scroll preferred. If I could make it as above, then yes, just put that page into the web face. Thanks for your comments.
Playing devil's advocate for a moment, couldn't you then conclude that
learning any new software is a waste of time; and by extension, you should
never upgrade?
No. Clearly some new software or new tricks within old software are worth the learning curve. However, taking away totally functional existing capability and forcing us to learn another method is not so good; it is not like that little drop-down item was kludging up the interface.
Are you sure it is a smart call only our part to not use the Bridge and find out the power it has to offer you.
There is a feature in CS 4 which is turned off by default called application frame, when you first look at it more then likely you are going to hate it. But try it, just to look at it.
Now imagine the bridge opening in a side bare or panel off to one side say
where the panes normally do to the right.
OK now you have an open document in a window in your application frame and this mini bridge in the side panel and now you want to access a file from say the desktop but all you want to do is drag and drop it into your open document and you know it is the right folder because the bridge gave you a preview and also the metadata. So without opening it you drag it fro this mini bridge to your document and Voilá and it took you like two seconds and you never lost focus on your document or group of tabbed documents?
Say you use the copyright information to protect yourself against the Orphan Works Act.
and you are in your document and it is the first in a serious and you want to embed the that info in the document info so you do so going to File>File info and you fill out the form now before you do anything like close it out you go to the this mini bridge and you select all the files in that series and you click sync. and now they all have that info.
You could make and save a template as well and in the Bridge in the future apply that same template to any group in the bridges side bar change the job title and date select and then sync that an all the changes are made all you had to do is change a couple of lines once?
Have any of that data applied to a title of a contact sheet?
Well I am not going on as I can think of 2000 ways this concept of the Bridge can and will develop that will make the work experience much easier and better and it has already for me.
If you shoot as much as I do then you know it is very hard even with light room and Aperture to keep track of what you have done with all your files, the Bridge is a life saver in this case and banging your head against the monitor.
And don't tell me you don't have those days and often! Because I know better!
Good luck Frank, don't change and see how everyone leaves you in the dust.
And when a client of yours tells you one day…well why don't you just use the Bridge, don't be surprised.
Any Template.
' "I wouldn't object to having a checkbox in the PS CS4 general preferences for launching Bridge on opening,"
You can set that option in the Bridge Prefs./Advanced. '
I should have said, having a checkbox to launch Bridge in the PS CS4 Prefs so that when PS CS4 opens Bridge CS4 will launch. The purpose being to have Bridge open when PS is open. A very small point, but not small enough to have been overlooked in CS3.
I got into the habit of launching Bridge first because in early versions of Photoshop 10.x the checkbox to launch Bridge automatically triggered a bug with flickering cursors in ACR. Though that bug may have been fixed, I was already used to launching Bridge first.
' "I was unable to enter numerical values in the Layout fields for Columns
and Rows." You should be able to do that. Which PDF Template did you have
selected? '
Any Template.
Frank:
It definitely works for me. If it doesn't work for you, it has to have something to do with the way that you have installed CS4 or with damaged Prefs.
Try launching CS4 from a new User's account
My beef is that the "Contact Sheet" analogy is pure Photography based, like dodge & burn and filters.
Photo features belong in Photoshop. Put'em in Bridge too if that suits YOUR needs. Don't tell me to switch apps to do a photo feature.
Should the crop tool be in Bridge only? Why not? Filters, too. Call it "Lightroom3"
Point being, it worked, and it is a photo-based tool. Belongs in Photoshop
For your question about the optional "Bridge script", what is the symptom of the problem? Did you check the Bridge->Preferences->Startup Scripts->Adobe Output Module checkbox? Did Reset Bridge work for you?
Hi, Ralph
Could you input any numeric value to other input box, such as Top, bottom? Did you have the IME open while input the numeric value?
Thanks
Kathy
I think as things evolve it will an unavoidable approach.
Just consider now they are including high quality video capture directly in you still camera.
Photographer a videographer maybe little difference in the future, they will soon have a 5K video camera.
It saves me tons of time and I use it more and more each week.
I think you will be glad you were prodded into using it in the future.
In response to your question:
For your question about the optional "Bridge script", what is the symptom
of the problem? regarding the CS4 Optional Scripts and plug-ins:
I tested both the plug-ins and the Scripts.
Automate/ContactSheetII.plugin and WebContactSheetII.plugin can be installed in Photoshop CS4 and both seem to work and not to cause any problems with other parts of the Application.
But installing the Bridge Startup Scripts in accordance with the instructions:
photoshop_contact_sheet_ii
photoshop_contact_sheet_ii.jsx
photoshop_web_contact_sheet
photoshop_web_contact_sheet.jsx
caused Bridge CS4 to be unable to display the normal contents of its Output Panel.
It was possible to use the scripts from Bridge to generate the old CS3 kind of Contact Sheets but the ability to use the CS4 Outputs was destroyed.
