Adobe Photoshop is a widely used image editing tool that lets you transform photos into works of art and create original designs from scratch. Proficiency in this program can bring about professional success and personal fulfillment. In the professional sense, Photoshop can be advantageous for creating promotional materials, such as product images, brochures, and social media posts. Photoshop is a widely used tool in many creative industries, and learning it can help you effectively collaborate with other professionals. Understanding Photoshop's features and capabilities can enhance your ability to communicate and work with other creatives. Learning Photoshop can also provide you with a means to express your creativity and bring your ideas to life in a visually appealing way.
If you are interested in learning Photoshop, keep reading to learn more about some of the best courses available, both live online and throughout the country.
The 20 Best Photoshop Classes
- Ledet Training—Adobe Photoshop: Masking & Compositing Fundamentals (In-person: Atlanta)
- NYIM Training— Photoshop Bootcamp(In-person: NYC, and Live Online)
- Ascend Training—Adobe Photoshop Level 1 (In-person: Chicago)
- Computer Training Source, Inc.—Photoshop Part 1 (In-person: Chicago)
- Colorado Free University— Exploring Adobe Photoshop (In-person: Denver)
- Lumenbrite—Photoshop Training: Bootcamp (In-person: Houston)
- Training Connection—Photoshop 2020 Bootcamp (In-person: Los Angeles)
- headTrix—Photoshop Level 1 (In-person: Los Angeles)
- Noble Desktop—Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp (In-person: New York City, and Live Online)
- Manhattan Edit Workshop—Adobe Photoshop Level I (In-person: New York City)
- LearnIt—Photoshop Fundamentals (In-person: San Francisco)
- Academy X—Photoshop Fundamentals (In-person: San Francisco)
- ONLC Training Centers Seattle—Photoshop CS6 Introduction (In-person: Seattle)
- Luminous Works LLC—Photoshop CC Essentials (In-person: Seattle)
- Capital Photography Center—Photoshop for Photographers (In-person: Washington, DC)
- Expert Computer Lessons—Digital Imaging with Photoshop (Live Online)
- Digital Workshop Center—Adobe Photoshop for Beginners (Live Online)
- Accelerate Computer Training—Photoshop Beginning: Master the Essentials (Live Online)
- Future Media Concepts—Photoshop Fundamentals: An Introduction to Photoshop (Live Online)
- Noble Desktop—Photoshop in a Day (Live Online)
#1: Ledet Training—Adobe Photoshop: Masking & Compositing Fundamentals (In-person: Atlanta)
Georgia residents can travel to Atlanta for Ledet Training’s Adobe Photoshop: Masking & Compositing Fundamentals course. Masking is a technique in Photoshop that allows you to hide or reveal parts of an image without permanently deleting or changing them. For example, if you want to change the color of someone's shirt in a photo, you can use a mask to only apply the color change to the shirt and not the person's skin or the background. This helps you create more natural-looking and professional edits.
Compositing in Photoshop is the process of combining multiple images or elements to create a final, unified image. Compositing is important because it allows you to create images that would be impossible or impractical to shoot in real life. In this course, students will learn about current best practices for both processes. They will also complete multiple hands-on exercises related to transparency, Refine Edge mode, and Quick Mask mode.
Key Information
Tuition for this course is $895 per student. This price includes two full days of hands-on instruction. Though this is a beginner-friendly class, the instructors recommend that students have some practice with basic Photoshop skills before attending, like adjustments, layers, and masks. Students can bring their own laptops if they wish, but Ledet courses do provide computers for the duration of the training.
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At the end of the course, students are permitted to take all workbooks, handouts, and other course materials with them for future reference. Folks who have previously attended this class at Ledet reported having a positive experience. Students felt they were able to learn a lot in a short amount of time and enjoyed learning from their instructors. Because these people are professionals in the field, they have a lot of real-world experiences they can share with their students. One reviewer shared that the instructors also have “common sense instructions” for using the tool.
#2: NYIM Training— Photoshop Bootcamp (In-person in NYC & Live Online)
NYIM Training offers an in-person and virtual Photoshop Bootcamp. The bootcamp trains students to use Photoshop to retouch and color-correct photos, combine images, prepare graphics for print/web, and much more. Major topics include:
- Basics of Photoshop
- Review the course syllabus to ensure it covers the topics you want to learn. This is especially important for those who already have some familiarity with Photoshop, since you don’t want to invest time and money learning things you already know. Along those same lines, make sure the course you select matches your current skill level. A beginner's course might not challenge you if you are already proficient in the basics.
