How to automatically save each layer as its own png/jpeg while keeping one main layer above

Question

We offer vinyl decals for many devices. To show what a design looks like on a device, we have to create a main layer of the device, having the place of where the skin would fit cut out for our background layer images to slide behind.

We have 2,000+ designs to offer for each device, so this takes time. After we line up all the backgrounds as individual layers behind the main device window, we then have to save out each layer as its own png. This is a very time consuming process. Here's a test example of a few designs.

Each background layer is titled corresponding to what the design is called. For example: The top layer here is called "Blue Vector Fish and Boat Pattern". How we do this now is we double click the layer title, so it allows us to "copy" the title (instead of typing it in).

then we bring up a "save as" window and you will see our PSD file is currently save as "The (layer name) Skin for the Beats by Dre Solo 2 Headphones",

so we will then need to put our layer title into the spot that currently says "(layer name):

Then change the save type to PNG or JPEG.

We then save out that design, delete the layer we just saved and duplicate our actions for the next layer in this case would be "Seamless Vector Gold Fish".

Is there a way to create a custom script to automatically perform these repetitive actions? I am obviously doing the same thing over and over again. I would appreciate any help! We usually set up batches of 500 and save them out manually and it is brutal. Please contact me if you have any suggestions. Thanks!

Answer 1

File → Scripts → Export Layers to Files

Or in newer versions of Photoshop:

File → Export → Export Layers to Files

Answer 2

You should try this script that user Johannes graciously shared: https://graphicdesign.stackexchange.com/a/1962/24301

It's basically an improved version of the built-in PS "Export Layers to Files" script that allows (among other things) for saving the layers by their layer name. This will export all layers in your file as they are positioned keeping their name.

After that, I would open one of the layer images up and create an action for placing the top image (your "Group 1") over the current image, saving and closing. Then use the batch tool to apply that action to all your saved layer images.

Answer 3

1. Select the layer you want to save as jpeg/png, then in the layers panel Photoshop will auto highlight whatever layer is selected.
2. Then go to the eye icon beside the selected layer in Layers panel; hold down your alt key and click on the eye.
3. This will make only the layer you want to save as jpeg/png visible while hiding other layers.
4. Now trim the extra background by going to Image>Trim.
5. Save your current image by pressing Alt+Ctrl+Shift+S. It will save your image for web ie. in either png/jpeg format.