Learning Photoshop opens up a tremendous range of job opportunities. It is a widely used tool in fields such as graphic design, web design, advertising, marketing, photography, and social media management. Having Photoshop skills can also make you a valuable asset in these industries, increasing your potential for career growth. With all its features, tools, and capabilities, Photoshop can be a tricky program to master. Luckily, there are plenty of on-demand online classes that allow you to learn at your own pace from the comfort of your own home.
In this article, we'll explore some of the best self-paced Photoshop classes available online to help you acquire the skills and knowledge you need to create unique and beautiful designs.
The 10 Best On-Demand Photoshop Classes
- Upskillist—Photoshop Course Online
- LinkedIn Learning—Photoshop 2022 Essential Training
- LinkedIn Learning—Photoshop One-on-One: Advanced
- Udemy—Ultimate Adobe Photoshop Training
- Skillshare—Adobe Photoshop Essential Training Course
- Skillshare—Adobe Photoshop Advanced Training Course
- Coursera—Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Tools: Volume 1
- PhotoshopCafe—Actions and Automations Training Course
- Udemy—Adobe Photoshop Mega Course
- StackSocial—Ultimate Photo Editing Bundle
#1: Upskillist—Photoshop Course Online
Upskillist’s Photoshop Course Online is designed to take students from beginner to advanced Photoshop users. In this course, participants begin with some of the most common types of Photoshop projects, like retouching, composites, and layering. The course then moves into more intermediate and advanced skills. Some of the later modules include instruction on cosmetic retouching, automation, and an exploration of brush tools. The final two sessions are devoted to open training and exploration, where students can try different features and practice new skills.
Key Information
Students can purchase this course for a one-time fee of $250, but Upskillist offers multiple subscription plans if you’d like to explore their entire catalog and take multiple courses. The website also frequently offers limited-time discounts on its classes.
The course is made up of four modules that are designed to last 16 weeks, but sections can be skipped or retaken depending on each student's comfort level with Photoshop. This is a beginner-level course that does not require any prerequisites.
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All modules include quizzes and exams so students can test their knowledge and revisit the material as needed. Upskillist also offers support for students via email or a live chat service. Students will be able to access all of the course material for as long as they maintain a subscription or for the duration of their free trial.
Students who have participated in this course in the past report that the lessons are clear and concise. One student reported that “This is the best course on Photoshop I have taken so far.” Another graduate stated that they were self-taught in Photoshop, and this course taught them about several features that they had not previously used.
#2: LinkedIn Learning—Photoshop 2022 Essential Training
LinkedIn Learning offers a Photoshop 2022 Essential Training class as part of its programming. This course focuses on getting the most out of Photoshop by “filtering out the noise” and using the program as efficiently as possible. The instructor covers a range of topics, including how to select the best tool for your project and how to customize the Photoshop interface so your most-used tools are always at your fingertips.
The course begins with learning to navigate the program, then moves into more specific tasks like layering, masking, and making selections. Later modules cover more advanced features like how to animate images and use different typefaces. The course ends with instructions on properly saving, storing, and sharing your projects, whether it’s a single image or a whole batch.
Key Information
This course can be purchased for a one-time fee of $39.99 or a subscription to the entire platform for $39.99/month. New LinkedIn Learning users are typically given a one-month free trial. Some users are also able to get their subscription covered by their employers or, if self-employed, can expense the amount on their taxes.
This course consists of nine hours of video material. While this program is beginner-friendly, folks who are familiar with Photoshop can still get plenty out of it. Many self-taught users aren’t aware of the many shortcuts and customization options within the software.
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Students who complete this course will receive a LinkedIn Learning certificate of completion that they can display on their LinkedIn profiles or resumes. The course also includes a total of 19 quizzes throughout the modules to test your knowledge and ensure the material is retained.
Previous students report that this course is excellent for beginners since the instructor is clear and easy to understand. Many reviews also state that the course is also good for those who need a refresher on some of the more challenging aspects of the program.
#3: LinkedIn Learning—Photoshop One-on-One: Advanced
LinkedIn Learning also offers a Photoshop One-on-One Advanced class for students wanting to take their design skills to the next level. This course is project-based, meaning each concept is accompanied by a hands-on activity. This ensures that students understand the intricacies of the program and how different features relate to one another.
Some of the advanced concepts covered in the course include warping layers, using the liquify filter, blending black and white images with color images, and even how to compensate for a shaky camera. There is also an entire unit covering Adobe Camera Raw, a powerful plug-in primarily used by photographers. This unit covers essential tasks like enhancing resolution and lens corrections.
