P: Actions ignoring modal control for layer renaming, Photoshop CS6

[Bruce at TRG]

I often run actions that have modal control for certain steps turned on, in particular, when I want to give a layer a custom name. Prior to CS6, I'd run my action, the window would open allowing me to rename my layer, and then it finishes my action. However, in CS6, it seems to ignore the modal control button selected, puts in whatever the default info is and continues on. This hoses quite a few of my actions that I've been using for years. Submit a bug report?

Thanks,
Bruce

[J453]

What is the actual command you're recording to name/rename layers that isn't resection the dialog toggle? Is it Layer>Layer Properties?

[JJMack]

Jeff just record an action one step where you double click on the current layer name in the layers palette and changes its name. Stop recording. Turn on the steps dialog in this one step action. Run it in Prior version of Photoshop you will be presented with the rename dialog with the recorded name filled in. You will be able to interactivity change that name. With CS6 will rename the layer without giving you the rename dialog.

[Bruce at TRG]

The action that I take as it's recorded is as follows: I double-click on the name of the layer that I want to change, then it highlights blue so I can name it whatever I want. I write something in there. This step shows up in the Actions palette as "Set current layer." I stop recording the action and then click the "Toggle dialog on/off" to the left of the recorded action, which normally brings up the dialog box when the action is run.

As I mentioned before, tons of my Actions from CS5 and before handled this as expected but seems to ignore the dialog box (or modal control, whatever nomenclature you'd prefer!)

Hope that helps.

[Bruce at TRG]

That's right, John! I guess you can confirm this problem?

[Bruce at TRG]

Hey, Jeff! I was wondering what the next step is here. I'm still having this problem and so I often have to open up CS5 to run my Actions. Let me know if you require further documentation in order for this to become an official bug.

[Bruce at TRG]

Hey, Jeff! Any word on a fix for this issue? I've been having to open up CS5 for some of my jobs so I can use my actions and it's embarrassing.

[Bruce at TRG]

I can send you a recorded action that displays the problem if you like. You can load it in CS5 and when it's run you'll get a box to rename the layer. Do the same in CS6 and it does not, even though the modal control box is activated in the action.

[Bruce at TRG]

CC 2015 and this still doesn't work. I am very sad. This seems like a simple fix, too.

[Bruce at TRG]

I thought I'd comment on this again, seeing how this is still not fixed in CC 2015.1.2. I'd love to have this function back!

[J453]

The update from last week was for Camera Raw (in Photoshop). I have this issue logged for the engineering team to look into. Thanks.

[Bruce at TRG]

Thanks, Jeffrey! I, and my team of retouchers, are looking forward to the return of this feature.

[Bruce at TRG]

CC 2015.5 sadly does not fix this.

[FeedbackCommunityMember]

When I try to add "Rename Layer" as an action step through the "Insert Menu Item" on the contextual menu, it's grayed out. If I record a rename layer manually, and toggle on the user input option, it does not pause for user input, but simply renames according to the recorded step. My actions often require allowing users to rename layers along the way.

Can we please have the "Rename Layers" option available in actions once again?

[Bruce at TRG]

Hey, Jeffrey! We have Photoshop CC 2019 now and modal control for layer renaming still isn't a thing. Can this be fixed soon?

[J453]

Hi Bruce, this was fixed 2019 - I just tried it. When you play back an action with Toggle Dialog on it will pop the modal layer rename dialog.

[Bruce at TRG]

Holy moley! I guess it is. Thanks!

[Bruce at TRG]

This has been fun. I used to return to this post every year or so to see what's going on with it, so I'll miss catching up with you. Don't worry, ha ha! I just identified a NEW problem that ALSO hoses my actions, so hopefully I'll see you around!