How to Use Photoshop Cs3 Actions

Learning Photoshop Actions can save valuable time in the professional photographer's post production workflow.

Photoshop is a professional photo editing software program designed to streamline the editing process for photographers. Using the Actions function in this program can save the photographer hours of time by automating a frequently used editing function and applying it to hundreds of images at a time with the Batch option. Learning how to properly use Actions will provide methods of increasing productivity in the digital photographer's work flow. Photoshop is a professional level editing program and familiarizing yourself with the basic functions of the program is necessary to complete the tutorial.

Instructions

1. Open the image in Photoshop CS3 and go to "Windows" > "Actions" and the Action window will appear on the right hand side of your workspace. Multiple default actions will appear in this dialogue box and can be applied to the image by checking the box next to the Action and selecting the Play button icon at the bottom of the Action window.

2. Move your cursor over the bottom of the Action window and rest the mouse on the icon with the square and a folded edge, located next to the trash can icon. A label should appear indicating this is the "Create New Actions" icon. Select this icon to begin recording your Action.

3. Label the Action according to the desired outcome once the New Actions dialogue box appears and press the record button when finished.

4. Apply your action to the open image on the screen. Photoshop will record each action or edit applied to the image until you press the Stop icon. The Stop icon is found in the same location as the Create New Actions icon and when you are finished applying edits to your image, press the Stop icon.

5. Test your recorded Action on a new image. Open a new image, select the box next to your new Action in the Action window and select the Play button at the bottom of the Action window.

6. Apply the Action to a batch of images to save time while working in Photoshop. Go to "File" > "Automate" > "Batch" and select the desired outcomes in the dialogue box. Photoshop will then begin applying your recorded Actions to all the images included in the Batch.

Resources

• Photoshop Support Web Site