Adobe Photoshop: introduction of measures to the repetition to reduce

If you use Adobe Photoshop to repetitive tasks, why not take a look at the 'actions'-range?

Actions are compacted macro routines to quick shortcut keys and buttons. You can use actions ' routines at any level of complexity, later use on other images record '.

So many people are not aware of the existence or actions or be afraid to use them, but they are really pretty straightforward to implement.

Where to start?

We need to open an image in Adobe Photoshop and make sure that the action floating palette is open. If you can find the action palette, go window just to (menu bar) > press actions or ALT and F9.

Depending on your current setup should the action palette present you a collapse and expand the list. If you see all colour buttons are, then click on the small menu icon (triangle in a circle) top right of the actions palette and select "Mode button" from the drop-down list. This toggle function should switch from button mode to the mode of development, allowing you to create and edit actions.

Creating an action

Find 'new action' button at the bottom of the action (2nd from right). Click on it. The new action dialog box should appear. Enter a name for your action, select a color (for color coding purposes) and an abbreviation you want. You can organize your action in 'Sets', but they are treated in this article. Now click on record before you create your action. Almost everything you do from now on will be recorded. Experimenting with different Adobe Photoshop functions, i.e. a filter add, change the size/color of image mode or even transform a layer, and so on. You will notice that you there every step that you now will be taken over offers under the name within the actions palette. When you have finished creating your action, click on the 'Stop playback/recording' (first from left) button to stop.

You should have now successfully created an action.

To use it, would you advise to change you back then to "Mode Button" on the menu icon on the palette and choose from the drop-down list.

Try to open a different image and contact your action on it. Do you now see the possibilities? Actions can be stored and transferred. offer the possibility of exchanging from or even sell well-constructed and useful actions on the network. So be creative and, above all - experiment!

A step further

You have a CD or a folder full of images that you want to apply your action, why not use (menu) file > automate > batch. Choose your action, select a source and a destination, click on 'OK', and then you go and a cup of coffee and the work is done!

Author: James Middleton http://www.turningturnip.co.uk http://www.turningturnip.co.uk/photoshop

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