Adobe AlterCast

Adobe AlterCast is a server based tool that allows for the automated generation and repurposing of images in image libraries. Utilizing XML-based commands and support for a series of APIs for Java, Perl, Visual Basic, COM, or .NET implementations, developers can write scripts that automate the creation and repurposing of entire directories of images including those initially in the GIF, animated GIF, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, and Adobe Illustrator (SVG) formats. Key advantages to such automation include:

- Designers can create a single, high-quality version of a particular graphic that can be automatically manipulated via developer scripts in order to generate the size and format required for individual instances

- Common, but tedious chores, such as the replacement of text in a graphic file, can be automated and executed by non-designers without worrying about the loss of font characteristics or effects as created in the original file

The typical workflow process of an AlterCast enabled script includes defining the source directory for images, applying repurposing or generation commands to those images, and outputting the images via a used-defined naming convention in a specified output directory. API commands available to scripts include those enabling the resizing of images; conversion of images to alternate output formats (GIF, JPEG, PNG, WBMP, and i-Mode); flipping; rotating; and the addition or replacement of specified layers. Additionally, Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator templates can be utilized in conjunction with database sources such that variables defined within template files can be dynamically filled from database values, allowing for the automated creation of graphs or context sensitive image displays.

A free Web Services update is now available to customers and evaluators of Adobe AlterCast. The update provides the ability for developers to access AlterCast functions from within their Java, Perl, or .NET APIs over the Internet.

AlterCast is available now. Contact Adobe Systems for further information.