Actions are used to record Photoshop operation steps so that they can be played back again to improve work efficiency and standardize the operation process. This function supports recording the operation process for a single file or a batch of files. Users can not only record some frequently performed "mechanical" operations as actions to improve work efficiency, but also record some creative operation processes and share them with everyone.
2. How to bring up the action panel
Execute the menu "Window > Action" to bring up the "Action" panel, or press the shortcut key Alt+F9 to bring up the panel.
3. Composition of action panel
The action panel has the same structure as the ordinary panel, and its specific appearance is shown in Figure (1).
Action group: similar to a folder, used to organize one or more actions.
Action: Generally, the name will be easier to remember. Click the small triangle to the left of the name to expand the action.
Action steps: For each individual operation step in the action, corresponding parameter details will appear after expansion.
Check mark: A black check mark indicates that the group, action, or step is available. The red check mark means unavailable.
Animation mode control icon: If black, a pause is included in each dialog box that is launched or corresponding to a step selected by pressing the Enter key. If it is red, it means there is at least one step that is paused and waiting for input.
Panel options menu: Contains multiple menu items related to actions, providing richer setting content.
Stop: Stop recording or playback after clicking.
Recording: Click to start recording. The red concave status indicates that recording is in progress.
Play: Click to run the selected action.
Create a new group: Click to create a new group to organize single or multiple actions.
Create a new action: Click to create a new action's name, shortcut keys, etc., and also has the recording function.
Delete: Delete one or more actions or groups.
In addition, if you select "Button Mode" from the option menu of the panel, each action can be displayed in a button state, so that more actions can be listed in a limited space and presented in a simple and clear way, as shown in Figure (2) ) shown. This function can be canceled at the same menu location.
4. How to perform actions
Select the picture to be processed (some actions do not require pictures, and some actions have requirements for picture size), expand an action group, select an action, and click the play button to execute an action, as shown in Figure (3). For example, the "Quarter Color" in the default action group is executed here, as shown in Figure (4). In case of special steps, prompts will appear for some actions to explain the required parameters or precautions.
5. Load more actions
Photoshop itself comes with multiple action sets, each action set contains multiple actions of the same type. The action sets that can be added are Commands, Frames, Image Effects, Production, Text Effects, Textures, and Video Actions. Users can append these action sets in the options menu of the panel, as shown in Figure (5).
Figure (5) Loading more actions
These additional action sets contain richer visuals and more practical features. In addition to using these actions individually, users can add them, repeat them, mix them, and even modify and add steps. For example, here I used multiple actions such as Color Convergence > Powdered Chalk in succession to achieve the effect shown in Figure (6). In short, we must abide by the word "flexible". Only by learning and applying can we achieve the true purpose of learning.
6. Add download action
Users can download action sets recorded by other Photoshop users from the Internet, most of which are free resources. These action sets exist in file form with the extension AIN. You can load these action sets via:
Double-click the AIN file in Windows to load the action set.
Drag the AIN file into Photoshop in Windows and add it to the Action Panel.
Load the AIN file into the action panel through the panel's option menu command "Load Action".
If you want to add multiple action sets at once, you can select multiple AIN files in Windows and drag them into Photoshop; you can also select multiple AIN files in Bridge and double-click them.