- Look at the instructor's qualifications, experience, and background. Read reviews, testimonials, or any feedback to see if others have found the instructor effective and engaging.
- Determine what mode of instruction suits you the best, online or in-person. In-person learning may be ideal for students who are more extroverted or find working from home distracting. On the flip side, online classes are more convenient for students with limited access to transportation or busier schedules.
- Consider the course duration and time commitment, and choose a course that fits your schedule and availability. While you may learn more in a longer class, you won’t be able to enjoy and retain the material if your availability is stretched too thin.
- In terms of getting the most value for your dollar, you’ll also want to check out the resources provided by the course. These may include things like textbooks, take-home materials, job support, or free retake opportunities.
#12: Academy X—Photoshop Fundamentals (In-person: San Francisco)
San Francisco locals can also check out the Photoshop Fundamentals course offered by Academy X. This course is brief but thorough, designed to quickly expose beginners to the basics of Photoshop and quickly prepare them to enter the creative field of their choice. Here, students will primarily learn through step-by-step exercises as they master some of Photoshop’s most commonly used features.
This course covers basics like file formats, image size, and image resolution. Students will also learn more about customizable interface settings for improved workflow, whether they’re editing a photo or creating a graphic. There are also units related to photo composition, non-destructive color correction, image restoration, and working with Adobe Bridge.
Key Information
This course is priced at $695 and covers two full days of in-person instruction. Financial aid is available for students in certain circumstances. Those who are full-time students, unemployed, or self-employed can receive 30% off. Students who are employees at either non-profit organizations or educational institutions are given 20% off.
No previous graphic design or photography skills are required. However, the course does list basic computer skills as a prerequisite. These include independently copying and pasting, switching between programs, and right-clicking to navigate a menu of options. This course is offered on both Mac and Windows.
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This Photoshop class has received very positive feedback from former students. The course was reported as being full of unique tips that can be applied for professional or personal use of the program. Students enjoyed hearing about their instructor’s professional backgrounds, stating this helped them see how the tools would be applied in the workplace. One student reported that the course “exceeded every expectation I had.” The one reported drawback was that students wished the course was longer, so they had additional time to practice their new skills.
#13: ONLC Training Centers Seattle—Photoshop CS6 Introduction (In-person: Seattle)
ONLC Training Center offers a Photoshop CS6 Introduction class to beginners in the Seattle area. The overall learning goals for this class are for students to independently navigate the interface, use tools and panels, and be able to save and customize their own unique workspaces. Students will also gain significant practice with selection tools so they can isolate and edit individual aspects of photos.
Later units in the course focus on applying gradients, effects, and styles to different layers. Additionally, students will practice editing and creating masks and channels. The final unit discusses typography. It covers creating vertical texts, warp point type, and creating paragraphs of text.
Key Information
This two-day course costs $750 per student. Sessions are held from 10:00 am to 4:45 pm EST. There are no prerequisites for this class aside from basic computer skills, though self-taught Photoshop users are encouraged to attend so they better understand the basics. The class is available to students familiar with Mac or Windows. Financial aid is unavailable, but students can save by bundling multiple Adobe classes.
Note that ONLC teaches students in their onsite computer labs via remote instructors. Students will all gather together in a predetermined location, but their instructor will facilitate the course via a teleconferencing platform.
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Students will receive their copy of the digital courseware via email a few days before class begins. Hard copies can also be mailed to a student’s home, which they can keep after finishing the course.
Many former ONLC students expressed being initially hesitant about the training format, but many are pleasantly surprised. Very few students reported connectivity issues, and many felt the instruction was clear and thorough. The instructors are described as kind, patient, and experienced. Many reviews stated that the course “exceeded expectations.”
#14: Luminous Works LLC—Photoshop CC Essentials (In-person: Seattle)
Seattle students can also check out the Photoshop CC Essentials course from Luminous Works LLC. This course is targeted at new Photoshop users and more proficient users who need additional instruction on the application’s shortcuts and best practices. It is unique in its effort to explain “the why behind the what” when deciding which tools to use for which projects.
Participants will learn some of Photoshop’s most crucial features, like color adjustment, compositing, layering, and masking. This course also covers which features are most used by certain professions, like illustrators and photographers.
