Create Actions in Photoshop CC (Record, Run, and Best Practices)
Photoshop Actions can automate repetitive steps and make your editing faster and more consistent. You’ll learn how to set up the Actions panel, record reliable steps without layer name pitfalls, and create three practical actions you can reuse on any image.
Step-by-step instructions
Open the Actions panel and prepare to record
Go to Window → Actions
Open the panel menu (≡) and uncheck Button Mode to edit actions
Pick or create a set (folder) to store your new actions
Record a Camera Raw Filter Smart Object action
Click Create New Action (+), name it: Camera Raw Filter Step, set a color/function key if desired, then click Record
Duplicate the active layer: Layer → New → Layer via Copy (or Cmd/Ctrl+J)
Convert to Smart Object: Layer → Smart Objects → Convert to Smart Object
Apply Camera Raw: Filter → Camera Raw Filter → OK
Click Stop in the Actions panel
Run your new action
Select the layer you want to process
If desired, switch the panel menu (≡) → Button Mode for one‑click playback
Click the action name (or use the assigned function key) to run it
Record a Light Radial Base action
Click Create New Action (+), name it: Light Radial Base, click Record
Create a gradient fill: Layer → New Fill Layer → Gradient… → OK
Set Style: Radial and adjust Scale/position as preferred
Set Blend Mode: Screen and Opacity: 80%
Click Stop
Record a Vignette Base action
Click Create New Action (+), name it: Vignette Base, click Record
Create a solid color fill: Layer → New Fill Layer → Solid Color… → choose a very dark brown/black → OK
Set Blend Mode: Multiply and lower Opacity to taste
Click Stop
Best practices for reliable actions
Avoid clicking specific layers while recording—use menus/shortcuts so steps don’t target fixed layer names
Be explicit with commands and settings so actions behave predictably
Test actions on several files; edit steps in the Actions panel if needed
Color‑code and group actions to keep your panel organized
