7.5. Hot folder export

Hot folder export facilitates automated workflows, for event photography or to save time. Before this option can be enabled, it is necessary to have at least one image layer in your project set to use Hot Folder import. For instructions on setting up hot folder import, see Importing Images

Automated workflow

Hot folders allow fully automated processing, using the following workflow.

1. Tether your camera to your computer, so every time you press the shutter the image is written to your computer’s storage drive.
   • You can use any tethering software you prefer. If you shoot Canon, the Canon EOS Utility provided with your camera allows you to set up a tether and control your camera. Adobe Lightroom is another common option for tethering.
2. In Imerge, set up an image layer to use Hot Folder import, and set the hot folder to the same folder where the tethered camera is writing its images. When this is done, every image you capture with the camera will be immediately imported into Imerge.
3. Adjust your camera settings and setup, and shoot a test image.
4. Once you have a satisfactory test image imported, set up your project by adding any effects or masks to the hot folder layer, and by adding any additional layers required.
   • If you are shooting green screen photos, for example, you would want to apply a keying affect to the hot folder layer, to remove the background, and add a background layer to replace the green screen.
5. Once the project is completely set up, click the batch export button to open the batch export tab.
6. In the Output section, select the output settings you wish to use for your exported images.
7. When the output options are satisfactory, click the Start hot folder export button at the bottom of the batch export tab.
   

Full automation is now enabled. Each time you click the shutter on your tethered camera, the image will automatically be imported into Imerge, processed using the settings you have specified in your project, and exported using your chosen output settings.

Stopping hot folder export

You can stop hot folder export at any time, if you complete your shoot, or if you need to make adjustments to the project settings.

• To stop automated export, click the Stop hot folder export button.