Adobe Inc. Is a software company based in California most known for its Adobe Creative Cloud software, an industry-standard set of art, design, and publishing programs. Founded in 1982, Adobe started developing and releasing its most well-known creative software in the mid-1980s through the 1990s, including Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere (now known as Premiere Pro), and InDesign. To this list, they added the vector design program Adobe XD in the 2000s. The complete Creative Cloud suite now contains over 20 programs.
Professionals working in creative and design-focused industries will often need to learn how to use software in the Adobe Creative Cloud. This includes those working in graphic design, digital and web design, photography and graphic arts, video creation and editing, as well as those in publishing, marketing, and retail who need to communicate ideas visually and fuel consumer interest in their products. Adobe’s software is not considered too challenging to learn, and many individuals use Adobe products for non-professional ways to express themselves creatively and visually. Creative Cloud software also allows users to store and share their files easily and collaborate on creative work with others.
What Can You Do with Adobe Training?
What you can do with Adobe training will depend upon the specific software you learn to use, since someone who wants to use Adobe for website design or development will be working with different software than a photographer or Graphic Designer. In general, Adobe software will allow you to create, organize, or edit content that you can then distribute online, through different social media channels, or for print publication. It is not only professionals who receive Adobe training; it is common for someone interested in art and photography to learn Photoshop, for instance, so that they can edit and add effects to their own images.
Professionals who use Adobe software often need to learn multiple programs to complete their job-related projects. Someone working in graphic design, for example, will need to learn InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. If a Graphic Designer is working on promotional material for a brand’s product launch, they can use Illustrator to create or edit precise illustrations like brand logos, use Photoshop to work with images of specific products for the launch, and then put everything together in InDesign. Using InDesign, a Graphic Designer might create a multipage brochure for the product launch or create content that could be shared on social media to raise consumer awareness of these newly released products. Those working in publishing, arts, design, and advertising will often also need to learn these programs.
In contrast to the Adobe programs a Graphic Designer should learn, someone in video editing will often work with different Adobe programs. A Video Editor, for instance, learns to use Premiere Pro and After Effects. Premiere Pro and After Effects are industry-standard post-production programs that allow users to edit video and sound and do visual effects work, respectively. Someone in web design or development will also learn to use other Adobe programs like InDesign, Dreamweaver, and XD to design or prototype websites and webpage layouts. The Adobe software you learn will be the programs standard to your industry and they will allow you to complete industry-specific projects.
What Will I Learn in an Adobe Class?
Photoshop
Photoshop is one of the most widely used programs in Adobe Creative Cloud as it is not only industry-standard software but also used non-professionally by those who want to be able to edit and stylize their own photographs or images. A Photoshop class or bootcamp will teach users familiarity with the software and everything one needs to edit or enhance an image. This will include learning how to do things like balance color and contrast, use filters, layer images, change the background of an image, and remove unwanted aspects of an image. Most Photoshop courses are project-based and should allow you to edit work that you can add to your portfolio.
Illustrator
Illustrator is a vector graphics software that is used widely by Graphic Designers and those working in advertising, product design, architecture, and web design. This software is often used to create logos, vector art, product or packaging designs, social media content, and page layouts or interface designs for websites. In an Illustrator class, students will learn essential techniques like using the Pen tool, creating shapes, working with color and text, and organizing one’s artwork. Like other Adobe classes, most Illustrator courses are project-based and will have you practice your skills by creating logos, designing posters, or making art for product packaging.
InDesign
InDesign is a page layout software that is industry-standard in publishing and design. It will allow someone to create professional, well-organized magazine spreads, book covers, promotional material like posters, flyers, and newsletters, social media marketing content, and dynamic, interactive PDFs. An InDesign course will be project-based and teach students how to create multi-page layouts using text, graphics, and color. InDesign courses will cover basic composition, typography, and color manipulation and these courses will also teach students how to import work from other software, like Illustrator or Photoshop, as well as how to export and save different types of files.
Premiere Pro
Premiere Pro is video editing software widely used in film, TV, and digital content creation. In a course on Premiere Pro, you will learn how to edit and arrange video and sound clips, use transitions, create title credits, clean up audio, color correct, work with different kinds of footage, and do everything professional video editors do to create well-edited and composited sound and video recordings. It is natural for someone who wants to work in film and TV production or digital content creation to pair this class with one that teaches After Effects, another Adobe Creative Cloud software program specifically for creating motion graphics during the post-production process.
Composition
An Adobe Creative Cloud class, bootcamp, or certificate program will also teach you composition. This will allow you to learn about design concepts, using color, text, shapes, and images, and composing balanced, well-organized, and clean images, artwork, and page layouts. Composition will be a central feature of all Adobe Creative Cloud courses, from Illustrator to After Effects as you will need to design, edit, and create well-composed images and end-products for specific audiences, industries, and purposes.
