In Focus Vol. 3 No. 9

Q: Are there any “hidden” action scripts that come with Photoshop I should know about?

A: Photoshop CS (all versions) offers a default action set that can be used for quick results.

By Kim Herrera, Adobe Certified Expert, Photoshop

Photoshop offers a default action script set that is automatically loaded with the program software. Some of the actions are written specifically to work with text while others are strictly for images. They're fun, and best of all, offer a quick and easy way to get instant effects.

To view the action set, first load your Actions Palette – Window>Actions.

Next, open a portrait image. For my sample, I'll use this cute little girl.

Notice the Default Actions folder set. The first action is named Vignette (selection). That means it will work on an image with a current selection. I used my elliptical marquee tool to draw an oval around the girl. Now press the Play button on the bottom of the actions palette.

When the action script asks you for a feather amount in the Feather dialog window, choose your preferred setting. I used 25 pixels for this sample. Now flatten your image.

Since we're having fun, let's keep going… After you've flattened your image, move on to the Sepia Toning (layer) action script.

Very quick, isn't it? If you like your results, flatten it and save it. Now for the next action…

Highlight the Wood Frame - 50 Pixel action script. Press the Play button at the bottom of the palette.

Flatten and save it if you like the results. CS3 offers another action script called Quadrant Colors that is fun to try. However, I don't think it lends itself to this particular portrait picture so I will use a still shot of an empty office for my sample.

Select the Quadrant Colors action script, and press the Play button at the bottom of the actions palette.

The point is that creating these different images only took five minutes of my time. You can use multiple scripts on one image (as we did here) or use just one. Whether you're doing commercial photography, or just looking for something different and easy for digital albums, action scripts are one way to go.

Kim Herrera, Adobe Certified Expert, Photoshop, is the color management expert for Logan Photography at Studio Exchange, Santa Ana, Calif., and runs KCH Digital, a digital artistry, education, and consultancy firm.