Are actions like mini-filters?

I've been trying to understand actions, and I'm wondering if they are like macros and/or like mini-filters. Is it a series of steps that get performed automatically when you run the action? Does anyone know a source for very basic actions that someone can use to get familiar with how they work? Thank you.

They are exactly like Macros we write in Microsoft Excel for example, Barbara. A series of repititive steps automated to save time.

Barbara,

There are some actions that are installed by default in Photo Shop. Run some of them to see what they do.

One of the best ways to learn about actions is to create one yourself. There are instructions in Photo Shop Help that will get you started.

--P

Think of them as scripts, 'do this, then this, then that, etc.' It is just a series of commands, which may include a filter but not necessarily, to speed up processes that yo do repeatedly. For example, you may repeatedly down size images to post to NPN which you apply post-resize sharpening to and save to a particular folder. An action, once set up can do that for you by just running the action instead of going through each step. If there are steps that change from one image to the next, say renaming the file, you can have a pause in the action where that user input is required.

When I finish processing a photo, I run an action that reduces the size and resolution, sharpens the image, puts a frame around it, and adds my name and web address. The action automatically saves the image to my "portfolio" file as well. It takes a single click of a button to run through that series of steps. I do it for every single image I process, so it makes sense to create an action rather than run through each step every time.

Building an action is as easy as clicking the "new action" icon at the bottom of the action palette, then naming it, clicking the "record" button, running through the steps once, then clicking stop. Then you can use it again and again.