40+ Best Free Photoshop Actions & Effects in 2025 — Speckyboy | By The Digital Insider

Designers, photographers, and digital artists spend many hours working in Photoshop, whether designing, editing photos, or creating digital art. As a professional in these fields, you may receive photos from clients that need touch-ups or have to edit your own photographs. In both cases, Photoshop actions can be extremely useful for streamlining repetitive tasks and achieving a specific, and often stunning, photo effect.


Actions are pre-recorded sets of instructions that automate the process of applying a sequence of edits to an image. By using actions, you can create complex photo effects with just a few clicks. Countless actions and presets are available for free, but finding high-quality ones can sometimes be challenging.


We’ve curated a collection of over 40 Photoshop action packs that are all available to download for free. These actions will give you the tools you need to apply various effects to your photos, from matte and film to vintage styles, stunning black and white conversions, and even HDR.


With these actions and presets in your toolkit, you’ll be able to save time while editing your photos and won’t have to spend hours scouring the web for high-quality free actions. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a designer, these actions will help you achieve the look you want without spending hours on each individual photo.




Nostalgic Photoshop Actions


These free Photoshop Actions can create a range of photo effects, including a vintage or retro look, a washed-out or faded effect, a gritty or grungy feel, or even a black and white or sepia-toned effect.


Old & Dirty Photoshop Action


Free to Download


Turn your colorized photos to black and white, and then apply a subtle vintage effect. The action works with both Photoshop and Lightroom.


Old Dirty vintage retro effects free photoshop actions


Vintage Landscape Photoshop Action


Free to Download


As the name suggests, this free Photoshop action is perfect for landscape photos that you want to style to appear vintage.


Landscape vintage retro effects free photoshop actions


Retro Engraving Photoshop Action


Free to Download


The free Retro Engraving Photoshop action replicates vintage engraved illustrations and applies a glitchy, line-based texture (similar to old banknotes or book prints) to your photos.


Retro Engraving free photoshop actions


Instant Hipster Retro Photoshop Actions


Free to Download


This Photoshop pack includes ten actions that will make your photos appear more retro and vintage. The actions replicate Instagram-style filters.


Instant Hipster vintage retro effects photo free photoshop actions


Vintage Wedding PS Action


Free to Download


Wedding photographers rejoice as this free Photoshop action will allow you to add a vintage effect to your wedding photos. The collection comes with a total of 15 individual actions.


Wedding ps vintage retro effects free photoshop actions


Retro Effects & Polaroid Frame Photoshop Actions


Free to Download


With this collection of Photoshop actions, you will be able to generate vintage, lomo, and retro effects, and quickly apply them to your photos.


Polaroid Frame vintage retro effects photo free photoshop actions


Classic Film Effect Free Photoshop Actions


These Photoshop actions can create the effects commonly found in classic films and cinema. They can add a cinematic feel to your work, such as a soft and warm film look, a faded or desaturated effect, a film grain texture, or even a dramatic and moody style.


Cyberpunk Photoshop Action


Free to Download


This free action applies a specific set of effects that will give your photos a cyberpunk style. Cyberpunk is characterized by a futuristic feel, featuring neon lights and sci-tech elements.


Cyberpunk Free Photoshop Actions


Indie Camera Photoshop Actions


Free to Download


The free Indie Camera Photoshop action recreates the aesthetic of quirky and low-fi indie film cameras. It will add soft contrast, subtle color shifts, and light leaks to your photographs.


Indie Camera free photoshop actions


Film-Inspired Photoshop Actions


Free to Download


This free film-inspired Photoshop action set will add a grainy, soft tone, with mild contrast shifts to your images. It will create a dreamy, nostalgic, film-like look, making it perfect for portraits.


Film-Inspired free photoshop actions


Vibrant Film Photoshop Action


Free to Download


This Photoshop action produces an interesting vintage effect with brilliant, vibrant colors. The action works with Photoshop as well as Lightroom.


Vibrant movie film effects photo free photoshop actions


Simple Grainy Photoshop Action


Free to Download


This simple Photoshop action will add a fine layer of digital noise or grain to your photos, giving them a textured or gritty aesthetic. You can download it for free.


Simple Grainy free photoshop actions


Cross Processed Photoshop Action


Free to Download


The Cross Processed free Photoshop action replicates film developed with the wrong chemicals, giving your photos a high contrast, irregular color shifts, and a retro, experimental feel.


Cross Processed free photoshop actions


Film Effect Photoshop Action


Free to Download


Make your photos come to life with this Film Effect Photoshop action. The action makes your colors pop and applies them non-destructively.


movie film effect effects free photoshop actions


Color Effect Free Photoshop Actions


These actions allow you to add warmth or coolness to your photos, improve contrast, or even apply selective color effects to specific areas of your photo. You can create a variety of moods and styles, whether you want a vintage, a cinematic look, or a colorful, vibrant style.


Split-Toned Photoshop Action


Free to Download


This free Photoshop action applies a vintage-like, split-toning effect to your photos, adjusting the color and feel of your shots.


