Tutorial: Using Photoshop Actions to improve productivity

In this tutorial I will show you just how handy photoshop actions can be. First you will need to download my actions and unzip the file.

Copy the action file to

Program Files> Adobe>Photoshop CS2> Presets> Photoshop Actions (image 1)

Next, open up the Actions pallette and click

Then browse to vanessapr actions (.atn file)

 

The action should now show up in your Actions pallette.

There are a few framing actions in the actions set. One of my favourites is based on adding a border 2% of black then 2% of white then 2% of black. This way a photo of any size can be framed and be in proportion.

Alternatively you can use the resize action included (resize to 1280 or 640 pixels wide) before framing to give a standard size. Note: This creates a size which works well for uploading for the web but not for printing.

Update

I've been busy creating some photoshop actions and I wanted to test them out on a variety of photos to see how they perform. If there is anyone who might be interested in having their photos featured on my webpage in a before and after section please email me. As a thank you I will email each participant a copy of the actions used and the 'after' photos used. I will make sure to watermark your photos with whatever information you wanted on them - whether on the photo or in the border. There will be no confusion as to whose photos they are - with a link back to your flickr account or website.

 

View the actions available for download