How to learn Photoshop in 2024 – Complete Guide and Resources

Last updated: December, 2024 • 13 min read

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the best ways to learn Photoshop, from recommended books and courses to finding expert mentors who can accelerate your learning journey.

Before diving into learning Photoshop, a word of caution: While there are many resources available online, it's important to follow a structured learning path and avoid getting overwhelmed. Having a clear goal and roadmap will help you stay focused and make steady progress.

If you're looking for a more guided approach, you may want to check out our Photoshop mentors who can help create a personalized learning plan and provide expert guidance throughout your journey.

Getting started with Photoshop

In this guide, we'll cover:

Let's explore each of these areas to help you create an effective learning path for mastering Photoshop.

How can I start learning Photoshop?

Getting started with Photoshop is very achievable with the right approach and resources. Here are some key steps to begin your learning journey:

  1. Start with fundamentals. Begin by learning the core concepts and principles of Photoshop. This builds a strong foundation for more advanced topics;
  2. Take online courses. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer structured Photoshop courses for beginners. These provide guided learning with hands-on practice;
  3. Read documentation and books. Official documentation and recommended books can deepen your understanding of Photoshop concepts;
  4. Connect with a mentor. Our experienced Photoshop mentors can create a personalized learning plan and guide you through your journey efficiently.

Can I learn Photoshop on my own?

While self-study is possible, having expert guidance can save you months of trial and error and help you avoid common pitfalls. Here's what to consider:

  1. Self-paced learning. Online resources and tutorials let you learn at your own speed, but it can be challenging to know if you're on the right track;
  2. Community support. Join online communities and forums to get help, though responses may vary in quality and accuracy;
  3. Professional mentorship. Working with a Photoshop mentor provides personalized feedback, industry insights, and accountability to keep you progressing;
  4. Structured approach. A mentor can create a customized learning path based on your goals and current skill level.

Can I learn Photoshop in one month?

While you can grasp basic concepts of Photoshop in a month with dedicated study, becoming proficient typically takes longer. Here's a realistic timeline:

  1. First month. Master fundamental concepts and basic principles of Photoshop;
  2. 3-6 months. Develop intermediate skills and work on increasingly complex projects;
  3. 6-12 months. Build advanced knowledge and professional-level expertise;
  4. Accelerated learning. Working with one of our expert Photoshop mentors can significantly speed up this timeline through focused guidance and industry best practices.

Learning Resources for Photoshop

One of the most effective ways to build a strong foundation in Photoshop is through carefully selected learning resources. Let's explore some key materials that can help you master this field.

Essential Reading Materials

Books remain one of the most comprehensive ways to learn Photoshop in depth. They provide structured knowledge and detailed explanations that are often missing from online tutorials. Here are some recommended reading approaches:

  • Start with beginner-friendly books that introduce core concepts and fundamentals
  • Progress to intermediate texts that cover more advanced topics and real-world applications
  • Keep reference books handy for looking up specific concepts and techniques

Online Learning Platforms

Online courses provide structured learning paths with hands-on practice. Here are some recommended platforms and course types:

  • Interactive courses - Learn by doing with coding exercises and projects
  • Video tutorials - Watch expert instructors explain concepts step-by-step
  • Practice exercises - Reinforce learning through hands-on challenges

Learning Communities and Support

Having the right support system is crucial for learning Photoshop. Here are some ways to get help:

  • MentorCruise Community - Join our active community of learners and mentors to get support on your journey
  • 1:1 Mentorship - Get personalized guidance from our expert Photoshop mentors
  • Work Reviews - Have experienced Photoshop mentors review your work and provide detailed feedback
  • Discussion Forums - Connect with peers to share knowledge and ask questions

Ready to accelerate your learning? Find a Photoshop mentor who can guide you through these steps and provide personalized support.

Expert Guidance

Learning Photoshop is more effective with expert guidance. Our mentors provide:

  • Personalized Learning Plans - Get a customized roadmap based on your goals and current skill level
  • Industry Best Practices - Learn professional standards and workflows
  • Career Development - Get advice on job searching, resume building, and career advancement

Want more options? Browse all 4 Photoshop mentors to find the perfect match for your goals.

Professional Certifications

Earning certifications can validate your Photoshop skills and boost your career prospects. Here are some recommended certifications:

IISDT Certificate In Photoshop

Hosted by iisdt.in

Adobe Photoshop is a critical tool for designers, web developers, graphic artists, photographers, and creative professionals.
It is widely used for image editing, retouching, creating image compositions, website mockups, and adding affects.
Digital or scanned images can be edited for use o…

Adobe Certified Professional

Hosted by certiport.pearsonvue.com

The future belongs to those who create. Whether it’s to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire, success in the digital age means communicating in visually rich and
interactive ways. With a firm grasp on the world’s most powerful creative tools, Adobe Certified Professionals are ready to make…

Photoshop Certification Training

Hosted by udemy.com

These Exams contain Two real Photoshop - Adobe Certified Professional exams that were created based on Adobe
The total number of questions is more than 40 questions.
It's a similar most popular question which you will find in Photoshop - Adobe Certified Professional real exam.
This…

Certificate Course on Adobe Photoshop CC

Hosted by udemy.com

Welcome to the course 'Certificate Course on Adobe Photoshop CC'. In this class, You will learn, Many Image Editing Techniques which are highly helpful for beginners and learners of Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop is one of the best software for creating Graphic Design and web design Works.…

Our mentors can help you prepare for these certifications through:

  • Exam Preparation - Get structured guidance to master certification topics
  • Practice Tests - Work through sample questions and mock exams
  • Study Planning - Create an effective study schedule to achieve your certification goals
  • Hands-on Practice - Apply certification concepts through practical exercises

View all recommended certifications for Photoshop →

Career Guidance

Beyond technical skills, succeeding in Photoshop requires strategic career planning. Our career mentors provide:

  • Industry Insights - Get insider knowledge about Photoshop roles and companies
  • Career Strategy - Build a roadmap to reach your professional goals
  • Resume & Portfolio Review - Optimize your professional materials for Photoshop positions
  • Interview Preparation - Practice technical and behavioral interviews with experienced professionals
  • Salary Negotiation - Learn to advocate for yourself and negotiate competitive compensation

Ready to accelerate your Photoshop career? Connect with a career mentor to start building your professional future.

Quick Summary

  • 🎯 Best for: beginners and intermediate learners
  • ⏱️ Learning time: 5 certification paths available
  • 💰 Required investment: Courses, books and mentorship to certification (~$500)
  • 🎓 Prerequisites: None