Actions are a recorded script of
commands designed to complete a particular task. You can play actions as well as
create and record your own. There are numerous online sources available for
downloading free and commercial actions by simply doing a search for “Photoshop
actions”. Action types vary widely from command actions, for example to save an
image for web setting, to actions that apply texture or image effects.
Hugely popular amongst digital
scrapbookers are the actions created by Atomic Cupcake
http://www.atomiccupcake.com and Machine Wash Filters
http://alienskin.com
This tutorial walks you through
downloading, installing and applying an action in PSCS2. This tutorial uses the
free action “Instant Chipboard Letters” available at
http://www.atomiccupcake.com but the process is similar for all actions.
Download the action of your choice.
You can nominate any folder to store your actions in. I created a folder simply
called “PhotoshopActions”. The action file is identified by the extension .atn.
The file may be within a zip file in which case you will need to unzip the file.
Create a new document at your desired
size. File>New
This action is designed to work
primarily with text.
Choose the text tool.
Position the mouse on your canvas,
click and drag to create a text box.
Type in your text.
The documentation with this action
recommends using a large font size for best results and a thick font. I have
chosen to size the text to 108pt.
and chosen a font called Tristan
Highlight the text and choose a color
from the palette or other source.
With the text selected choose Window>
Actions.
This opens the Action palette
Click on the small arrow at the top
right corner of the palette.
Choose Load Actions.. from the menu
that opens.
Browse to the location of the action
file, (Atomic Cupcake Chipboard Letters.atn) select it and choose Load.
The action name will be loaded into
the actions palette. Select the file. (AC-Chipboard Letters)
Choose the triangular Play button
The action will begin to play. You
will see the action palette scroll through various commands. The final result
for this action will appear in a new window.
Close the original file without
saving.
You can then create a new file or
drag the letters onto an existing project.
**NB Some actions can only be applied
to images of a certain size or resolution image so ensure that you check any
accompanying documentation.
**NB Actions created in or for
earlier versions of Photoshop (PS6 or lower) may not work or perform as expected
in later versions (PS7 or higher)