Key Information
Students who only want to take this one class will pay a fee of $49.99. But, like other LinkedIn Learning courses, there is a subscription option for $39.99 a month. This gives you access to all courses on the platform, along with a one-month free trial. This course is made up of over 18 hours of video content and is designed for advanced Photoshop users.
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Upon completion of this class, students will receive a LinkedIn Learning certificate that they can display on their resumes, personal portfolios, and LinkedIn profiles. Previous attendees describe the class as “highly recommended” and concise. There are some who felt the instructor was almost too thorough and found themselves getting confused by the more meticulous details. Therefore, this course may be best for those who are detail-oriented and enjoy exploring the nitty gritty.
#4: Udemy—Ultimate Adobe Photoshop Training
Udemy’s Ultimate Adobe Photoshop Training is another solid option for beginners to the program. It is designed to be progressively difficult, so learning advanced skills feels less overwhelming because there is already a solid foundation. The course covers a wide range of topics, so students who want to narrow in on a specific concept will likely benefit from a different program. Some of the projects students complete include designing characters and illustrations, retouching faces in photos, removing a person or object from an image, and other creative effects.
Key Information
$159.99 is the total price for this course, but Udemy frequently offers discounts on its website. Students can also subscribe to their full course catalog for $16.58 per month. Either option comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The class provides 22 hours of on-demand video. While it is geared towards beginners, intermediate and self-taught users are encouraged to check the curriculum to see if they can learn new information. Although the class is self-paced, students can contact the instructor with questions via email, and he will respond within 12 hours or so. Students also receive cheat sheets to review core concepts after the course is finished.
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In addition to the video lectures, students who enroll in this class will also receive over 200 downloadable resources, lifetime access to the material, and a certificate of completion. Former students report that this course contains “a lot of helpful advice for beginners.” Many students also appreciated the “massive amount of resources” that they received at the beginning of the course. While the course provides plenty of helpful information and advice, some students felt that the material moved too quickly for complete beginners.
#5: Skillshare—Adobe Photoshop Essentials Training Course
Skillshare offers an Adobe Photoshop Essentials Training Course to students. It is geared towards beginners with no previous design experience. The class is full of interactive assignments that students complete while they follow along with the video, so they learn by doing rather than listening to lengthy lectures.
Some of the modules include masking, creating interactive type, and professional retouching practices. Students will also learn more about today’s most popular design concepts and learn to distort and manipulate images.
Key Information
This class consists of ten hours of video material. According to the instructor, it is designed for beginners who have never opened Photoshop on their computers before. Skillshare’s programming is only available through a monthly membership of $32/month, with a month-long free trial at the beginning. There are no scholarships available, but university students receive 50% off one year of membership with a valid college email address.
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Students can download their assignments and exercises to use in professional portfolios later. Most students report that this class exceeded their expectations. The instructor is described as “engaging and entertaining,” and many attendees said they would like to take other courses from him. Several reviewers stated that the class is packed with useful information that was delivered in an interesting and digestible way. Many students shared feeling confident in their new skills and that they were “amazed” with how much they were able to learn in a short time.
#6: Skillshare– Adobe Photoshop Advanced Training Course
Skillshare also has an Advanced Photoshop Training Course available to students with more experience. This class purposely emphasizes improving workflows, teaching students shortcuts and automations to work quickly without sacrificing performance. The instructor employs dozens of real-world examples to model the types of projects professionals create on a daily basis.
This course covers topics like best practices for selection tools and making adjustments to blurry images. Students will also be exposed to artboards, which is necessary for those wanting to create graphics and other content for social media. The course ends with a unit on creating videos and 3D images in Photoshop.
Key Information
This course is 15 hours of video material. Skillshare’s programming can only be accessed through a monthly subscription, priced at $32/month. This price includes a month-long free trial at the beginning. College students receive a 50% discount for their first year. Students who wish to purchase this course must be well-versed in the fundamentals of Photoshop; it is not a class for beginners.
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Most previous students praise the instructor’s teaching style in particular, with many reviews pointing out his engaging, laid-back, and humorous teaching style. Students also shared that they were able to add a lot of impressive projects to their portfolios throughout the course. One student even stated, “I started the class with zero Photoshop knowledge, and now I have successfully passed the Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design.”
#7: Coursera—Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Tools: Volume 1
One of the shorter classes on this list, Coursera’s Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Tools is more of a guided project than a full-length class. This course could be a great choice for complete beginners who would like to give Photoshop a try before diving into a lengthier (and more expensive) program. The class is offered via split-screen, so you can follow along with the instructor.