Split-Toned Free Photoshop Actions


Photoshop Crimson Shimmer Action


Free to Download


This Photoshop action is sure to make your photos stand out, as it adds a subtle touch of crimson to any image. The action is easy to adjust and apply.


Crimson Shimmer color effects photo free photoshop actions


Dark Mood Photoshop Action


Free to Download


The free Dark Mood Photoshop action will deepen shadows, desaturate tones, and add contrast to your photos, creating a dramatic, moody, and atmospheric effect.


Dark Mood free photoshop actions


Honey Photoshop Action


Free to Download


Choose this Photoshop action if you want to make your food photography pop. The action is applied non-destructively and can easily be adjusted.


honey color effects free photoshop actions


Copper Photoshop Actions


Free to Download


Apply an interesting copper look to your photos with the help of this free Photoshop action. You can tweak and adjust the action to your needs.


Copper color effects photo free photoshop actions


Creamy Photoshop Actions


Free to Download


If you want to apply a soft, almost pastel-like look to your photos, this collection of Photoshop actions is a must. The action works best for portrait and outdoor photos.


creamy white color effects free photoshop actions


Sunset Photoshop Action


Free to Download


Get more out of your sunset photos or give any other photo a warm, golden glow. This action works best with nature and outdoor photography.


sunset color effects free photoshop actions


Special Effects Free Photoshop Actions


These special effects Photoshop actions add texture, lighting, and color improvements to your photos, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind look.


Heatmap Photoshop Action


Free to Download


This free Heatmap Photoshop Action will apply a color gradient based on thermal imaging, giving your photos a bold and surreal look and feel.


Heatmap free photoshop actions


Create Tiny Planets Photoshop Action


Free to Download


Tiny planets are all the rage, but creating them from scratch takes work. This Photoshop action will change that and allow you to transform any photo into your very own tiny planet.


Create Tiny Planets special effects photo free photoshop actions


Corrupted VHS Photoshop Action


Free to Download


This Corrupted VHS Photoshop action will make your photos seem as if they were captured on an old VHS tape, giving your shot a distinctive and artistic appearance.


Corrupted VHS Free Photoshop Actions


Brick Mosaics Photoshop Actions


Free to Download


Ever wanted to turn your photos into fun mosaics? Well, now you can with the help of this Photoshop action! The pack includes a total of 10 actions.


Brick Mosaics special effects photo free photoshop actions


Simple Halftone Photoshop Action Set


Free to Download


Turn your photos or graphics into a dot-based halftone pattern with this simple Photoshop action. It is perfect for comic-book styles, pop art, or retro printing effects.


Simple Halftone free photoshop actions


Pixelate Photoshop Actions


Free to Download


Similar to the action above, this Photoshop action collection will pixelate your photos. Perfect for creating unique backgrounds. The collection also includes frame and border styles.


Pixelate special effects free photoshop actions


Dispersion Effect Photoshop Action


Free to Download


Try this Photoshop action if you want to produce a cool-looking dispersion effect. Make any photo appear as if it’s dispersing. Play the action and make adjustments as necessary.


Dispersion special effects free photoshop actions


Glitch Effect PSD Photoshop Action Kit


Free to Download


This free Photoshop action adds a subtle glitch effect to your photos, giving them the appearance of old VHS tapes. The action works non-destructively, and you can make adjustments.


Glitch Effect PSD special effects photo free photoshop actions


High Dynamic Range Free Photoshop Actions


These Photoshop actions can help you achieve a range of HDR styles. These actions will improve your photo’s contrast, saturation, and sharpness, resulting in a bold and vivid photo effect.


HDR Lightroom Preset & Photoshop Action


Free to Download


Use this Photoshop action to expand the dynamic range of your photo and apply a beautiful, bold effect. The action works with both Photoshop and Lightroom.


HDR Lightroom Preset effects free photoshop actions


Warm & Faded Free Photoshop Actions


These actions will add a matte effect to your photos by reducing contrast and saturation, and adding a subtle haze or film-like grain. They help to highlight the texture and depth of your photos.


Matte Lightroom Preset & Photoshop Action


Free to Download


With the help of this free Photoshop action, you will be able to quickly and easily apply a subtle matte effect to your photos. The action is available as both a Photoshop action and a Lightroom preset.


Preset matte effects photo free photoshop actions


Deep Matte Photoshop Action


Free to Download


If you’re looking for a deep, matte look, be sure to try this action. It’s compatible with both Photoshop and Lightroom.


deep matte effects free photoshop actions


Vintage Matte Photoshop Action


Free to Download


The Vintage Matte Photoshop action will make it easy to add a lovely vintage effect to your photos. The action supports non-destructive editing.


vintage matte effects photo free photoshop actions


Light Effect Free Photoshop Actions


These actions replicate the appearance of light leaks, which happens when light enters the camera, creating a washed-out and soft effect on your photos. They can help you achieve various styles, from a soft, romantic look to a more dramatic and surreal effect.


