How to Learn Photoshop

Whether you’re an aspiring Photographer or you simply have a passion for Creative Design, you may be curious about learning to use Adobe Photoshop. The number of options might be overwhelming at first glance. There are books, video tutorials, classes, and more to choose from; it all depends on your learning style and personal preferences.

Here, we’ll discuss the various methods of learning Photoshop so you can make an informed decision about how you’d like to get started.

What is Photoshop?

Photoshop is a software program available as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. Its primary functions include editing, enhancing, and creating digital images from scratch. The program has a wide range of impressive capabilities. Creative Professionals across nearly every industry can use Photoshop to design anything from graphics for social media, logos, and the interface of an entire website!

You can use Photoshop to adjust lighting and colors and to create a single image from your favorite components of existing photos. The program comes loaded with plenty of retouching tools, enabling you to remove anything you feel makes your image less than perfect. If you’re scanning a physical photo into the program, you can edit it to remove stains, tears, and wrinkles. Photoshop also contains rudimentary animation capabilities, meaning users can create GIFs with the program as well.

Read more about what Photoshop is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Photoshop?

Photoshop is the industry standard software for photo editing. The program can make virtually any adjustment you can think of, and you can add or remove almost anything you want to create your perfect final image. For example, Photographers who work with large groups will often use Photoshop to make a composite of several images; this way, they can combine the best photo of each individual into one picture.

But Photoshop is used for so much more than enhancing images! Graphic Designers frequently use the program to design logos and advertisements for their clients. Because the program allows users to combine multiple images, Designers in any industry can use Photoshop to quickly demonstrate how a proposed design would appear on a product. This helps their clients get a clear picture of the final product and quickly make changes, saving both time and money.

It’s also commonly used in Web Design. Although you can’t code a website in Photoshop, you can use it to create mockups of interfaces, backgrounds, and graphics that Designers will add to a website later. Photoshop also contains powerful image compression tools, ensuring the images on a website are clear rather than pixelated. Web Designers can also use the program to build the layout of a website, though other tools are more capable of creating a responsive design.

In-Person Photoshop Training

In-person learning is a very popular option for anybody wanting to learn a new skill. People enjoy meeting like-minded classmates, and they can receive direct guidance and feedback from their Instructor. A traditional classroom also helps people hold themselves accountable during the learning process; they must arrive on time and actively participate to get the most out of their education. The additional time commitment required for an in-person class is the primary drawback to consider. Students who enroll in this type of class have to factor an additional commute into their day, which can be especially challenging if they live in a more rural area and need to travel to a nearby city to attend classes.

If you feel in-person learning is the best method for you, check out Noble Desktop’s in-person Photoshop classes. Noble’s Photoshop classes range from just a few hours to several weeks and can accommodate beginner and advanced students. The campus is located in New York City, and its proximity to numerous public transportation options makes it a convenient option for students who are commuting from areas like New Jersey or Philadelphia. If you live outside this area but still want to pursue an in-person course, you can use Noble’s Classes Near Me tool to find in-person Photoshop classes in your area. This tool allows users to filter by course length and cost, ensuring you can find something that will work with your budget and schedule.

Live Online Photoshop Training

Virtual learning is an understandably popular alternative to in-person courses. It provides flexibility to students who live in remote areas or lack the time in their schedule to commute to a class after finishing their regular workday. Many students also enjoy having the option to learn in an environment that feels comfortable, like their home or favorite coffee shop. On the other hand, some people find learning at home distracting and prefer a clearer separation between work and home. More extroverted students might also struggle to engage with online learning since they thrive on in-person connections with others.

For students who find online learning appealing, Noble Desktop offers plenty of live online Photoshop classes to choose from. Unlike self-paced lectures that many people imagine when they hear “online learning, ” all of these classes are taught live through a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. Students can interact with their classmates and Instructors in real time, receive instant feedback on assignments, and get quick answers to any questions they may have.

You can also check out other live online Photoshop courses using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. Some training options are available through providers like General Assembly, Future Media Concepts, and Ledet Training. These schools offer a variety of Photoshop courses that cover beginner through advanced topics.

Free Online Photoshop Courses & Tutorials

If you’re not quite ready to dive into a full course but still want an overview of Photoshop, you can begin learning Photoshop for free online! Check out Noble Desktop’s free Intro to Photoshop course. This two-hour training teaches viewers about Photoshop’s essential functions and discusses fundamental principles of design. You’ll also learn which Adobe Creative Cloud plan to invest in, tips for saving your files, and how to select the appropriate resolutions for print and digital files.

There are other online providers that offer free Photoshop classes as well. Udemy has a handful of courses covering the basics of Photoshop for different career paths such as Web Design and Graphic Design. You can also find free classes on Coursera, including one focused on the fundamental principles of Graphic Design. There are hundreds of tutorials available on YouTube too, but it’s best to focus on recent uploads. This ensures you’re learning the most current version of Photoshop with up-to-date features and design trends.