During this brief introduction, students will become familiar with five of Photoshop’s most frequently used tools: the Move tool, the Marquee tool, the Lasso tool, the Object Selection tool, and the Crop tool. By the end of the session, you’ll have created your first completed image in Photoshop.
Key Information
This guided project is only 90 minutes, making it ideal for those with busy schedules or who aren’t ready to commit to more in-depth learning. It is also designed for beginners, so those with no Photoshop experience are encouraged to enroll. Guided projects through Coursera are $9.99 each, and students can download their completed projects at the end.
If you’re interested in exploring a Coursera subscription, these are priced between $30-60 per month, depending on the types of courses you plan to take. While some of their longer programs do provide refunds in certain circumstances, guided projects are not eligible for refunds because of their length.
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Students who complete the project are awarded a free 30-day subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. lol Several students who have previously taken this course agree that it is a “quick and simple introduction to Photoshop.” While some wished it had been longer and more thorough, many students enjoyed the class and would recommend it to others wanting a basic exploration to the software.
#8: PhotoshopCafe—Actions and Automations Training Course
For those looking for a more targeted Photoshop class, the Actions and Automations Training Course from PhotoshopCafe could be just what you need. Many Photoshop users, especially those who are self-taught, aren’t aware that many common tasks can be automated for increased efficiency. This allows professionals to save time and improve their workflows, often reducing what used to take several clicks to a single press of a button.
The course starts with the basics— learning how to create, save, and load simple actions. Things progress to more advanced levels as students learn about smart actions with conditions so they’re only applied in specific situations. The course also covers batch actions so you can apply the same action to a whole group of designs.
Key Information
This course costs a one-time fee of $49.99 to download all the material, the bulk of which consists of 21 HD video lessons. Even though the course involves a lot of programming and coding specific actions, no coding experience is necessary. The only prerequisite for this class is a basic understanding of how Photoshop works.
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In addition to the HD video lessons, students also receive the same image files and other assets used throughout the course so they can accurately and efficiently follow along. There is also an action collection file that students can use as a refresher since it details all actions created during the class.
Other students who have purchased this class state that the instructor is clear and the course is thorough and comprehensive. One reviewer stated, “I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone looking to create a more efficient workflow.” Even students who were familiar with automation in Photoshop stated they learned a lot from this class and were able to considerably improve their processes.
#9: Udemy—Adobe Photoshop Mega Course
Udemy also has an Adobe Photoshop Mega Course available to beginners. Before even opening the program, students learn some fundamental principles of design. This is a crucial first step, as knowing design best practices will ultimately lead to creating more appealing and marketable designs. Then, students dive into the basics, like layering, masking, and selection tools.
The course progresses into advanced Photoshop skills. These lessons cover topics like creating mockups for web design, making montages and collages, and realistic beauty retouching. The class ends with a unit that prepares students to earn money with their new skills.
Key Information
This course contains a little over 18 hours of video content and is priced at $74.99. However, Udemy frequently offers discounts on their courses, and all courses come with a 30-day money- back guarantee. The course has no prerequisites, so beginners are welcome to attend.
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In addition to the videos (which students have lifetime access to), the course also includes over 30 downloadable articles and assignments. Students will also receive a certificate of completion.
Most students who have taken this course report feeling very satisfied with their purchase. They stated that they learned numerous tips to speed up their workflows and that the instructor is knowledgeable and fun to learn from. Some beginners felt the course was a bit too fast-paced for them and recommended taking time to explore the interface prior to beginning the first lesson.
#10: StackSocial—Ultimate Photo Editing Bundle
The Ultimate Photo Editing Bundle from StackSocial is a great choice for aspiring photographers. The bundle includes eight of StackSocial’s Photoshop and Lightroom classes. The first few classes focus on Photoshop fundamentals, like navigating the interface, smart objects, and building familiarity with the numerous selection tools.
From there, students will learn more advanced Photoshop techniques. This includes high-end retouching skills, post-processing best practices, and digital blending. The Lightroom sections cover organizational skills to improve your workflow, as well as adding watermarks to your images and a bonus section specifically devoted to travel photography.
Key Information
The total price of the class is $566.00, but StackSocial frequently offers discounts on their programming. This program totals 41 hours of prerecorded video content. Most of the courses are appropriate for beginners, but the class is geared toward photographers. Therefore, those wanting to learn Photoshop for graphic design or other creative purposes may need to look elsewhere.