Key Information
Tuition for this class is $595 per student, which must be paid in full before a spot in the class is reserved. This price includes 12 hours of hands-on instruction over two consecutive days. Classes are from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Classes at Luminous Works accept a maximum of eight participants, meaning each student will receive plenty of attention and get a lot of individual attention. This is a beginner-friendly course with no prerequisites, though familiarity with desktop publishing may be useful.
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Students who complete this course can take home all their class assignments and add them to their professional portfolios. Students are also welcome to remain in touch with their instructor after class for additional support and guidance.
Photoshop and other Adobe courses at Luminous Works have received a great deal of praise from former students. Many students report that the courses cover a great deal of material in a brief time and that the pace of the class is manageable despite the complexity of the information being taught. The instructors have also received many compliments, with many students agreeing that they are adaptable, patient, funny, and full of information. One student reported, “Steve is a wellspring of knowledge who genuinely loves teaching. He is quick to answer questions and eager to problem-solve.”
#15: Capital Photography Center—Photoshop for Photographers (In-person: Washington, DC)
Photographers in the DC area may want to check out Capital Photography Center’s Photoshop for Photographers course. As the name suggests, this class focuses on the tools within Photoshop that are specifically designed for photo editing and enhancement. According to the instructor, the main goal of this course is to “take away the mystery and make it easy to understand.”
Throughout this brief course, students will learn essential concepts like layering, masking, selections, and composites. The class also places a lot of emphasis on the importance of using specific tools in certain situations so students not only understand what to do but why they’re doing it. While the course doesn’t explicitly cover Lightroom in detail, it does cover how it interacts with Photoshop to improve a photographer’s workflow.
Key Information
This course costs $175 and includes one full day (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) of instruction. There are no prerequisites aside from basic computer skills. Students are required to bring their own laptops and have Photoshop already downloaded before class begins. Adobe does offer a free trial of Photoshop, so students are welcome to use the free trial during the class before deciding whether to invest in a subscription.
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With one reviewer calling Capital Photography Center “one of Washington’s most valuable photography resources,” it’s understandable that former students have lots of positive things to say. Courses are frequently described as thorough, informative, and outstanding. Small class sizes are also a noted benefit, with many students feeling they received adequate individual attention. The instructors, in particular, receive a great deal of praise. One student shared that they “learned a lot and feel more confident in my skills!”
#16: Expert Computer Lessons—Digital Imaging with Photoshop (Live Online)
Students searching for live online Photoshop training may be interested in a Digital Imaging with Photoshop class from Expert Computer Lessons. Some of the learning goals described on the website include determining the best resolution and file type for specific projects, learning the difference between raster and vector images, as well as a deeper understanding of various image modes. Additional lessons include instruction on layering, filters, paint tools, and special effects.
This course is unique because it emphasizes using feedback to improve designs. Students will frequently critique each other’s work (constructively, of course) and implement these suggestions in future projects. Students will also participate in numerous discussions about design theory.
Key Information
Students can attend this course for $495 per person. It is described as beginner-friendly and therefore does not require any previous experience with Photoshop or graphic design. This class may be a good fit for those with busy schedules. While it takes eight weeks to complete, students must only attend one session per week. Classes are on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm EST.
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Expert Computer Lessons boasts plenty of happy customers, with most participants reporting that they would recommend the Photoshop class to others. Much of the praise is directed towards David, who teaches the class and owns the business. Many former students were impressed by his knowledge of a wide range of topics and his responsiveness to questions. The class is frequently described as a fun experience, and David reportedly “has the ability to break everything down into logical steps that I can understand.”
#17: Digital Workshop Center—Adobe Photoshop for Beginners (Live Online)
Digital Workshop Center has an Adobe Photoshop for Beginners course available online. This course is geared toward marketing or graphic design professionals, but is open to anyone wanting to learn the basics of the program. The course material is delivered through a combination of project-based assignments and structured group activities.
According to the course website, the objectives for students who complete the course include customizing their own workspace, differentiating between different image types, saving images for both print and web, and understanding basic retouching tools for photos. Students will also complete activities related to selections, layers, and layer effects.
Key Information
Tuition for this class is $795. Sessions take place from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for two consecutive weeks. Since the school is located in Colorado, all times are in MST. Some familiarity with graphic design fundamentals is recommended but not required. The school also has numerous financial aid and scholarship options, including payment plans and a program for women in tech.
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In addition to 14 hours of training, students will also receive a textbook and other downloadable practice files. Students are also granted one month of technical support and a free retake within one year of their original class. DWC can also assist with helping students receive a student rate on all Adobe software.
