Frequency Separation Action Set
Feb 28, 2015 18:43:23 #
I started using a retouching technique commonly referred to as "frequency separation" for portraits almost two years ago. After a few images I got tired of repeating the same setup steps each time. I created a simple photoshop action that would handle those steps for me.
My first version was created using a simple 1-layer locked background image. My action would have errors if I tried to use it on a multi-layer document, or one with the background unlocked.
I had to flatten the image before running... to ensure it worked. An 'improved' version failed to work properly with a simple locked background only image, or with 'smart objects' .
I decided to spend a little time refining the 'Action', and I ended up with a complete 'Action Set' with basic 'conditional' processing. I even added one basic 'information display action' in the group to better share it with friends.
Well friends, I'm sharing with anyone who uses this process, and who has not yet automated the 'setup' steps. I'm sure that conditional processing could be handled easier using scripting, but... I'll wait for the next long, cold winter to tackle scripting.
The action set download follows. The main Action should work on any 8-bit or 16-bit image. It requires only an open document (image) and at least 1 visible pixel based layer. Since I have no idea what the correct "Apply Image" settings would be for a 32-bit image, it will detect one, and then exit with no action taken. It was tested on PS CC 2014. I'm not sure how backward compatible it might be.
My first version was created using a simple 1-layer locked background image. My action would have errors if I tried to use it on a multi-layer document, or one with the background unlocked.
I had to flatten the image before running... to ensure it worked. An 'improved' version failed to work properly with a simple locked background only image, or with 'smart objects' .
I decided to spend a little time refining the 'Action', and I ended up with a complete 'Action Set' with basic 'conditional' processing. I even added one basic 'information display action' in the group to better share it with friends.
Well friends, I'm sharing with anyone who uses this process, and who has not yet automated the 'setup' steps. I'm sure that conditional processing could be handled easier using scripting, but... I'll wait for the next long, cold winter to tackle scripting.
The action set download follows. The main Action should work on any 8-bit or 16-bit image. It requires only an open document (image) and at least 1 visible pixel based layer. Since I have no idea what the correct "Apply Image" settings would be for a 32-bit image, it will detect one, and then exit with no action taken. It was tested on PS CC 2014. I'm not sure how backward compatible it might be.
Feb 28, 2015 18:54:37 #
You have posted an ATN file, which many members cannot open. ATN files are only opened using Adobe Photoshop.
Can you convert to a PDF file, and re-post, so we can at least view it?
Can you convert to a PDF file, and re-post, so we can at least view it?
Feb 28, 2015 20:00:38 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
You have posted an ATN file, which many members cannot open. ATN files are only opened using Adobe Photoshop.
Can you convert to a PDF file, and re-post, so we can at least view it?
Can you convert to a PDF file, and re-post, so we can at least view it?
Nikonian, I can take screen shots, and then tie them together in a PDF showing the 'Action' steps, but this set is for use in Photoshop. It uses PS CC 2014 specific 'conditional processing'. I'm not sure if it will work in the latest PSE, and I don't know how backward compatible it is.
Without the screen shots I can easily describe the various actions in the group and what they do. Will that help?
Feb 28, 2015 20:04:44 #
Rick36203 wrote:
Leave as is. PhotoShop users will appreciate the download. The rest of us will have to catch-up later.Will that help?
Feb 28, 2015 20:28:00 #
OK. Well, for anyone fairly detail oriented, and that may be interested, here's a more complete description of the Actions in this set:
The action labeled "Frequency Separation Main Action (Run Me!)" is really the only one most people need to select and run. It begins by checking the first condition, and then it moves on to the next 'supporting or follow-up action'. The 'Main Action' asks the system one question:
Is the open document a 32-bit image?
If Yes = run the action named "oops32".
If No = run the action named "F-S 8 or 16b".
Action "oops32" = Display an Error Message and exit.
Action "F-S 8 or 16b" asks the system, "Is the open document a 16-bit image?"
If Yes = run the action "16-bit (All Visible Layers)"
If No = run the action "8-bit (All Visible Layers)"
The last 2 actions actually do the work, and the basic setup for using the 'Frequency Separation' technique. These 2 actions differ only in one label name and in their 'apply image' settings. In either of these actions the first step is:
From whatever layer is active - add a levels adjustment layer (To set a known file condition. The file now contains at least 2 layers. No adjustment will be made using this adjustment layer. It sole purpose is to prevent execution errors.)
Next, goto the top layer in the file.
Next, create a stamped copy of all visible layers.
Next, turn off all layers except stamped copy. (This step can be removed)
From the stamped copy the action now begins the standard process of setup as seen in many different youtube training videos.
Finally, it creates a group for the Freqency Separation layers, and deletes the uneeded levels adjustment layer.
The action labeled "Frequency Separation Main Action (Run Me!)" is really the only one most people need to select and run. It begins by checking the first condition, and then it moves on to the next 'supporting or follow-up action'. The 'Main Action' asks the system one question:
Is the open document a 32-bit image?
If Yes = run the action named "oops32".
If No = run the action named "F-S 8 or 16b".
Action "oops32" = Display an Error Message and exit.
Action "F-S 8 or 16b" asks the system, "Is the open document a 16-bit image?"
If Yes = run the action "16-bit (All Visible Layers)"
If No = run the action "8-bit (All Visible Layers)"
The last 2 actions actually do the work, and the basic setup for using the 'Frequency Separation' technique. These 2 actions differ only in one label name and in their 'apply image' settings. In either of these actions the first step is:
From whatever layer is active - add a levels adjustment layer (To set a known file condition. The file now contains at least 2 layers. No adjustment will be made using this adjustment layer. It sole purpose is to prevent execution errors.)
Next, goto the top layer in the file.
Next, create a stamped copy of all visible layers.
Next, turn off all layers except stamped copy. (This step can be removed)
From the stamped copy the action now begins the standard process of setup as seen in many different youtube training videos.
Finally, it creates a group for the Freqency Separation layers, and deletes the uneeded levels adjustment layer.
Mar 1, 2015 11:35:32 #
Rick36203 wrote:
I started using a retouching technique commonly re... (show quote)
Thanks for taking the time to do all that work.
--Bob
Mar 1, 2015 11:47:22 #
rmalarz wrote:
Thanks for taking the time to do all that work.
--Bob
--Bob
You're welcome, Bob. I feel it was time well spent, if, even one member loads the actions, and then he or she finds them useful.
Mar 4, 2015 21:57:10 #
Mar 5, 2015 02:24:41 #
Hopesfate wrote:
Thanks for the action I haven't tried it yet but did download it.
😊
😊
You're welcome. I hope you find it useful.
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