Custom Condition for Photoshop Actions

Yes, I did mention that at least twice in two different posts.

There may be clues in my earlier post, I need to test a bit further. Actions have limitations and sometimes one can only take things so far without scripts.

I’d be interested to hear from other users to see if they have any workarounds.

If you don’t wish to use scripts, then the only other way I can think of to do this in an automated/idiot proof fashion would be to use Conditional Actions. Although Conditional Actions are very limited, they may just do the job for your specific use case.

Select the back layer ( opt/alt + , ) then check to see if it is a true background image “layer” (rather than a standard layer that just happens to be named “Background” and also just happens to be the back layer and also just happens to also be locked).

or:

This could lead incorrect results if the back layer is a non background layer and it is locked…

Or perhaps you could chain together two different conditional actions (one action playing another action) to check for both locked and background, which is probably overkill.

Anyway, explore these ideas and you should have a viable solution that does not have a dependency on a script. Let me know if you need me to comment further on these points.

EDIT: I just tested with a flattened image and the select back layer step results in an error, so this may not help if there is a chance of flat images being processed.

Are there only files with more than one layer?

(Only) in this case it is possible to create an action which always creates an background layer - or always makes layer from background layer, no matter if a background layer exists or not. No script will be needed.

But if there are also files with only one layer exists - than you will need a script.

This script always "unlocks" the Background even if it does not exist or is not selected. )

try { app.activeDocument.backgroundLayer.isBackgroundLayer = false } catch(e) {  }