PhotoShop in action - Part 1

 Jul 26, 2016

The Action tool in PhotoShop is a powerful way to automate some of your repetitive day to day task whilst ensuring consistency in the art work you produce. An action can contain as many steps or task to achieve a certain visual result.

This tool can be accessed in the Windows menu. Once enabled, the Action panel will display sets of pre-recorded Actions. These pre-recordings can certainly be used across artworks and it is worth expanding the list of steps in each of these recordings to identify what will likely result if applied over the artwork. This also allows the designer to expand the list of steps to delete a particular step in the overall recorded procedure however; the steps recorded cannot be edited.

Typical task like Image Sizing, Resolution Adjustments, Image/ Colour Adjustments, Cropping, Filter Effects is among the types of applications that can be recorded as an Action in PhotoShop that will automate and to create consistent results over the artwork.

To create a new Action, click on the new button below the panel.

Provide a name of the Action and to allow quick access, a Function key and colour code can be provided. As you click the Record button you are now in the recording mode so any steps you perform will be recorded. However as mentioned, the steps recorded can be deleted after the procedure is complete. Be sure to click the stop button once the procedure is completed. To apply the Action simply selects an image or layer and click the Play button below the Actions panel. An immediate result of the steps of the Action will appear on the layer or image.

The Action tool is a powerful way to enhance your artwork. Stay tuned for the next blog on the Action tool where we will talk about applying it over a batch of images.

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About the Author:

Keith Ching  

At New Horizons Keith delivers Microsoft Office, Sharepoint and Adobe/ Graphic Design training to corporate Australians. Because of his proven ability to build rapport with Clients, Keith has been engaged on training projects that have required expertise outside of the traditional instructing role.Keith also enjoys sharing his knowledge with others, in particular in educating students who contribute to our local ICT industry and economy. In doing so Keith has delivered high quality training to over 4000 students at an average of 92%.In a competitive industry which constantly changes, Keith has a unique skill set which is up-to-date with the latest technology combined with being able to communicate this technical knowledge in a way that students relate to in an engaging, clear and concise manner.His passion in IT and Art and Design has resulted in several recognised qualifications which are a reflection of his creditability by peers and industry.

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