3 Replies Latest reply: Dec 5, 2011 10:35 AM by Shan-Dysigns RSS

    Extending Custom Action Functionality CS4

    Shan-Dysigns Community Member

      Is there a way to get around assigning hotkeys to custom actions beyond the limitations of using the function keys (shift/ctrl)?

       

      I have several sets of actions I use daily, and I've run out of hotkeys (I prefer hotkeys opposed to using the button mode in the Actions Panel or manually activating an action by double-clicking it). In keyboard shortcuts, one almost has a much broader range of hotkey combinations. My questions are:

       

      1. can you assign a hotkey to a custom action outside of the default function keys

      2. can you somehow add a custom action to the Photoshop menu (thereby being able to assign a hotkey as you would be able to with any other Photoshop menu command)

       

      My main goal is to be able to continue using hotkeys as much as possible. The fewer times I have to reach for the mouse to initiate an action, the faster my workflow can be.

       

      Thanks in advance...

        • 1. Re: Extending Custom Action Functionality CS4
          Noel Carboni Community Member

          Not a software workaround, but I just wanted to mention my own de facto solution to the dilemma...

           

          Since WAYYY back (let's just say WELL back into the last millenium) I have used DEC (yes, Digital Equipment Corporation) keyboards.  For the PC this would be the LK 250 model.  This preference goes back to when I used dumb ascii terminals.  When Digital was absorbed I bought a number of surplus keyboards for like $10 each.  I have at least two that still function, including the one I'm typing on.

           

          The neat thing with this keyboard is that the keys go all the way up to F20.  F13 through F20 map as Shift-F3 through Shift-F10.

           

          Now, I know an LK 250 is certainly not for everyone, and probably not even available any longer, but it does bring to mind the possibility that there could be a special keyboard out there with more function keys available.  Might be just the thing for you.

           

          Just a thought.

           

          -Noel

          • 2. Re: Extending Custom Action Functionality CS4
            Noel Carboni Community Member

            By the way, nice job on your avatar. 

             

            -Noel

            • 3. Re: Extending Custom Action Functionality CS4
              Shan-Dysigns Community Member

              You know, since all that mess with the other "multiple guide sets" thread fiasco, I decided to see what open threads I may still have out there and try to mark them as answered. I must have missed your comment about my avatar. Thanks.. it's basically an extension of the character/logo I use for myself.