Do We Have Actions?

[karen donnybrook]

Marsha,

Have you had a look at the PanosFX site at http://www.panosfx.com There is a section just for PSE.

Karen

[seebee]

The effects palette in PSE is actions; that's correct. PSE can run .atn files. HOWEVER, it cannot run the .atn file by itself. It needs a thumbnail .psd file associated with it in order to run the action. It also takes a very specific naming of the .psd file and folder in order to get it to run.

On top of that, many PS actions use tools and commands that are not available in PSE, so you may get an action that does not function correctly. It's best to stick with actions specifically made for PSE, in my opinion, since the only way to know if an action will work in PSE is by trial & error. Panos FX are FABULOUS. I own almost all of his Elements actions. Also, I have a few from Atomic Cupcake before they went to the monthly fee service. I also own some Photoblast ones; they were not free but work well. And I use a few actions that are not specifically made for PSE but work ok when the previously mentioned requirements are met.

Sorry, I know this is the PS forum, but since the question about PSE & actions was brought up, I couldn't help myself.

[Sharon]

I had no idea what actions were when I switched to Photoshop, but now I can't imagine what I did without them! I love Atomic Cupcake and I'll definitely have to check out some of the other sites for actions that I've been reading about in this post.

I have to admit, though, that the actions I use every day are just basic ones that I've created myself and then assigned to one of the F keys as a shortcut. For instances, I've assigned F2 to make a basic drop shadow and F3 to make a 10px white inside stroke (great for that realistic photo look I sometimes want). F10 copies my layout, flattens and saves it to my flattened folder and F11 resizes to 500 x500 at 72 dpi (for submitting to websites or calls). I realize that these aren't very fancy actions, but the more scrapping I do, the more I realize how much I like a smooth workflow. If I can just tap my F11 key instead of doing the flattening, copying, etc. as individual steps, I'm a happier scrapper! *Ü*

Just my two cents!
Sharon *Ü*

[lauraloub]

Several months ago I took a class on running, installing, and wrtiting actions and I have to admit I rarely use them. If I take out the class materials and stick to it I am sure my life will be easier in PS. I do know they are easy to write and use, I am just too lazy right now to change my ways. Maybe this forum will give me a push.

[Wags]

I see Evie recommended Panosfx. Has anybody else had a problem when downloading and installing their free effects? I love their effects but had to have a professional clean my computer as it slowed down so much it was no longer useable and it was recommended by the computer technician not to download free items as there is a good chance you will get "worms" on your computer that will slow down the system and track your surfing.

I have his free stuff and his action pack - no problems whatsoever with any of it. He is a pretty careful and detail oriented guy so I'm sure he would be shocked that there was any problems with his actions. Have you contacted him about the problem you encountered?

I love actions, but I'm holding off on aquiring any more until after I upgrade.

[IreneO]

Okay, I'm convinced - I NEED actions!

Can we get a tutorial on how to make them? Please? LOL

[Christine]

I would also love to learn how to make actions .. in PSE too

[ageils]

After reading this I checked out Panosfx, they are pretty cool. I would love tolearn how to write my own too. I thought you could only write them in Photoshop not in Elements, correct? I know you can use them in each. Just wondering.

[Wags]

After reading this I checked out Panosfx, they are pretty cool. I would love tolearn how to write my own too. I thought you could only write them in Photoshop not in Elements, correct? I know you can use them in each. Just wondering.

You are correct - you can not write actions (or creat custom shapes) in PSE

[showme]

Hello, and see some familiar faces here and look forward to meeting new people. Running a good action is like watching someone clean your house for you...sit back and enjoy the end result ;-). Saw a couple of new action sites...thanks to the posters.