Installing actions in Photoshop Elements
I had a lot of questions lately regarding the installation of actions in Elements. So I think it's time for a little tutorial. I provide an install .txt or .pdf file with every action set, but since it's only a boring document, (which I admit to not reading myself when I download stuff ) the info gets lost in cyber space :)
Install actions created in Photoshop:
The Action Player in the Automated Actions guided edit can play actions created in Photoshop. Keep in mind that you can only play actions that use features supported in Photoshop Elements. So make sure you select the files listed for _pse in my sets.
Copy the .atn file to the one of the following locations:
Windows XP
Vista
C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\8.0\Locale\en_US\Workflow Panels\actions
The next time you start Photoshop Elements, the action will appear in the Automated Actions guided edit menu. Note that here the path is for Elements 8.0, like highlighted, but the same path applies for 6.0 & 7.0
When that is done you should see the name of the set in the SET box and under it in the ACTION box you should have a drop down menu with all of the actions included in the set. You select the action you want to play and press play.
Just like in this screenshot
However, if you decide you want to use the Photo Effects folder method to store your actions, I do not provide at this time the thumbnails for them. You will see a dark thumbnail, but the action will run. Though I am not sure you will get all the actions in the sets, since all of my actions are organized in sets. In order to run all of the actions in the set, you need to use the ACTION PLAYER. You will only get the first action from the set if you use the Photo Effects folder.
So, if you had trouble so far getting all of your actions from the sets, try deleting them fom the Photo Effects folder and re-upload them to the "Actions" folder. Remember to have a copy of the original sets you downloaded somewhere on your hard drive and work via a copy of it instead of moving the files into Elements, this way you are making sure whatever bug happens in Elements, you keep a copy of your actions.
** If you are an Elements 5 or 6 user and don't have the Action Player feature, I am working on uploading every action and it's thumbnail individually. As soon as most of them are available online, I'll post the download link.**
Have fun playing!
11 comments:
Oh, ok. This makes a lot more sense. I had been installing them in Photo Effects because my other actions all work from there, and I was able to use your actions, but as you said I couldn't get all the individual actions in the set. I'll try doing them from Guided Edit. Thanks for this!
Thanks for all the great actions! I don't believe there is an action player for PSE 6.0. In the Workflow Panels there is no option for actions, and I think it was one of the selling features of 7.0. The actions work great in the Photo Effects panel of 6.0 though. The only one I've used that had a snag was the Morning Garden Glow.
I don't have these options when I go through your directions...I'm working with Windows 7 does this make a difference?
once I get to the en_US there is nothing that says workflow and the other options I Have don't have a Actions section...Any ideas??
It's probably because your PC is set to hide some folders...
Try this:
To view hidden files go to Control Pannel--Classic View--Folder Options--View--then click on Show Hidden Files and Folders. You will find files all over the place that you do not normally see. The action folder will show up! ;)
Thanks, it was one of those 'aahhh' moments, now I get it.....
Lizzie
xxx
I found it, thank you. Since I'm using Windows 7 the names of the folders are so different so I had to just click on everything to figure out where those folders were on mine lol. Thank you so much, now it's time to play!!! :o)
Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [20 Jun 02:00pm GMT]. Thanks, Maria
help! much like ashley, i'm working with windows 7 and also can't locate my actions file. i tried isabelle's idea to unhide the folders but still can't find it. i get as far as en_us and then can't locate the work panels file or actions file. any help would be appreciated. thanks in advance!
Oh boy...Anyone use PSE 9 for Mac?
Isabelle Lafrance said...
@ In The Babyhood obviously installing in a Mac is a little bit harder at first. If you want to install your actions in the Action player: http://www.texaschicksblogsandpics.com/photography-page/installing-actions-in-photoshop-elements/install-actions-in-pse-9-using-the-actions-player/
If you want to install them using the Photo Effects folder you have to use the actions for Elements 5&6 which have their own .psd and .png thumbnails. It's for PSE8, but I'm sure they did not change the paths.
http://www.texaschicksblogsandpics.com/photography-page/installing-actions-in-photoshop-elements/install-actions-in-photoshop-elements-8-on-mac/
Thank you so very much for the guidance!
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