Read about more free Photoshop videos and online tutorials.

On-Demand Photoshop Classes

If you’re currently juggling multiple personal and professional responsibilities, you may not be able to commit to a predictable class schedule. A self-paced Photoshop course is a great way to learn a new skill without adding too much to your already packed calendar. These classes can be accessed on-demand, allowing you to view as much (or as little) of the course content as you want in each session.

Many of these courses cater to beginner learners, but some are ideal for individuals who are already familiar with Photoshop and want to develop more advanced skills. Some self-paced classes are free, while others are available through subscription services. Although this option isn’t completely free, it’s often more budget-friendly than instructor-led courses. Some services also offer a free trial, making on-demand classes even more appealing to students concerned about affordability.

For some people, on-demand learning requires more discipline than a live class. Since there’s no Instructor guiding or motivating you, you may struggle to stay on track. However, this learning method is an excellent alternative to real-time courses if you need time to get your schedule or finances in order before enrolling in a paid program.

Which Learning Method is Right for Me?

With so many learning resources available for beginners, you might be unsure which option is best for you. Everyone has a different learning style, and experimenting with multiple formats may help you discover which feels most effective. One of the great benefits of self-directed learning is being able to combine resources and tailor your approach to fit your preferences.

You should also consider your current schedule before selecting a learning format. If you have a full-time job, school, or family responsibilities, you may not be able to join a structured course with set meeting times. In this case, a self-paced class or video tutorials may be better options since they can be accessed anytime. On the other hand, if your schedule allows, a structured in-person or live online course may offer more accountability and a richer learning experience.

Why Learn Photoshop?

Businesses across industries use visual imagery to capture attention and market their products or services. This means the ability to create high-quality graphics is a valuable addition to any resume, regardless of your career goals. Using Photoshop is an in-demand skill that can prepare you for several exciting careers such as Graphic Designer, Digital Designer, or User Interface (UI) Designer. These careers offer competitive salaries and often provide opportunities for remote work.

Learning Photoshop can also give you a strong foundation for mastering other Adobe programs, depending on your interests and goals. For example, Adobe InDesign is popular among publishing professionals, while Adobe Illustrator is widely used in fashion design. Since Photoshop integrates seamlessly with other Creative Cloud tools, building proficiency in one program makes it easier to learn others.

Read more about why you should learn Photoshop.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost

Photoshop may appear intimidating due to the number of available tools and features, but experts agree that learners can become proficient in the basics within 15–20 hours. This can be done intensively over a few days or gradually across a few weeks. Many beginners struggle when they attempt to dive into advanced concepts too quickly without a solid understanding of the basics. That’s why the first step should always be learning to navigate the interface and master the most essential tools.

Although Photoshop is one of the easier Adobe programs to learn, beginners should still have some prerequisite knowledge. In addition to basic computer skills, it’s helpful to study design principles like composition and color theory. These will help ensure that your image enhancements are both technically sound and visually appealing. Understanding current Photography trends is also important so your work aligns with modern design expectations.

Photoshop is subscription-based software. Rather than making a one-time purchase, users pay a monthly fee for access. Adobe offers multiple plans that include Photoshop, all of which come with a seven-day free trial. The Photoshop-only plan costs $20.99 per month. A Photography Plan that includes both Photoshop and Lightroom is available for $19.99 per month. Access to the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite is $54.99 per month. Prices may vary depending on whether you’re purchasing as an individual, student, or business.

Read about how difficult it is to learn Photoshop.

Learn Photoshop with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers a range of Photoshop classes to meet various scheduling needs and learning styles. Whether you attend in-person at Noble’s Manhattan campus or virtually from anywhere in the world, you’ll learn from Expert Instructors in small group settings. All Noble courses include a free retake option within one year, giving students additional opportunities to refine their skills.

For students with limited time, the Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp is an excellent option for moving from beginner to intermediate in just three days. The course includes a series of hands-on projects focused on specific Photoshop skills. By the end, students will know how to adjust colors, create composite images, and remove unwanted elements for a polished final result.

Photoshop is also featured in several of Noble Desktop’s more intensive Certificate programs. The Graphic Design Certificate includes training in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Those interested in designing web and mobile interfaces might consider the User Interface (UI) Design Certificate, which combines Photoshop with tools like Figma. Participants in these programs will compile their coursework into a professional portfolio they can share with potential employers.

Key Insights

• Photoshop is a professional-grade digital editing program with a broad range of features and career applications.
• There are numerous ways to learn Photoshop, including books, free videos, online forums, and live or self-paced classes.
• Photoshop is compatible with other Adobe Creative Cloud tools, making it a great first step for learning additional design programs.
• Photoshop can lead to Creative careers such as Graphic Designer, Digital Designer, or User Interface (UI) Designer.
• You can learn Photoshop through hands-on, instructor-led courses at Noble Desktop in-person or online.