How to Batch Edit Frame Delays in Animated PSDs Using Aspose.PSD for .NET

Manual adjustment of frame properties in dozens of animated PSDs is slow and error-prone. Aspose.PSD for .NET allows you to batch-modify animation frames, making it ideal for bulk creative production, banners, or automating timeline corrections.

Real-World Problem

Animated PSDs—such as web banners or social content—may need frame delay corrections, loop tweaks, or batch modifications for consistency or compliance.

Solution Overview

Batch-process PSD animations by looping through files, accessing their Timeline, and programmatically adjusting frame delays, opacities, or other properties, then exporting results in PSD or GIF format.

Prerequisites

1. Visual Studio 2019 or later
2. .NET 6.0 or later (or .NET Framework 4.6.2+)
3. Aspose.PSD for .NET from NuGet
4. Input/output folders with animated PSD/PSB files

PM> Install-Package Aspose.PSD

Step-by-Step Implementation

using Aspose.PSD;
using Aspose.PSD.FileFormats.Psd;
using Aspose.PSD.FileFormats.Psd.Layers;
using Aspose.PSD.FileFormats.Psd.Resources;
using Aspose.PSD.ImageOptions;

string inputDir = "./input_psd_animations";
string outputDir = "./output_psd_animations";
Directory.CreateDirectory(outputDir);

var files = Directory.GetFiles(inputDir, "*.psd"); // Adjust as needed

foreach (var file in files)
{
    try
    {
        var loadOpt = new PsdLoadOptions() { LoadEffectsResource = true };

        using (PsdImage psdImage = (PsdImage)Image.Load(file, loadOpt))
        {
            var timeline = psdImage.Timeline;

            // Example: set all frame delays to 15 (1/100ths of a second)
            foreach (var frame in timeline.Frames)
            {
                frame.Delay = 15;
            }

            // Save back to PSD or export as GIF
            string outPsd = Path.Combine(outputDir, Path.GetFileName(file));
            psdImage.Save(outPsd);

            // Export to GIF as well
            string outGif = Path.Combine(outputDir, Path.GetFileNameWithoutExtension(file) + ".gif");
            timeline.Save(outGif, new GifOptions());
        }
    }
    catch (Exception ex)
    {
        // Log or handle error
        Console.WriteLine($"Failed to process {file}: {ex.Message}");
    }
}

// Example: Change opacity and move a layer in a specific frame
var timeline = psdImage.Timeline;
LayerState layerState = timeline.Frames[1].LayerStates[1];
layerState.Opacity = 50;
layerState.PositionOffset = new Point(-50, 230);

// Change blend mode on a frame
timeline.Frames[2].LayerStates[1].BlendMode = BlendMode.Dissolve;

Use Cases and Applications

• Bulk-correcting frame delays for banner ad compliance
• Standardizing animation speeds across product lines
• Generating GIFs for web, social media, or presentations

Common Challenges and Solutions

Corrupt or legacy PSD files: Use exception handling and test on sample files first.

Performance for large folders: Consider parallel or chunked processing for huge archives.

Loss of timeline info: Always test and compare animation playback before and after batch edits.

Best Practices

• Always back up originals before batch jobs
• Clearly document frame delay and animation changes for traceability
• Test workflow on a small batch before scaling

FAQ

Q: Can I batch edit PSD and PSB animation files? A: Yes—Aspose.PSD supports both formats. Adjust search pattern as needed.

Q: Can I export both PSD and GIF after editing? A: Yes—see sample code for dual output.

Q: How do I automate for incoming files? A: Use this script in a scheduled job or pipeline for hands-off processing.

Conclusion

Aspose.PSD for .NET streamlines the batch editing of animated PSD timelines—making creative automation for banners, ads, and presentations fast and robust. For more, visit the Aspose.PSD for .NET API Reference .