How Hard is It to Learn Adobe?
How hard it is to learn Adobe software depends on your skill level and prior experience. In general, it is not difficult to learn the different Adobe Creative Cloud programs as long as you have a basic understanding of design and how to use a computer. It is fairly easy to become familiar with each software program in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, but it is more challenging to figure out how to create unique designs or compositions using Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign or how to edit and add effects to your own video using Premiere Pro or After Effects. While it will take time and dedicated effort to learn these programs, anyone who wants to learn how to use them professionally or as a hobby should be able to do so.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Adobe?
The most difficult part of learning Adobe is that each software program needs to be learned on its own. This means that some programs might take more time to learn or present more challenges than others. As long as you have basic computer literacy, you should be able to learn Adobe Creative Cloud software, though it helps to have web design experience when working with XD or have had design or visual composition classes when learning Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. Most of these programs can allow you to create simple, non-professional products within a few weeks of use, though they also all have more advanced toolsets that can be difficult to learn on one’s own. To learn advanced uses of the Adobe Creative Cloud software, consider enrolling in an instructor-led course.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Adobe?
For most Adobe Creative Cloud programs it should only take a few hours to become familiar with the software and toolsets. For those learning multiple Adobe applications, expect it to take a few weeks to a month to become comfortable using each specific software program. Someone can learn Photoshop basics in a couple of weeks, for instance, but it will take months to become fully proficient and will take longer to integrate this program into one’s workflow. Some professionals suggest it takes six months to a year per program to become proficient. Those who need to learn multiple programs such as both Premiere Pro and After Effects, can expect to devote additional time to learning how these software programs work together.
Should I Learn Adobe in Person or Online?
Whether to learn Adobe in-person or online depends on your own learning needs as well as the course’s cost, curriculum, and schedule. In-person learning is still considered the best way to learn and retain information. Learning Adobe software in-person allows students to focus on the material in a space dedicated to learning, and many training facilities will also provide access to computers and software that students can use during the course. These classes, however, can be less cost-effective than online courses and those who work full-time or have busy schedules may not be able to attend regularly scheduled in-person Adobe classes.
Instructor-led, live online classes should offer a comparable curriculum and training style to in-person learning. Students will be able to receive hands-on training from an expert instructor, just like in an in-person class, though they will meet for classes through a video streaming platform, like Zoom. These classes can be more cost-effective, allow students to attend from anywhere, and are often scheduled in the evenings or on weekends, making them easier to attend for those with busy schedules. Some do find online learning to be challenging and it can be hard to remain focused and engaged in the class material without making an active effort to do so.
Another option to consider is taking an asynchronous online or on-demand course. These are self-paced classes where instead of meeting with an instructor or other classmates, students are given access to course material and can move through it at their own speed. This is often the best option for self-motivated learners who want to learn the material quickly, at a lower cost, and cannot attend regularly scheduled online or in-person classes. You do need to be a determined learner to complete an on-demand class, as there is often little to no guidance from an instructor, and you will need to teach yourself the course material. On-demand classes are a good entry point into the subject matter, but instructor-led in-person or online courses are a better option for someone who wants comprehensive, career-ready training.
Can I Learn Adobe Free Online?
Noble Desktop has video seminars that will get you started learning the Adobe Creative Cloud software for free and learning about different career paths in design, editing, or animation. Consider Noble Desktop’s Adobe Creative Cloud playlist on YouTube for an easy, engaging way to learn this software. Adobe Learn also offers its own short, feature-specific tutorials for Adobe software applications. Most tutorials are designed to teach learners a skill in under 10 minutes and there are tutorial articles for all skill levels. Keep in mind that free classes, tutorials, and guides do not offer professional development and someone looking to use Adobe software professionally or for their career should consider taking a class or certificate program to receive more in-depth training and career support services.
What Should I Learn Alongside Adobe?
What you should learn alongside Adobe depends on your career goals and plans. Those working in art and design will need to have a strong handle on design and composition principles and can benefit from taking additional art, design, and composition courses. Most will need some industry-specific training, though some of this will happen on the job. Someone who works in advertising or marketing and wants to occupy a senior-level position should learn marketing techniques and work on developing their project management and leadership skills.
Those going down specific career paths, like Graphic Designers or UI Designers, should consider the other tools and skill sets they will need. Prospective Graphic Designers should consider learning other programs like Canva which can be useful when working with visual design. Those working or wanting to work in UI design will need to be familiar with coding and web design and some will benefit from learning UX design. Learning UX design can help make one more marketable—as a UI/UX Designer—but it will also allow you to learn useful forms of user testing that can be beneficial to your work as a UI Designer.
