How to Install Actions in Photoshop CS

How to install actions in Photoshop Elements has been covered many times here at Everyday Elements, but never how to install actions in Photoshop CS, so this tutorial is long overdue.

How to install actions in Photoshop CS and CC

Note: I used Photoshop CC for this tutorial, but the steps are exactly the same for Photoshop CS 3 – 6 (and possibly before but I am not familiar with earlier versions).

The good news is that installing actions in Photoshop CS is very, very simple. The first step to loading the actions is to locate the Action Panel. If you cannot find it, go to Window in the top menu bar, then down to Actions and your action panel will pop out.

Where to look for Actions panel in Photoshop

Where to look for Actions panel in Photoshop

If your panel icons are reduced, meaning the names are not showing, the icon for the Action panel is the “play” button, a triangle on its side.

Installing actions in Photoshop EverydayElementsOnline.com

Actions Panel in Photoshop CS/CC

Once the Action panel is open, go to the top, right-hand corner and click on the small icon of a few lines and upside-down triangle. When the menu drops down, click on Load Actions option. Navigate to where your actions are saved and install the .atn file.

Installing Actions in PS

If something happens and you suddenly cannot see your Actions panel, do not worry. Just go back up to Window, then down to Actions. Some how you closed the panel and while it was not showing, it was not deleted, just closed.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please, please, please back up your actions should your computer crash, get damaged or stolen. This is very easily done using a thumb/flash drive or a cloud service like Dropbox.

Below is a three minute video showing the steps to install actions in Photoshop CC.


About Amanda

I am passionate about helping others learn how to use their DSLR cameras and editing programs. More information about me can be found at my About page, or by visiting my personal blog.

Comments

  1. Lucille Matte says:

    You must have been reading my mind. I just got the PS CC during their special, thanks so much for this video and all you guys do.

  2. I’ve always just dragged and dropped new actions into Photoshop – that way I don’t have to navigate to it twice. I unzip the folder, grab the .atn file and drag it to the workspace just below the menu bar in PS. Voila! Action is ready to use.

    • Christine,
      I did not know that could be done. I tried to do it in Photohsop CS6 just now but could not get that to work. What version of PS are you using?

      • I have CS5 and CS6 installed on two different computers but have been doing this since CS2 I think. You have to drop it into your opened actions palette OR an empty spot on the top of the menu bar works too (not the workspace) – let me know if you get it to work

  3. I also got a guide up on my site How to Use Photoshop Actions
    Cheers and happy Photoshopping!

Trackbacks

  1. […] If you have Photoshop Elements 11 or 12, go to the tutorial to see how to install actions. If you have Photoshop CS, see this tutorial. […]

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