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Students have lifetime access to the videos in the class once they make the initial purchase. People who have purchased this course report feeling that it was well worth the price. The training is described as detailed and “second to none.” Even those who have previous experience with the program report that the course gave them new and valuable information, and some students mention wanting to take other classes from this provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an on-demand Photoshop class worth it?
Whether an on-demand class is worth it will depend primarily on your personal learning style. Self-paced classes are best suited for people who are motivated enough to manage their own learning progress despite a lack of accountability from an instructor. These types of individuals are often self-directed, goal-oriented, and have a high degree of autonomy. They are comfortable setting their own goals and timelines and can work independently without external deadlines or pressure. Self-paced learning requires a significant amount of time management skills and self-discipline.
However, self-paced learning may not be suitable for everyone. People who thrive in structured environments and need external deadlines to stay motivated may struggle in a self-paced class. Additionally, individuals who need regular feedback and support from an instructor or peers may find self-paced learning challenging. Without regular interactions with instructors or peers, they may feel isolated and unsupported.
What will I need for an on-demand Photoshop class?
To take an on-demand Photoshop class, you will need a few key tools and supplies. You will need access to a computer with sufficient processing power and memory to run the program. A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8GB of RAM and a modern processor is recommended by Adobe. You will also need a reliable internet connection for online classes and downloading software updates. Additionally, you will either need a digital drawing tablet or a mouse for precise editing in Photoshop.
You will also need to purchase a subscription to Photoshop. You can purchase a subscription to just one program or the entire Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes Photoshop, directly from Adobe's website. The subscription-based model allows you to install the latest version of Photoshop on your computer. Adobe offers several different pricing plans, including monthly or annual subscriptions, as well as discounted options for students and educators.
Once you have purchased a subscription, you can download the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app, which will allow you to install Photoshop on your computer. The app will also manage updates, so you can keep your software up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes. Adobe Creative Cloud also provides access to other Adobe software, such as Lightroom, Illustrator, and InDesign, which may be useful in conjunction with Photoshop for different creative projects.
Can I learn Photoshop on-demand for free?
With the cost of a Photoshop subscription and the potential for needing an upgraded computer, it’s understandable that people may want to cut costs elsewhere. Self-paced classes are one way to do this. Usually, on-demand Photoshop classes are considerably more affordable than live ones; some are free, but most require a subscription or a one-time payment at the very least. You can find plenty of on-demand resources to learn Photoshop, and you can likely learn a lot of important fundamentals this way. Many educational providers hire expert instructors to record on-demand material, so you can feel assured that you’re learning from someone who has significant experience on the subject.
However, it may be challenging to learn everything about Photoshop with on-demand resource alone. Without access to an instructor, you cannot ask questions or get feedback on a project. It can also be hard to remain motivated without the support of other classmates. On-demand courses also do not provide networking opportunities or career support, so those wanting to start a new career may feel their progress has plateaued after completing a course.
Is it better to learn Photoshop in a live or self-paced class?
Live classes offer several advantages to participating students. They provide immediate interaction with an experienced instructor. Students can ask questions, seek clarifications, and receive feedback in real time, which can enhance the learning experience. Live classes often include demonstrations, exercises, and hands-on activities, allowing students to practice their skills in a supportive environment. Additionally, live classes provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with fellow students, fostering a sense of community and motivation.
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to learning Photoshop in a live classroom as well. Scheduling can be a challenge, since live classes typically have set times and may not be convenient for everyone, especially those with families or full-time jobs. They may require commuting to a physical location, which can be time-consuming and costly. Live classes typically have a higher price point compared to on-demand classes, making them less accessible to some learners. Finally, the pace of live classes may not suit everyone, as some learners may feel overwhelmed or left behind if the class moves too quickly or too slowly for their learning style.
One of the key benefits of self-paced learning is flexibility, as learners can access the material at their own pace and according to their schedule. This allows learners to fit their Photoshop learning around their busy lives and commitments. On-demand classes often provide lifetime access to course materials, allowing learners to revisit the content and reinforce or refresh their learning as needed. They will sometimes offer a variety of multimedia resources, such as videos, tutorials, ebooks, and practice exercises, which all cater to different learning styles.
There are potential downsides to on-demand classes as well. Learners will miss out on the immediate feedback and interaction with an instructor that live classes provide. If they cannot find the answer to a question, seeking answers could lead them to an incorrect or outdated source. There may be opportunities for networking and collaboration with fellow learners, but these will be very limited in scope, potentially impacting both motivation and engagement. Additionally, self-paced learning requires a higher level of self-discipline and motivation to stay on track and complete the course. Some learners may find it challenging to navigate the course material without the structure and guidance of a live class.