CS6

In CS6 is there a way to have the "Adjustments" menu displayed constantly?

Currently I keep doing the "Image" > "Adjustments" > then I can finally
pick Curves, Levels etc.
I generally make about 8 or more adjustments on each picture. It seems
like a real waste - when in my opinion it would make sense to pick the
item directly with one click from my second monitor.

 

I have CS4, not CS6, but I'm sure they're the same in this regard.
The answer is "No" if I understand your question correctly. You want
the drop-down of "Image>Adjustment" to remain open at all times to
choose the adjustment in that drop-down.

What can speed up your work, though, is learning the keyboard
shortcuts. Levels = Control + L, Curves = Control + M, etc.

However, when you use the Adjustments drop-down, or the shortcuts like
this, you are making all of those adjustments to the same layer. If
you're into your fourth adjustment, and figure out that you don't like
your third, you have to delete that layer and start over.

If you use the Adjustment Layers icon at the bottom, you create a new
layer for each adjustment, and can go back and change that adjustment
in that layer.

 

I do use shortcuts a lot but then there is Vibrance or Channel Mixer that
have none ( for whatever reason).
I did use adjustment layers for months but dumped that except in special
cases.

 

Your choice as far as layers. I wouldn't do it your way, but you do
what fits your workflow.

Why not create an action to open the dropdown and assign a function
key to the action?

 

I recall once having a utility for my Mac (or maybe it was part of the
System) which gave me tear-off menus, though I can't recall if it enabled
tear-off submenus. Maybe there's something similar for Windows.

Alternatively, maybe Configurator could produce something to suit you:

http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/configurator.html

 

I very rarely change my mind - say 1-10 at most. There are plenty of ways
to go back to earlier versions

This is one rather than two key strokes. Have not spent any time learning
actions yet. I like to keep things real simple - if possible.

 

I'm running W7 and 'plain' CS6. Not sure if configurator will work with
it and for what I have in mind.

 

Adobe Photoshop has a host of automation tools, one of the most versatile
and powerful of them is called an action. In fact, some of the other
automation commands, such as batches and droplets, derive their
functionality from actions.

An action is like a macro or script; however, while scripts have a
reputation for being confusing and difficult, actions are very easy to
create. If you know how to use Photoshop, you know most of what you need to
create your own actions.

For example, let's say that you have 100 digital photos that you'd like to
post on the Internet. Normally, you'd have to load each one, scale, color
correct, sharpen, and then save them one at a time. Alternatively, you could
create an action that does all the "dirty work" for you - and best of all,
you'll get consistent results in far less time than you could've achieved by
doing it manually!

Although actions can be used to automate all sorts of tasks, some common
uses include:

batch-processing multiple images;
applying consistent treatments;
repeating tedious or mundane tasks; or
distributing reproducible special effects.
To better understand actions, let's begin with a comprehensive overview of
the Actions panel, including the commands available in the Actions panel
menu. We'll then use these commands to create a couple of actions of our
very own!

Introduction to the Actions Panel
The Actions panel is sort of like a "mini action editor": it allows you to
create (record), edit, load, save, delete and play actions (among other
things). To show or hide the Actions panel, use the Window » Show Actions
command or press the F9 key.

 

Reverting to earlier version is the least of the benefits of using layers.
Perhaps your particular workflow doesn't require layers, but by
rejecting them you are discarding one of the most powerful and useful
features of photoshop.

Consider the effect of blending modes and making subtle adjustment by
employing the opacity slider.
Adjustment & effects layers are tools which are worth learning about.
Since you have already bought PS why not use it fully?

Consider getting Matt Kloskowski's Layers book, you might learn something.
<
http://www.amazon.com/Layers-Comple..._B001I9N9U0_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1346516101&sr=1-2

 

I have CS6. This is easy...I have the adjustment menu showing all the time.
Just select it from the window menu and dock it to any other panels you
have. It will remain available all the time (make sure you save the
workspace.

paul

 

For adj layers only