Former students of the Digital Workshop Center routinely praise many aspects of their courses. The instructors are frequently described in terms like personable, helpful, and inclusive. Many students report taking multiple courses at this establishment because the staff is so organized and well-prepared with support. One student who attended a graphic design course stated, “I needed to update my existing design skills to become more competitive in the job market, and these courses certainly delivered!”
#18: Accelerate Computer Training—Photoshop Beginning: Master the Essentials (Live Online)
Another live online option is Photoshop Beginning: Master the Essentials, provided by Accelerate Computer Training. This course emphasizes some of Photoshop’s most commonly used tools and functions. In the beginning, students will learn how to efficiently navigate the program’s interface and customize their workspace in a way that suits their professional needs. The course also covers Adobe Bridge so that students can learn additional tips on file storage and management.
From here, the course moves into more complex lessons. Students will complete assignments related to blending, selection tools, cropping, and layering. Topics like file types, print vs. digital graphics, and portrait retouching are also discussed. The retouching section will cover essential tools like the liquify filter, pattern stamps, and red-eye removal.
Key Information
This course costs $995 per student and takes three days to complete. Sessions take place from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm PST. There is no financial aid offered by the school, but students will qualify for a discount if they attend multiple Accelerate courses. Students who are concerned about tuition can inquire about payment plans through PayPal. This course does not have any prerequisites aside from basic computer skills.
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This Photoshop course is taught by an Adobe Certified Instructor, so students can feel confident they are receiving high-quality information. Accelerate also allows students to retake the class as often as they want for an entire year at no additional charge. Former students reported many positive things about this course. They felt confident that their new skills would immediately apply to their jobs, and many students stated they would recommend this training to others.
#19: Future Media Concepts—Photoshop Fundamentals: An Introduction to Photoshop (Live Online)
Future Media Concepts, an Adobe Authorized Training Center, provides a live online course called Photoshop Fundamentals: An Introduction to Photoshop. This class begins with foundational information about digital images and how they work. Some related concepts include image resolution, color models, and pixel aspect ratios. Students will then learn how Photoshop’s default workspace works before creating their own custom space.
Students will also learn about basic photo correction, work with selections, and the basics of layering. Later in the course, the instructor covers more advanced topics like vector drawing, painting with a mixer brush, neural filters, and compositing. The course ends with a unit on proper file-saving techniques and the best file types for print vs. digital output.
Key Information
This course costs $1,195 and takes three days to complete. Sessions are held from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm EST. There are no prerequisites aside from basic iOS or Windows skills. While the course is beginner friendly, it is often attended by people who are self-taught in Photoshop and need additional support. Therefore, the information presented may change depending on the makeup of the class.
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Former FMC students have positive things to say about their live online courses. Many students report feeling impressed with the level of attention and support they received, even through a virtual instructor. One student reported that they were “surprisingly engaging given the physical separation.” Students describe the curriculum as easy to follow and full of great tips that are applicable to real-world assignments. Overall, many students shared that they would recommend FMC to others and take additional courses at this establishment.
#20: Noble Desktop—Photoshop in a Day (Live Online)
The Photoshop in a Day class from Noble Desktop is another excellent online option, especially for those who want to quickly learn the basics before diving into more advanced material. Throughout this course, students will learn to navigate Photoshop’s workspace and use many essential functions. These include removing unwanted elements from images, best practices for saving files, and making selections.
While some Photoshop classes only cover graphic design or photo editing, this one does both. Students will learn to enhance photos by adjusting contrast, brightness, and colors. They will also learn about techniques to create simple graphics for social media and other digital platforms.
Key Information
This class costs $395 for six hours of instruction. The tuition is due in full before class begins. While there is no financial aid, students can attend a more extended career certificate program at Noble Desktop to receive a discount on their Photoshop curriculum.
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This introductory course includes a workbook that students can continue using after class ends and a certificate of completion to add to their resumes or LinkedIn profiles. Students can also retake the class within one year at no additional charge.
Previous Noble students have very positive things to say about their experience at the school. The instructors are frequently praised as being responsive, friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Many students particularly appreciated the industry-related tips. Since instructors at Noble are industry experts in the classes they teach, they are able to share many professional experiences with their students. They can help them apply the material to real-life scenarios. Students were also grateful for the support and feedback their received on their classroom assignments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I choose a Photoshop class?
