How do I loop through many files in one folder?

Is it possible to use Automator to copy specific files from different folders and place them all in one destination folder?

• Task: I have to select just the first photo from hundreds of folders containing multiple images. Question: I am wondering if it's possible (and if so, how) to select all those first files, copy and paste them into the same folder? Details: The files are set up like this.. Folder #1: AF13_r101 Folder #2: AF13_r102 Folder #2: AF13_r103 ...etc. Folder #1 contains images named like this: AF13_r101_01.tif AF13_r101_02.tif AF13_r101_03.tif ...etc. Folder #2 contains images named like this: AF13_r102_01.tif AF13_r102_02.tif AF13_r102_03.tif ...etc. I just need the first image from each folder to be put in a completely different folder. Is this at all possible to do in automator to save me tons of time? If so, please explain step by step how this is done. My problem comes in identifying JUST the first image from each of those folders and not effecting the others. Thanks!

• Answer:

  1. You may batch-rename the files in these folders with same pattern using Automator. (e.g each folder now have files named as 1,2,3,4,....) So there are file named as 1.tiff for every folder. http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57411491-263/how-to-batch-rename-files-using-automator-in-os-x/. Note: There are other very good rename softwares for Mac. Such as http://www.mrrsoftware.com/MRRSoftware/NameChanger.html. 2. Then you use spotlight to search files named "1.tiff" as on Finder. Select all files and copy them into new folder. I know it's not the answer you are looking for. But it is first solution came to my mind. I hope it helps.