Store a Copied Image in an Automation Script

Question

So I'm about to get into a part of my project where I have to process a ton of images. The processing flow is the same, so I would like to use a combination of Actions and Automation to do the job. I was able to build a script but I have one step in it that I can't get to work unless a source is also open and copied into memory. Let me explain:

I usually get a bunch of photos from an event, these photos need be processed and dropped into this template frame, in other words a layer with with graphics on the left and right sides but the middle has a placeholder for these photos. After loading the images, the flow that I have created is as follows:

1. Convert image from background layer to a basic layer (transparent)
2. Resize the canvas to accommodate for the 'frame' template
3. Paste the 'frame' template
4. Move the image layer on top of the 'frame' template
5. Merge layers
6. Save file as original name + serial.

The problem I'm having is with step three. In order for me to be able to take this step, the source of the 'paste,' the 'frame' layer needs to be in memory; aka I need to have that file open, then do a Ctrl+Copy, and now that it's in memory and my script could be applied on those loaded images.

What I want to be able to do is somehow permanently store this 'frame' layer inside this script or somehow so that I don't always have to have it open as a separate file and have it sit in memory after a Ctrl+Copy.

Answer 1

No, atleast not if the template is nontrivial (also image files are usually HUGE, how would it help if you added a 1,000,000 lines to your code).

However, it seems like your missing a really simple approach. Use the script to load the template. Then you dont need to have it open, yhe script will open it and possibly close it after yove done. (Before you claim that this is slow id like to point out that the script needs to be read from disk too).