ray

In Photoshop 7 Actions, I can successfully create an action which modifies a text entry to give a new appearance, drop shadow etc. When running the action, it of course, creates the text I input first time round, every time the action runs. So, if I type in the word "Test" when creating the action, I get "Test" every time the action is run.

Have tried putting a "Stop" in the action and entering the new data but am still doing something wrong as it does not work properly. Driving me mad. Sorry to be dumb.

How do I edit this action so that you can input any new text each time the action runs and it modifes the latest entry and not "Test".

wbiss

Welcome aboard paulk!

I don't know a whole heck of a lot about 'actions' and when it comes to text effects, I tend to lean towards using the "layer styles". Anyhoo, from what little I think I know, it would seem to me that an action for a text effect would start "after" the text has been entered on the canvas. [confused] I'm likely wrong... so wait until you get a real 'educated' response here!

In the meantime, enjoy your time and experiences here! [excited]

Lee

Welcome, paulk. [righton]

Bacardi

Have you tried to save your layer style and apply it to your new text?

An action reacts on everything you did, including typing text. But a saved style...

What to do?

1/ type any text, and double click on the text layer in the layers Palette.
2/ The Layer styles dialog will open. Create your style.
3/ Press "New Style" (right hand side, between "Cancel" and "Preview"). a small dialog opens. Give your style a name.
4/ Close.
5/ Now type your new text annd do as in 1/. But in the dialog you now take the top option, "Styles". In there you will find your new style bottom right.
Try it out. It works.

Good. Now create, if you want to, and action (use no shortuts!!) of you opening the layer styles dialog and applying your style. I haven't tried this out, but I suppose it'll work. I don't use an action for this: simply double click, open styles and choose the style I fancy is quick enough for me.

Oh, 'nother tip: if you want to do further work on the pixelated layer (>rasterize type), the styles will apply to whatever you feed them. Therefore it is best to place a new empty layer below the text, make everything else invisible and the choose "Merge Visible". The style will be rasterized on the merged layer, and ready for futher mutilation. (hahaa) :B

ray

Thanks Erik - That's certainly one way round the problem

ray

Thanks - I could appear here frequently I think

jpfitness

Welcome aboard paulk
when you are recording your style keep recording select the type tool stop recording type your text (put the stop here of course) and then after typing the text start recording again I hope it helps....... think that is what I did before he he he
sfm

Welcome to the board paulk [righton]

ray

Thank you. This is exactly what I needed. Knew it would be simple but I just could not get my brain round it.