How to Use Photoshop Actions

With just one click, Photoshop actions bring you colorful and cool photo effects, no matter your experience level with the software. So today, we'll learn how to install and use one of these incredible tools in this simple video tutorial.

Watch
the steps unfold in this quick video lesson and get all the details you
need in the written process below. Head on over to Envato Market for more amazing effects like Photoshop actions.

Follow along with this tutorial over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel.

Tutorial Assets

The following assets were used in the production of this tutorial:

• Berlin Photoshop Actions


• 
  Model Stock
  
  

1. How to Use Photoshop Actions

Here's a quick rundown for using Photoshop actions.

1. First, Download and Install the action (.ATN extension).


2. Follow any specific guidelines attached to the help file for which photos to use.


3. Select your photo and Open it in Adobe Photoshop.


4. Then Load the action into the Actions panel.


5. Follow the steps included in the help guide. When you're ready, select the background layer and press the Play button.


6. Let the action play out, and modify the result if necessary.
   
   

Step 1

Follow along below for the full tutorial.

For this tutorial, we'll be creating a moody, saturated photo using this pack of Berlin Photoshop Actions.

We'll also be using this beautiful Model Stock from Envato Elements.

First, download the action and locate it in the right folder.

Right-click to Extract the contents from the Compressed ZIP file, and then locate the action inside—it'll be the one with the .ATN extension.

Step 2

In many cases, a helpful documentation guide is also included.

Make sure you check out the help guide to understand which types of photos and formats you'll need. In this case, I'll need a high-resolution JPEG image in RGB Mode that is also completely flattened with no extra layers.

Step 3

Now install the action.

Go to Window > Actions, to bring up the Actions panel.

Then choose Load Actions from the drop down options. Locate your Photoshop action from the right folder, and hit Load.

Step 4

Once your action loads, just select one of the options from the Actions panel and press Play to see the effect.

For this particular portrait, I've decided to go with Berlin 4 Lite since it'll bring out the best qualities of this image.

Here's my final result.

Learn More With Our Tutorials!

This is just one simple example of the amazing possibilities of Photoshop actions. I hope this tutorial has inspired you to tackle your first Photoshop action with successful results!

What kind of action is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Get Amazing Design Resources

Want to create videos like this? Download the resources used in this video:

• Berlin Photoshop Actions


• Model Stock


• Vineyard Stock


• 
  Travel Stock
  
  

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