Actions???

Well, I've downloaded TeamPhotoshops actions and now I'm at a loss. WHAT is an action and WHY do I need it? I have PS-6 and McClelland's PS-6 bible, however, I'm having trouble finding information on actions. Anyone give me some ideas on this subject?

actions simplify doing something for you... as with TeamPhotoshops stuff they add a texture to something very easy. all you have to do is press 'play' on the action and it does it for you.

DarkOmen, okay, soooooo, WHY would I need an action? I'm sure I'm taking a simple task in PS and making it difficult, I just want to make sure I understand it before I try and use it.

Like DarkOmen says, it simplifies YOUR work. Do you know about recording macros in MS Word or recording keystrokes and mouse events?

Well that is what Actions do. They RECORD your steps and then allow you to play them back WITHOUT having to remember that "special trick" you like so much. . . and don't ask what special trick!

Actions can be loaded from other creators as well. Leaving you to admire the results instead of trying to re-create effects from scratch.

BTW - I always record when I am "playing" in case I do something cool.