Light & Bright Photoshop Action


Free to Download


Add bright light leaks to any photo with the help of the Photoshop actions in this pack. The action creates layers and supports non-destructive editing.


bright light leak effects free photoshop actions


25 Light Leaks Photoshop Actions


Free to Download


These free actions allow you to add various light leak effects to your photos, creating the illusion that light has leaked into the camera body during exposure.


Light Leaks Free Photoshop Actions


Premium Looks Photoshop Actions


Free to Download


Add a touch of class to your portraits with the help of this Photoshop action. The action contains five different effects and two light leaks that can be combined for a unique look.


Premium Looks light leak effects photo free photoshop actions


Golden Hour Free Photoshop Actions


These Golden Hour actions replicate the soft, warm glow of golden hour light, allowing you to bring out the beauty and atmosphere of your photos.


Golden Hour Photoshop Action


Free to Download


Use this Photoshop action whenever you need to make a photo appear as if it were taken during the golden hour. It works well with cityscapes and nature photos.


golden hour effects free photoshop actions


Golden Glow Photoshop Action


Free to Download


This Golden Glow action will lighten your photo and give it a golden tint. Use it with landscape and nature photos, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of photos as well.


Golden Glow golden hour effects free photoshop actions


Drawing Effect Free Photoshop Actions


These actions will add a hand-drawn effect to your images, creating a unique and artistic look. They will add depth and texture to your photos.


Pencil Drawing Photoshop Action


Free to Download


Make your photos appear sketched using this Pencil Drawing Photoshop action. The action works non-destructively and produces a black and white sketch.


Pencil Drawing sketch effects photo free photoshop actions


Sketch Photoshop Action


Free to Download


This set of Photoshop actions makes it easy to apply the sketch effect with a single click. You can even adjust the result to your liking.


sketch effects photo free photoshop actions


Lomo Effects Free Photoshop Actions


These Photoshop actions replicate the look of the Lomo camera, which creates photos with high contrast, vibrant colors, and vignetting effects. They will add a nostalgic touch to your photos.


Lomo Photoshop Action


Free to Download


Apply a Lomo effect to your photos and make them appear as though they were taken with a Lomography camera. The action produces a fun vintage effect.


lomo effects free photoshop actions


Soft Color Free Photoshop Actions


These watercolor effect Photoshop actions replicate the artistic charm of watercolor painting. They will add depth, texture, and vivid colors to your images.


Michelangelo Watercolor Photoshop Action


Free to Download


The aptly named Michelangelo Painting Photoshop Action will quickly transform your photos into beautiful watercolor works of art. You will also get a free watercolor brush (ABR) and pattern PAT file for Photoshop.


Michelangelo Watercolor Photoshop Action effects free


Split Toned Photoshop Action


Free to Download


This free split-toned Photoshop action will apply different color tones to shadows and highlights, creating a moody, cinematic, or vintage color effect.


Split Toned free photoshop actions


How to Install Photoshop Actions


Here’s a quick tutorial on how to install and use Photoshop actions:



  • Download and unzip the action file.

  • Launch Photoshop.

  • Go to Window > Actions.

  • Select Load Actions from the menu and go to the folder where you saved the action file to select it. The action will now be installed.

  • To use the newly installed action, find it in the Actions panel.

  • Click the triangle (▶) to the left of the action name to see the list of available actions.

  • Click the action you want to play and press the play button at the bottom of the Actions panel.


How to Create Your Own Photoshop Actions


Creating your own Photoshop action involves recording a series of steps you perform on a photo or graphic and saving them as an action. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own:



  1. Open an Image: Launch Photoshop and open the photo you want to use as the base for creating the action.

  2. Open the Actions Panel: Navigate to the Window menu and click on Actions to open the Actions panel.

  3. Create a New Action: In the Actions panel, click on the folder icon to create a new action set. Click the New Action button (represented by a ■ square icon) to create a new action.

  4. Name and Set Shortcut (Optional): Give your action a descriptive name that reflects the edits you’ll be recording.

  5. Record the Steps: Click the Record button in the Actions panel to start recording and perform the editing steps you want to include in the action.

  6. Stop Recording: Once you’ve completed the editing steps, click the Stop button (■ square icon) in the Actions panel to stop recording.

  7. Test the Action: Open another photo to test the newly created action. From the Actions panel, select the action and click Play (▶ triangle icon) to apply the recorded steps and effects to the new photo.

  8. Adjust & Customize: If needed, you can open the action in the Actions panel and adjust settings or delete unnecessary steps.

  9. Save the Action: To save the action for future use or sharing, right-click on the action in the Actions panel and choose Save Actions. Select a location on your computer and assign a name to the action file. The action will be saved with an .atn extension.

  10. Load the Action: To use the action on another computer or version of Photoshop, you can load the action set by going to the Actions panel’s menu and selecting Load Actions.




You’re a creative talent. The last thing you want is to be stuck performing the same task over and over again on various images. These Photoshop presets and actions are for you, freeing you up for the real work: being creative.






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Published on The Digital Insider at https://is.gd/Cl85LF.

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