Python Pillow - Batch Processing Images

Batch processing images in Python Pillow allows you to efficiently apply the same edits or operations to multiple images simultaneously. This approach is valuable for tasks like resizing, cropping, renaming, watermarking, or formatting images, as it enhances workflow efficiency and optimizes output.

This is particularly useful when working with a large number of images, as it can significantly impact the speed and efficiency of your computer. It allows you to apply the same operation to each image, saving time and effort.

Steps for Batch Processing Images

The steps involved in batch processing images with Python Pillow are as follows −

• Create a List of Image Files: Generate a list of file paths to the images you want to process.

• Iterate Through the List of Images: Use loops to traverse the list of image files. You can use 'for' or 'while' loops to handle each image one at a time.

• Perform Image Processing Operations: Within the loop, apply the desired image processing operations to each image. This may include resizing, cropping, applying filters, adding text or watermarks, or any other operation necessary.

• Save Processed Images: After performing the processing operations on each image, save the processed image to the desired location.

Resizing Images using Batch Processing

Resizing images using Python Pillow batch processing is one of the common tasks in image processing. It involves adjusting the dimensions of multiple images to a specific size or aspect ratio.

Example

Here is an example that demonstrates the resizing multiple images at once using the Python Pillow batch processing. In this example, a collection of JPG images in a specified folder is resized to a specific size (e.g., 700x400).

from PIL import Image
import glob
import os

# Get a list of image files in the 'Images for Batch Operation' directory
input_directory = "Images for Batch Operation"
output_directory = "Output directory for Batch Operation"

image_files = [f for f in glob.glob(os.path.join(input_directory, "*.jpg"))]

for file in image_files:
   image = Image.open(file)
   
   # Resize the image to a specific size (e.g., 700x400)
   image = image.resize((700, 400))
   
   # Save the resized image to the 'Output directory for Batch Operation' directory
   output_path = os.path.join(output_directory, os.path.basename(file))
   image.save(output_path)

Output

Following image represents the list of image files available in the input directory −

If we navigate to the directory where the output image was saved (i.e, "Output directory for Batch Operation"), we will be able to observe resized images as shown below −

Renaming Images using the Batch Processing

Renaming images is another frequently performed task in batch processing. It involves changing the filenames of multiple images according to a specified pattern.

Example

The following example adds the prefix "New_" to the names of a batch of PNG images located in the specified input_directory. It renames these images and saves them in the output_directory with the new names.

from PIL import Image
import glob
import os

# Get a list of image files in the 'Images for Batch Operation' directory
input_directory = "Images for Batch Operation"
output_directory = "Output directory for Batch Operation"

image_files = [f for f in glob.glob(os.path.join(input_directory, "*.png"))]

for file in image_files:
   image = Image.open(file)
   
   # Save the image with the new name to the 'Output directory for Batch Operation' directory
   output_path = os.path.join(output_directory, 'New_'+os.path.basename(file))
   image.save(output_path)

Output

Following image represents the list of image files available in the input directory −

If we navigate to the directory where the output image was saved (i.e, "Output directory for Batch Operation"), we will be able to observe renamed images as shown below −