How to create action to use the RULER tool

[Marc VanZ]

Hello,

I have a lot of photos which I have to straighten. Every photo has to be straightened in a different way, so I have to use the RULER-tool.  So I want to create an action in which the RULER-tool gets selected. 

But when I create an action I can't select that tool. I can select the BRUSH-tool, the SPOT HEALING-tool, but when I click on the RULER-tool it doesn't get in the action.

Is there a way to do that?

Thanks in advance.

[Stephen Marsh]

Actions can't select tools directly, but they can indirectly select a tool by selecting a named tool preset.

Scripts can directly select a tool.

[Marc VanZ]

Can I make a "named tool preset" for the RULER-tool?

Or do I have to make a script?

[Stephen Marsh]

Now that I'm in front of Photoshop, it doesn't look like the ruler tool can use a preset, so you need to use a script as an "action helper step" or just have the entire thing as a script so that the action doesn't have a dependency on a script:

/* https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop/action-script-that-selects-circle-marquee-tool/m-p/11145392
*/

#target photoshop

(r = new ActionReference()).putClass(stringIDToTypeID('rulerTool'));
(d = new ActionDescriptor()).putReference(stringIDToTypeID('target'), r);
executeAction(stringIDToTypeID('select'), d, DialogModes.NO);

https://prepression.blogspot.com/2017/11/downloading-and-installing-adobe-scripts.html

[Marc VanZ]

Is it possible that you can make such a script for me? I have no understanding of writing scripts.

[Stephen Marsh]

Is it possible that you can make such a script for me? I have no understanding of writing scripts.

By @Marc VanZ

See the code posted before your reply, but you may want to try the crop tool preset as per my last post.

[Stephen Marsh]

@Marc VanZ 

The crop tool can be called via a tool preset in an action, and if you use a modal control to make the crop tool step interactive, you can press the "straighten" button.

This might do what you want!

[Marc VanZ]

@Stephen Marsh , excuse me but English isn't my native language, can you explain what is meant by "modal control". ?

I understand that the CROP-tool can be used to straighten as well, but to be honest, I think for the photo's I have to edit, the ruler tool is a bit easier to use.  As you can see I have to straighten the wooden block so that it is straigth. I think this is easier when drawing a line with the RULER-tool.

[Stephen Marsh · Accepted solution]

The action modal control to make a recorded step interactive looks like this:

P.S. The crop tool straighten ruler button let's you draw a line.

[Marc VanZ]

You are my hero.

Thanks a million.

[Marc VanZ]

@Stephen Marsh Just one more question,....  😉

WHen I now select the CROP-tool the "STRAIGHTEN"-option is not selected. I have to manually select it. Is there a way to have that STRAIGHTEN-option automaticly selected by default?

[Stephen Marsh]

@Stephen Marsh Just one more question,....  😉

WHen I now select the CROP-tool the "STRAIGHTEN"-option is not selected. I have to manually select it. Is there a way to have that STRAIGHTEN-option automaticly selected by default?

By @Marc VanZ

Not that I am aware of.

[barkhaverma]

Creating an action to use the Ruler tool in Photoshop can be quite handy, especially if you find yourself frequently needing to measure distances or angles in your designs. Here's how you can create an action for it:

1. **Open Photoshop:**

   Open Adobe Photoshop on your computer.

2. **Open an Image:**

   Open the image on which you want to use the Ruler tool.

3. **Open the Actions Panel:**

   Go to `Window` > `Actions` to open the Actions panel if it's not already open.

4. **Create a New Action:**

   In the Actions panel, click on the "Create new action" icon at the bottom. It looks like a sheet of paper.

Creating an action to use the Ruler tool in Photoshop can be quite handy, especially if you find yourself frequently needing to measure distances or angles in your designs. Here's how you can create an action for it:

1. Open Photoshop: Open Adobe Photoshop on your computer.

2. Open an Image: Open the image on which you want to use the Ruler tool.

3. Open the Actions Panel: Go to Window > Actions to open the Actions panel if it's not already open.

4. Create a New Action: In the Actions panel, click on the "Create new action" icon at the bottom. It looks like a sheet of paper.

5. Name the Action: Name your action something like "Measure with Ruler" and choose a set for it. Then click 'Record'.

6. Use the Ruler Tool: Select the Ruler tool from the toolbar. It's nested under the Eyedropper tool. Alternatively, you can press "I" on your keyboard to select it.

7. Measure: Click and drag to measure distances or angles on your image.

8. Stop Recording: Once you're done with the measurements, go back to the Actions panel and click the "Stop" button (the square icon) at the bottom of the panel.

9. Testing: Before finalizing, it's a good idea to test your action to make sure it works as expected.

10. Assign a Function Key (Optional): You can also assign a function key to the action for quick access. To do this, select the action, click on the "Actions" menu icon (three horizontal lines at the top-right corner of the Actions panel), then select "Insert Menu Item...". Choose a function key and click "OK".

11. Save your Action: Once you're satisfied with your action, make sure to save it. Actions are saved automatically when you save your PSD file, but you can also save them separately by clicking on the "Save Actions" option in the Actions panel menu.

Now, whenever you need to measure something with the Ruler tool, you can simply run this action instead of manually selecting the tool and measuring each time.

    Once you're satisfied with your action, make sure to save it. Actions are saved automatically when you save your PSD file, but you can also save them separately by clicking on the "Save Actions" option in the Actions panel menu.

Now, whenever you need to measure something with the Ruler tool, you can simply run this action instead of manually selecting the tool and measuring each time.

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