Automate a task

How To Tip:

Automate a task by recording commands and operations in the Actions palette.

If you have to perform the same task on multiple images, you can save time by recording the steps of the task in an action, and then playing the action on each image. An action can include menu commands and most operations you perform with tools from the toolbox. You can even record the playing of other actions. You store the actions in sets within the Actions palette. The Actions palette lists all actions you record, as well as several predefined actions. Before you create an action, break your workflow down into simple steps that can be repeated on other like images.

1. Open an image file.
2. Click the Actions tab to bring the Actions palette to the front or, if the palette isn't open, choose Window > Actions.
3. To create a set that you'll add actions to, click the Create New Set button at the bottom of the Actions palette. Name the set, and click OK.
4. Click the New Actions button .
5. Type a name that describes the action in the Name text box. Choose the set that you want to add the action to from the Set pop-up menu, and then click Record.
6. Choose the commands and perform the operations that you want included in the action.

Note: Photoshop can't automate paint strokes, zoom settings, scrolling, and window selections.

7. When you have performed all the steps you want to record, click the Stop button at the bottom of the Actions palette.
8. To test the action, open another file, select the action in the Actions palette, and click the Play button .

Related topics in Photoshop Help:

• About actions
• Recording actions

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