I have now removed those two Scripts and both Folders.
Did you check the Bridge->Preferences->Startup Scripts->Adobe Output Module
checkbox?
Yes.
Did Reset Bridge work for you? >
I really don't remember whether i trashed the prefs at that point or if I just removed the Scripts.
Actually I have no need for either the Scripts or the Plug-ins because the new Output Panel in Bridge CS4 does a far better job than the old CS3 methods for making Web Galleries and Contact Sheets.
Hope this info. helps you anyway.
IME stands for Input Method Editors (IMEs) which could allow you to input other language into the input box. What is your OS language and default locale? Can you input numerical value other application? Can you copy and paste the value inside the output panel?
And Ann, It works for me, that is why I am curious what is going on in your system. Never mind if you don't want to use the plug-in.
Thanks
Kathy
My OS default language is French, but I have CS4 in English (U.K.). In the Bridge CS4 preferences, I have, (under Advanced) English set for Language and 'French' set for keyboard.
My home-made ones are available to me in the Bridge output panel.
However I did follow the naming convention of the other files in the folder — starting with the next higher double digits and retaining the same .xml suffix.
Ann Shelbourne, "Web Photo Gallery in CS4" #1, 17 Oct 2008 9:06 pm </webx?14@@.59b6c6f0/0>
I see what is going on now. If you use France keyboard+France Region+France input, you can not input the numerical value in Output panel. I would say this is a bug. There is a workaround for you. You could use the numpad in your keyboard to input the number and you could also switch the input to America to input the number. :-)
I also want to put standard multi-line text at the bottom of the page.
In Contact Sheet II, I dealt with this by using Bridge to trigger a PS Contact Sheet, and then used a PS action to place the text overlay.
So far I haven't found an easy way to replicate this semi-automated functionality in CS4 PDF contact sheets. Clues to customising the PDF Contact Sheet to meet my requirements would be appreciated. I do enough to justify the time to learn scripting if that is the only way.
Looks very interesting. Many thanks.
Actual Photoshop CS4 in side can't make a contact sheet.bu that facility now in inside Bridge
To create more effective contact sheets, use the Adobe Output Module in Adobe Bridge. For more information, see Create a PDF contact sheet with Adobe Output Module. If you prefer the older Contact Sheet plug-in described below, download it for Windows or Mac OS.
Contact sheets let you easily preview and catalog groups of images by displaying a series of thumbnails on a single page. You can automatically create and place thumbnails on a page using the Contact Sheet II command.
A contact sheet
1. Do one of the following:
 (Photoshop) Choose File > Automate > Contact Sheet II.
 (Bridge) Select a folder of images or specific image files. From the Bridge menu, choose Tools > Photoshop > Contact Sheet II. Unless you select specific images, the contact sheet will include all the images currently displayed in Adobe Bridge. You can select a different image folder or select other currently open images after the Contact Sheet II dialog box opens.
Note: Click to select an image in Bridge. Shift-click to select a series of images. Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac OS) to select noncontiguous images.
In the Contact Sheet II dialog box, specify the images to use by choosing one of the following from the Use menu in the Source Images area:
Current Open Documents
Uses any image that is currently open in Photoshop.
Folder
Lets you click Browse (Windows) or Choose (Mac OS) to specify the folder containing the images you want to use. Select Include All Subfolders to include images inside any subfolders.
Selected Images From Bridge
Uses images displayed in Bridge. All images in Bridge are used unless you select specific images before choosing the Contact Sheet II command. Images in subfolders are not included.
In the Document area, specify the dimensions, resolution, and color mode for the contact sheet. Select Flatten All Layers to create a contact sheet with all images and text on a single layer. Deselect Flatten All Layers to create a contact sheet in which each image is on a separate layer and each caption is on a separate text layer.
In the Thumbnails area, specify layout options for the thumbnail previews.
 For Place, choose whether to arrange thumbnails across first (from left to right, then top to bottom) or down first (from top to bottom, then left to right).
 Enter the number of columns and rows that you want per contact sheet. The maximum dimensions for each thumbnail are displayed to the right, along with a visual preview of the specified layout.
 Select Use Auto-Spacing to let Photoshop automatically space the thumbnails in the contact sheet. If you deselect Use Auto-Spacing, you can specify the vertical and horizontal space around the thumbnails. The contact sheet preview in the dialog box is automatically updated as you specify the spacing.
 Select Rotate For Best Fit to rotate the images, regardless of their orientation, so they fit efficiently on a contact sheet.
When Rotate For Best Fit is deselected, thumbnails appear in their correct orientation (left). When it is selected, the pictures are rotated to achieve the best fit (right).
Select Use Filename As Caption to label the thumbnails using their source image filenames. Use the menu to specify a caption font and font size.
Click OK.
Thanks,
Stacey