Photoshop extendscript javascript save to text file a list of layers

How to Save a List of Layers in Photoshop using ExtendScript JavaScript#

As a graphic designer, I have often found myself needing to save a list of layers in Photoshop. This can be a tedious task, especially when there are multiple layers involved. Fortunately, with the help of ExtendScript JavaScript, this task can be automated.

Step 1: Open Photoshop and Create a New Document#

First, open Photoshop and create a new document. This can be done by clicking on File > New or by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+N (Windows) or Command+N (Mac).

Step 2: Create Some Layers#

Next, create some layers in the document. This can be done by clicking on the New Layer button in the Layers panel or by using the keyboard shortcut Shift+Ctrl+N (Windows) or Shift+Command+N (Mac).

Step 3: Open ExtendScript Toolkit#

Open ExtendScript Toolkit by clicking on File > Scripts > Open in ExtendScript Toolkit or by using the keyboard shortcut Alt+Ctrl+F12 (Windows) or Option+Command+F12 (Mac).

Step 4: Create a New Script#

In ExtendScript Toolkit, create a new script by clicking on File > New or by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+N (Windows) or Command+N (Mac).

Step 5: Write the Script#

Now it's time to write the script. The following code will save a list of layers to a text file:

var doc = app.activeDocument;
var layers = doc.layers;
var layerCount = layers.length;
var layerNames = "";

for (var i = 0; i < layerCount; i++) {
  layerNames += layers[i].name + "\n";
}

var file = File.saveDialog("Save layer names", "Text files: *.txt");
file.open("w");
file.write(layerNames);
file.close();

This script gets the active document and all of its layers. It then loops through each layer and adds its name to a string called layerNames. Finally, it prompts the user to save the list to a text file.

Step 6: Run the Script#

To run the script, simply click on the Run button in ExtendScript Toolkit or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+R (Windows) or Command+R (Mac).

Once the script has finished running, a save dialog box will appear. Choose a location and file name for the text file and click Save.

Alternative Method: Export Layers to a File#

Another way to save a list of layers is to export them to a file. This can be done using the following script:

var doc = app.activeDocument;
var outputFolder = Folder.selectDialog("Select output folder");
var layers = doc.layers;
var layerCount = layers.length;

for (var i = 0; i < layerCount; i++) {
  var layer = layers[i];
  var layerName = layer.name;
  var layerFileName = layerName.replace(/[^\w]/g, "_") + ".png";
  var outputFile = new File(outputFolder + "/" + layerFileName);
  
  layer.visible = true;
  doc.exportDocument(outputFile, ExportType.SAVEFORWEB);
  layer.visible = false;
}

This script exports each layer as a PNG file to a chosen output folder. The name of each exported file is based on the layer name.

Conclusion#

These are just a few ways to save a list of layers in Photoshop using ExtendScript JavaScript. With these tools, graphic designers can save time and energy by automating repetitive tasks.