How do you create an action in Photoshop?

Creating an action in Photoshop is a streamlined process designed to automate tasks that you frequently perform. The correct method involves opening the Actions panel, clicking the "New Action" button, naming the action, and then recording your steps. This approach allows you to save a sequence of commands and effects, which can subsequently be played back with a single click, significantly enhancing your workflow.

When naming the action, you provide context that helps in identifying its purpose later, making it easier to organize and manage multiple actions. Recording your steps accurately ensures that all modifications and adjustments are captured, enabling you to replicate complex processes effortlessly.

Other methods, such as merely applying effects from the Layers panel or using the File menu to create new documents, do not pertain to the specific task of creating an action. These methods involve different functionalities within Photoshop that do not support the automation of processes in the way actions do. Therefore, understanding how to use the Actions panel not only increases efficiency but also enhances the overall productivity of your image editing workflow.