Twenty Extreme Photoshop Actions

Tara Hornor
Tara Hornor
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I am generally not too interested in simple actions that change the color and tone of my graphics, simply because I can do that on my own pretty quickly. More importantly, every photo has its own unique properties, so even if I do use an action to make sweeping color changes, I will always need to tweak the details. However, I do enjoy saving valuable design time by using actions that make huge, drastic changes with very little effort. In fact, if extreme Photoshop actions are worth it, I don’t mind using them to speed up a design project. For these very reasons, I assembled the following collection that focuses on Photoshop actions that have an extreme effect. Most are editable after applying the action, so you can get dramatic results quickly. I also included some border creation effects, since those are a big part of the photo editing process in many cases and take a lot of time. Enjoy!

Gold Cloud Effect

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Night Actions

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Comics Photoshop Action

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Photo Cube Effect

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Pencil Draw Photoshop Action

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Digital Corruption

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Frozen Water Action

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Action 5

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Gum Bichromate Print

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Page Curl

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TackIt! Mini

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Life in 3d

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Borders for Your Photos

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Ghost Stories

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Vintage Border with Tears

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Vintage Photo

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Old Photo Effect Action

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Framing Actions

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HDR Tools

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Free ATN Action 4

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Which of these is your favorite? Do you have any awesomely effective actions that I should have included in this collection?

Frequently Asked Questions about Extreme Photoshop Actions

What are Photoshop Actions and how do they work?

Photoshop Actions are a series of tasks that you can record and apply to a single file or a batch of files. They can save you a significant amount of time if you find yourself performing the same steps over and over again. For instance, if you need to resize a large number of images to a specific dimension, instead of doing it manually one by one, you can create an action that automates the process.

How can I install Photoshop Actions?

Installing Photoshop Actions is a straightforward process. First, download the action file, which usually comes in an .atn format. Then, open Photoshop and go to the Actions panel. Click on the menu icon at the top right corner of the panel and select ‘Load Actions’. Navigate to where you saved the .atn file, select it, and click ‘Open’. The action will now appear in your Actions panel.

Can I create my own Photoshop Actions?

Yes, you can create your own Photoshop Actions. To do this, open the Actions panel and click on the ‘Create new action’ button. Name your action and click ‘Record’. Now, every step you take in Photoshop will be recorded until you hit the ‘Stop’ button. You can then apply this action to other files.

Are there any free Photoshop Actions available?

Yes, there are many free Photoshop Actions available online. However, it’s important to note that the quality of these actions can vary greatly. Always make sure to download actions from reputable sources to avoid any potential issues.

Can I use Photoshop Actions in other Adobe applications?

Photoshop Actions are specific to Adobe Photoshop and cannot be used in other Adobe applications. However, similar functionality can be found in other Adobe applications, such as Illustrator and InDesign, in the form of ‘Scripts’.

How can I edit an existing Photoshop Action?

To edit an existing Photoshop Action, open the Actions panel and find the action you want to edit. Click on the action to expand it and see all the steps it contains. You can then click on any step to select it and make changes as needed.

Can I share my Photoshop Actions with others?

Yes, you can share your Photoshop Actions with others. To do this, select the action in the Actions panel, click on the menu icon, and select ‘Save Actions’. This will create an .atn file that you can share with others.

What are some examples of what I can do with Photoshop Actions?

Photoshop Actions can be used for a wide range of tasks, from basic functions like resizing images and adjusting brightness/contrast, to more complex tasks like applying filters, creating text effects, and even creating complex photo manipulations.

Are Photoshop Actions compatible with all versions of Photoshop?

Most Photoshop Actions are compatible with all recent versions of Photoshop. However, some actions may use features that are only available in newer versions of the software. Always check the compatibility information provided by the action’s creator.

Can I undo a Photoshop Action?

Yes, you can undo a Photoshop Action. Simply go to ‘Edit’ and select ‘Undo’, or use the shortcut Ctrl+Z (Cmd+Z on Mac). However, keep in mind that this will only undo the last step. If you want to undo the entire action, you’ll need to go to ‘History’ and click on the step before the action was applied.

Tara Hornor has a degree in English and has found her niche writing about marketing, advertising, branding, graphic design, and desktop publishing. She is a Senior Editor for Creative Content Experts, a company that specializes in guest blogging and building backlinks. In addition to her writing career, Tara also enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

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