Industries That Use Adobe
In addition to being a major center of manufacturing in Canada, Toronto is a hub for both the tech industry and the entertainment industry and has a strong advertising and promotional industry. These industries will need people with Adobe training and are some of the best options for a career path in Toronto, though Adobe is used widely across many different industries.
Manufacturing
Toronto is a major center of manufacturing and distribution in North America. The latest trend in manufacturing in Toronto is developing advanced manufacturing or smart manufacturing. This type of manufacturing incorporates smart technologies like AI to create more efficient and useful manufacturing processes and distribution systems.
While manufacturing might not be the first thing one thinks of when learning Adobe, this industry needs professionals with Adobe Creative Cloud training. Graphic Artists and Graphic Designers work in the manufacturing industry in ways similar to how they work in other industries, on branding, promotion, and communication materials. These professionals can create industrial prints or product and marketing materials using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. It is also becoming common for companies to desire interactive PDFs, which is something that a professional with InDesign training learns to create.
Arts & Entertainment
Film and TV production is a solid part of Toronto’s industry. While this is already an established industry, according to recent reports it is also a growth industry that generated $2.5 billion in spending as recently as 2021. For someone wanting to work in the arts or entertainment, Toronto is a great location to start or develop a career.
Premiere Pro and After Effects are industry-standard programs for those working in film, TV, animation, and games. Learning Premiere Pro allows someone to edit video and sound in post-production. After Effects training also allows learners to work on the post-production process, though one will be using this program to create visual effects or animation or even design title and credit sequences used for a variety of media. Art Directors will also find themselves working in this industry and using their knowledge of the Adobe Creative Cloud to develop and implement the aesthetics of the productions they are working on.
Technology
Another top industry in Toronto is technology. The Greater Toronto Area is considered a hub for technology companies, tech workers, and innovation. The tech industry in Toronto has even spurred the development of other top industries like finance and manufacturing, as these industries have begun introducing new technologies into their workflows and plans for the future.
Someone with Adobe training can work in many different areas of the tech industry. Graphic Artists and Graphic Designers can find themselves doing creative design and promotional work for tech companies. It is also common for UI/UX Developers and UI/UX Designers to learn Adobe software, including InDesign, XD, and Dreamweaver. Dreamwear will allow someone to create websites, whereas XD and InDesign can be used for prototyping. Though used less often, some UI Designers will use InDesign to prototype the visual layout of a webpage, as this program is an effective way to create complex, engaging, and well-organized page layouts.
Advertising & Marketing
Those working in advertising and marketing can find a solid career in Toronto. Toronto is home to several major advertising agencies and this industry is growing. Spending on digital and social media advertising is up and forecasted to continue growing over the next decade.
Advertising is one of the most common industries for Graphic Designers or Graphic Artists to find themselves working in. These professionals use their knowledge of Adobe software to implement the creative vision of the company or brand they are working for. It is common for advertising professionals to create material for both print and digital distribution, so it will be useful to learn how to design multi-page magazine spreads, brochures, posters, and print ads as well as create content specifically for distribution on specific social media channels.
Adobe Job Titles and Salaries
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers are responsible for manipulating visual elements to communicate ideas. They work with the Adobe Creative Cloud software suite to design brand logos, edit product images, and create page layouts for material like posters, flyers, and product packaging. They often work in advertising and marketing, publishing, and arts and entertainment industries though they can find themselves working on promotional material and designs for a variety of other industries that need visual communications.
According to Talent.com, Graphic Designers working in Ontario make an average yearly salary of $61,000 which is well above the national average for this career. This salary can range between $39,000 for entry-level positions to around $75,000 and is dependent not only on location but also on one’s experience and the industry in which one works.
UI Designer
User Interface (UI) Designers are responsible for the visual and interactive elements that users will engage with on websites, applications, or digital devices like phones and tablets. These professionals need to think about not only the look and aesthetics of visual elements but also how they function to create an enjoyable and useful experience for the user. As such, they will often design and prototype layouts, color, typography, and other visual elements using the Adobe Creative Cloud and other web design software.
UI Designers working in Ontario are making above the national average salary for this career with a yearly salary of about $100,000, according to Talent.com. This is a high-paying career, so the entry-level positions often start around $77,000 and with more experience one can find themselves earning upwards of $122,000.
Digital Marketing Manager
Digital Marketing Managers are advertising professionals who oversee and direct digital marketing campaigns for brands and products. They will be responsible for directing and signing off on promotional material created for digital marketing campaigns and will need to be familiar with the software in the Adobe Creative Cloud to collaborate with others on their team. A Digital Marketing Manager is not an entry-level position, as one will need experience and leadership skills to direct a larger team of creative and marketing professionals.
