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Post by whippet on Apr 1, 2016 18:46:42 GMT
Could you please tell me what "Actions" is/are?
I have never heard of this before.
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Post by Sepiana on Apr 1, 2016 18:58:05 GMT
Hi whippet,
An action (.atn file) is a little script; it automates the steps needed for doing something (thus saving you lots of time). For example, you can create an Orbs effect from scratch, one step at a time, or you can use an Orbs action which will do it for you. Actions can also be used to supply Elements with features available only in Photoshop. For example, Elements versions earlier than version 9 didn’t have a built-in layer mask. Then, you would install a Layer Mask action (such as the one in Grant’s Tools).
Do you need actions? It all depends on your needs and interests. If you decide to venture into action "territory", you need to bear in mind the following.
1. You cannot create actions in Elements. Only the big brother, Photoshop, can create actions.
2. Elements can use actions created in Photoshop provided they have been written specifically for Elements, i.e., if they use commands that this program "understands".
3. If you run an action in Elements which this program doesn't "understand", you will get an error message. Can you ignore it and click on the "Continue" button? Definitely! But the final results may not be what you had in mind.
4. You can find lots of actions on the Net (free and for purchase). Just make sure the action you want is written for Elements.
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Post by whippet on Apr 1, 2016 19:43:13 GMT
Thank you for the clear explanation, Sepiana. I was taught Elements, so never got to use Photoshop. As I had Adobe Photoshop Elements 2,I assumed it was all one program. Guess I will have to keep going the long way round. But, that is half the fun.  |
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Post by Sepiana on Apr 1, 2016 19:59:50 GMT
whippet, you are most welcome!
If you want to use actions in Elements, you could check the websites listed in this THREAD. However, as some of these sites offer actions for both Elements and Photoshop, you need to make sure you are downloading the action version for Elements. You could try the Panos actions for starters.
I noticed you have Elements 2 and Elements 11. I would strongly recommend that you use actions in Elements 11. Starting with this version, Adobe made it much easier to run actions in Elements. You just load them into the program; there is no need to install them. Also, starting with Elements 7, Adobe made some changes concerning the structure of actions, the path for installation, etc. Therefore, there is no guarantee that an action written for more recent versions of Elements will work in Elements 2. On the other hand, as a rule of thumb, actions written for Elements 7 will work in Elements 8 through 14.
As a side note -- If you decide to use actions in Elements 11, just post back. I have the instructions ready to go. |
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