Action - Duplicate Image

If the current image name is "Photo_1", the default name when creating a duplicate image is "Photo_1 copy".

Is there a way that an ACTION can create a duplicate image that is named by using the original file name and appending that with text specified in the action?

ie: "Photo_1 sepia". The action would contain the word "sepia" but the image name "Photo_1" would come from the orginal.

You can do that in the batch action dialog box.

Or run the action on a folder containing copies of the files and use a batch renaming utility to modify the filenames to suit you.

Paul...

If you are only applying your action to one image at a time and have no intent to apply it to multiple images at a time via the Automate > Batch command, then no, there's no way to program an action to do what you want via Photoshop's built-in commands. One could write a custom script, e.g. a JavaScript, that could be invoked by an action to accomplish the Image > Duplicate [and use original file name and forget about appending " copy"] objective. A little messy, but doable.

If you're hoping (eventually) to be able to convert a folder of images one-after-another, then Cybernetic Nomad's suggestions are the way to go. The Automate > Batch command will apply a specified action to a folder of images and optionally permit one to modify the filenames of the processed files.