How to Make an Image Database With Tags in Automator

Creating an organized image database with tagged images can be a time consuming process. You have to manually create a new folder, place the images in that folder and then tag the images. With Automator, you can create a time-saving application that automates certain parts of the process, such as creating a new folder and tagging the selected images with descriptive keywords. After you create the application, use it to organize all your images.

Instructions

1. Create the Automator Application

   • 1
     Launch Automator and click the "Application" template. Then click "Choose."
   • 2
     Click "Files and Folders" under Library.
   • 3
     Click and drag "Move Finder Items" from the right panel to the workflow area.
   • 4
     Click "Options" under "Move Finder Items." Then click the "Show this action when the workflow runs" and "Show only the selected items" check boxes.
   • 5
     Click the check box next to the drop-down menu under "Move Finder Items."
   • 6
     Click "Get Folder Contents" in the right panel, and then drag it under "Move Finder Items" in the workflow area.
   • 7
     Click "Replace Text in Finder Item Names" in the right panel, and then drag it under "Get Folder Contents" in the workflow area.
   • 8
     Click "Options" under "Replace Text in Finder Item Names." Click the "Show this action when the workflow runs" check box.
   • 9
     Click "Set Spotlight Comments for Finder Items" in the right panel, and then drag it under "Replace Text in Finder Item Names" in the workflow area.
   • 10
     Click "Options" under "Set Spotlight Comments for Finder Items." Click the "Show this action when the workflow runs" check box.
   • 11
     Click "File" in the menu bar, and then click "Save As."
   • 12
     Type a name for the Automator Application in the text box, and then click "Save."

   Run the Automator Application

   • 13
     Click an image, and then drag it to the Automator application you've created.
   • 14
     Select a folder from the drop-down menu in the Move Finder Items dialog. Alternatively, select "other" to create a new folder. This is the folder where the image file will be saved. Click "Continue."
   • 15
     Select "Name Single Item" from the top drop-down menu in the "Rename Finder Items" dialog.
   • 16
     Type the name of the image file in the text area, and then click "Continue."
   • 17
     Type the image's tags in the "Set Spotlight Comments for Finder Items" dialog, and then click "Continue." You can now search for the image in Spotlight using the tags you created.
   • 18
     Repeat Steps 1 to 5 of this Section for every image you want to add to your database, typing in appropriate tags for each one.