Record a path

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn more about how to record a path in Adobe Photoshop using the Insert Path command to include complex paths in an action.

You can use the Insert Path command to include a complex path (created with the Pen tool) as part of an action. When the action is played back, the work path is set to the recorded path. You can insert a path either while recording an action or after the action has been recorded.

Record a path in an action

Start recording an action.

Select an existing path from the Paths panel.

In the Actions panel, select the menu   icon > Insert Path.

Note

If you need to insert more than one path in an action, save each path after inserting it. Record a Save Path step in the Paths panel after each Insert Path step so that the previous path isn't replaced.