CS3 - Actions, Batches, and Droplets?

I have recorded several actions that help me speed up my post-processing by automatically setting up adjustment layers, performing noise reduction, sharpening, etc.

I select the desired images and run a batch process on these images while I go grab a sandwich or something else.

I don't understand the purpose of droplets. Can anyone enlighten me? I hate to think I'm missing out on something important. Thanks in advance.

From what I understand, creating a droplet allows you to batch process one or more images or a folder full of images without actually being in the Photoshop application. The actions that are run in the droplet are the same actions you would run in a batch process within Photoshop. The droplets are saved as a file in a location of your choice, such as the desktop, so that they are readily available. You can then click on an image, a set of images or a folder of images and then drag and drop them onto the droplet for processing (Photoshop opens up if it isn't already open and runs the actions specified in the droplet).

RTMiller wrote in post #5666199
I have recorded several actions that help me speed up my post-processing by automatically setting up adjustment layers, performing noise reduction, sharpening, etc.

I select the desired images and run a batch process on these images while I go grab a sandwich or something else.

I don't understand the purpose of droplets. Can anyone enlighten me? I hate to think I'm missing out on something important. Thanks in advance.

The best way to batch an Action is right in Photoshop
File > Automate > Batch

or in Bridge
Tools > Photoshop > Image Processor

Make certain that the last step, in your Action to be batched, is a save step. The way to create a save step in an existing Action is to open and image, select your Action, and then record yourself saving the image. It won't matter where you save it or what you save it as. Your source and destination folder will be selected in your batch dialog window.
No need for droplets. However, a nice use of a droplet is in exporting image from Lightroom.

Cheers,
Amber
Kubota Image Tools team

Ive also used droplets with Fireworks.