The average yearly salary of Digital Marketing Managers working in Ontario is about $90,000, slightly above the national average according to Talent.com. The salary range for this career, which starts at around $70,000 and goes up to around $193,000, is highly dependent on one’s experience level and industry. Even entry-level positions will often go to more experienced managers and the highest earners are working for in-demand companies.
Art Director
Art Directors are the ones responsible for developing and implementing the visual style and concept of a project. They work in traditional print publishing in magazines or newspapers, digital publishing and media, product packaging, and TV and film. They will need to be very familiar with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite as they are the ones often responsible for visual prototypes and the design of the layout, color, and typography for a project. An Art Director is a senior-level position and someone who will lead and manage a larger team of creatives. Someone who starts as a Graphic Designer can work their up to this role.
Art Directors in Ontario are making an average yearly salary of $143,000, according to Talent.com. As a senior-level role, the lowest end of the average salary range for this position starts at about $91,000 and goes as high as $160,000 for the most experienced professionals.
Adobe Classes Near Me
AdobeTrainingToronto.com offers two-day individual design courses in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator and a two- or four-day combined course in Premiere Pro and After Effects. Their courses are offered in-person for one-on-one or small group training in Toronto and can be adapted for live online instruction. Because classes are kept small, expert instructors can cater this training to the skill level and needs of the individual or group, making these courses useful for beginners with no knowledge of a specific software as well as those who already regularly use the software but want to learn more advanced features or professional tool sets.
Toronto-based ACS Trainer teaches courses in Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Their courses are taught by an Adobe Certified Instructor with professional experience in photography and digital art and are offered for small groups, private training, or as live online classes. Some programs have regular, multi-day introductory to advanced class options, while others are offered only as intensive courses or bootcamps, which are ideal for those who want to learn a specific Adobe program quickly or whose schedules will not allow for enrollment in a multi-day course.
Noble Desktop offers a variety of Adobe workshops, bootcamps, and certificate programs for those just starting to learn this software and those who want to pursue a career in design, arts, or entertainment. All Noble Desktop classes include hands-on training from expert instructors, time-tested curricula, small class sizes, and a free retake option, and are offered in-person at their Manhattan facility or live online from any location. Those wanting to learn Adobe as a hobby or new skill should consider enrolling in a one-day, six-hour workshop such as Photoshop in a Day which covers the basics so you can get started using this software quickly. More career-oriented learners should consider a bootcamp or certificate program.
Noble Desktop’s Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp is the best option for someone who wants to master Adobe Creative Cloud as it includes comprehensive instruction in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Students will learn these programs through completing real-world projects and can expect to receive training suitable for careers in graphic design, editing, motion graphics, and web design. For those that want to take an individual Adobe software bootcamp, Noble Desktop offers an After Effects Bootcamp, Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp, Adobe InDesign Bootcamp, Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp, and a Premiere Pro Bootcamp.
Graphic Designers will be interested in Noble Desktop’s comprehensive and career-oriented Graphic Design Certificate program, which teaches applicable Creative Cloud programs, design concepts, and marketing principles, and allows students to build their portfolio over the course of one month. Prospective UI Designers should instead consider the UI Design Certificate, a six-week course providing students with training in Photoshop, Illustrator, UI design principles, and Figma. Those interested in video editing can enroll in the Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate, a month-long program of study teaching learners everything they need to know to edit videos and create a demo reel for their portfolio.
Digital skill training center New Horizons also offers online Adobe classes. Their course offerings include popular Creative Cloud programs as well as others like Captivate for those who want to develop e-learning content and ColdFusion for web developers. Their Creative Cloud classes have both introductory and advanced options that are one to three days each in length. The introductory options are great for beginners while the advanced options are useful for those with Adobe Creative Cloud familiarity who are looking to learn new applications of specific software programs for professional, industry-standard uses.
Certstaffix Training is a professional skill and career training facility that provides private in-person classes, live online courses, and on-demand training options. They offer short, two to three-day options for learning many of Adobe’s most popular software programs including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, and Acrobat. For those looking for a comprehensive on-demand option, consider their Master Adobe e-learning Bundle which includes access to course materials for eight Adobe programs and four additional courses focused on developing the necessary skills to succeed and manage one’s career.
Adobe Corporate Training
If you are looking to reskill or upskill your workforce, consider Noble Desktop’s corporate training options. Noble Desktop offers bootcamps in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro, and XD as well as an advanced class for After Effects and classes in Lightroom, Acrobat, and Adobe Animate. Classes can be taken in-person at Noble Desktop’s Manhattan training facility, online from anywhere, or scheduled for in-person training at your location.
Discounted bulk vouchers are also available for attendance in Noble Desktop’s regular classes. This option allows employers to choose which Adobe courses their employees can enroll in and allows employees to decide which courses fit best with their training and scheduling needs. For more information on corporate training or to schedule a free consultation, email corporate@nobledesktop.com.