Inserting stops

You can include stops in your action that let you perform a task that cannot be recorded (for example, using a painting tool). Once you've completed the task, click the Play button in the Actions palette to complete the task. You can insert a stop when recording an action or after it has been recorded.

You can also display a short message when the action reaches the stop. For example, you can remind yourself what needs to be done before continuing with the action. Photoshop gives you the option of including a Continue button in the message box. This lets you check for a certain condition in the file (for example, a selection) and continue if nothing needs to be done. ImageReady automatically provides the Continue button.

To insert a stop:

1. Choose where to insert the stop by doing one of the following:
• Select an action's name to insert a stop at the end of the action.
• Select a command to insert a stop after the command.
2. Choose Insert Stop from the Actions palette  menu and choose Insert Stop. In ImageReady you can also click the Insert a Step button at the bottom of the palette.
3. Type the message you want to appear.
4. (Photoshop) If you want the option to continue the action without stopping, select Allow Continue.
5. Click OK.