How to Add Multiple Keywords in Photoshop with an Action

my friend shares a time-saving tip for the keywording process.

This tip may come in handy for those using an older version of Photoshop. The version that I use does not allow for information to be cut & pasted into "File Info,” so I used to have to type and re-type keywords for every image in the "File Info" boxes. However, here’s a method to still add multiple keywords without having to manually type them all out.

You can actually create an "Action" in Photoshop that would add information to the "File Info" boxes. I made an "Action" that adds about 50 generic keywords to the "File Info" boxes of each image file.

After adding the 50 keywords I go back to "File Info" to delete the keywords that do not describe the image and add keywords that do describe the image.

[Editor’s note: A reminder that keyword spamming will not be tolerated. Please be selective during the keywording process.]

Although this technique still does require some manual effort, it can be a great time saver. This short cut has saved me hours of typing the same words over and over again.

How to record an "Action" in Photoshop:

Click "Window," then find "Actions" in the drop-down menu.

Click "Actions." This will open the "Actions" panel.

Click on the “Create New Action” button. This will open a "New Action" dialog box.

Create a title for your action.

Click the "Record" button.

Perform the command. This is where you will add the keywords by clicking "File," then selecting "File Info" from the drop-down menu, and typing in your list of keywords. You can also add your Copyright and Image Description here. Then click “OK.”



Click the "Stop" button on the Actions panel.

To run the Action:

Open an image file in Photoshop.

Click on "Window," then select "Actions" from the drop down menu.

Find and select your "Action" from the Actions panel.

Click the "Play" button, and Photoshop will add your keywords to the "File Info" box.

Click "File," then "File Info" to view the keywords in the "File Info" box.

Delete keywords that do not describe the image and add keywords that do describe the image.

Once the "Action" is set up, it only takes a few seconds to run the Action. This method can be very efficient when uploading a series of similar photos.