When choosing a Photoshop course, it’s important to consider several factors that can impact the quality and effectiveness of your learning experience. Your priorities are entirely your own, but here is a list of some aspects of enrolling in a Photoshop class that you may not have thought of:
Taking some time to consider these factors and prioritize which are most important to you will help you select the best course for your unique goals and learning style.
Is it better to attend a Photoshop class in person or online?
Whether you attend a course that is in-person or online depends on a few factors, and it may come down to your personal preference and learning style. In-person and live online classes are similar in many ways. They usually cost the same amount of money, they are interactive, and students can receive real-time support from their instructors and peers. Below are some additional details to keep in mind when making your decision.
Attending an in-person class often means an additional commute, either on weekends or after a typical workday. You’ll want to be sure your schedule and budget can accommodate the additional time and money spent making the drive. More extroverted students may prefer in-person learning for the socialization and networking opportunities that are available in this format.
If you choose to attend a live online Photoshop class, you’ll likely need your own computer with the program already downloaded; in-person courses often provide these supplies. Some people also find online learning more isolating and distracting since they have to learn in their home environment. On the other hand, many people prefer learning where they’re most comfortable. Live online learning is also more accessible to those with disabilities, who live in a more rural area, or with limited access to transportation.
Your choice of Photoshop class is mainly up to you. Whatever you decide, you’re sure to learn from an industry expert and receive hands-on guidance as you navigate this exciting and creative process.
What will I need for a Photoshop class?
The supplies you may need for a Photoshop class will depend on each individual course. If you attend an in-person course, supplies like computers and workbooks are typically provided for you. However, some students prefer to work on their own computers, so you can check with the program you’re interested in to see if they can accommodate your needs.
Students who attend online classes need their own computers to participate. Photoshop is a large and complex application requiring certain technical specifications to run properly. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure your device is up to the task before enrolling in a class and downloading the program. Additionally, some classes may require additional supplies, like a drawing tablet or a graphics pen. If you’re taking full-day classes, you’ll also usually need to supply meals and snacks for yourself.
Can I learn Photoshop online for free?
Learning Photoshop online for free has become a popular option for many individuals looking to improve their design skills. One of the most significant advantages of learning Photoshop online for free is that it doesn't cost anything. With the vast amount of free resources available online, it's possible to gain knowledge and skills without spending a dime. Additionally, online learning allows you to learn at your own pace, in your own time, and from the comfort of your home. You can choose from various courses, tutorials, and resources to find what works best for you. Online learning also enables you to learn from a range of instructors and perspectives, exposing you to different techniques and approaches to design.
However, there are also some drawbacks to learning Photoshop online for free. The quality and accuracy of the information can vary widely, making it difficult to know what to trust. Additionally, online courses often lack the structure and feedback that come with formal instruction. It's easy to get distracted and lose motivation without the accountability of a teacher or structured program. Furthermore, finding the most relevant and up-to-date information can be challenging, particularly as Photoshop updates frequently.
It is possible to be completely self-taught in Photoshop, but it requires a lot of dedication and persistence. A self-taught approach may work well for highly motivated and disciplined people, but it requires a lot of trial and error. Self-taught individuals also need to be willing to put in the time and effort to research and experiment with different techniques to build a comprehensive understanding of the software. Ultimately, whether or not it is possible to be completely self-taught in Photoshop depends on the individual's learning style, commitment, and patience.
Is it better to learn Photoshop in a live or self-paced class?
The decision to attend a Photoshop class in-person or through self-paced methods depends on personal preferences and learning styles. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. In-person classes provide the opportunity to interact with an instructor and other students in real time. This allows for immediate feedback, personalized attention, and the ability to ask questions and receive answers on the spot. In-person classes also offer a structured environment and a set schedule, which may be helpful for those who struggle with self-discipline and motivation.
On the other hand, self-paced classes offer greater flexibility and convenience. They allow students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, which is ideal for busy professionals or those with other commitments. Online classes also provide access to a broader range of resources, including recorded lectures, tutorials, and forums. However, online classes lack the immediate feedback and personal interaction that in-person classes offer, which may be a disadvantage for some learners.
Ultimately, the decision to attend an in-person Photoshop class or a self-paced program depends on individual preferences, learning styles, and circumstances. Some people may thrive in a structured, in-person environment, while others may prefer the flexibility and convenience of asynchronous learning. It's important to consider the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best suits your needs and goals.