- Adobe Photoshop CC Essentials Training on Udemy is the best overall choice for beginners – 11.5 hours, 4.8-star rating, taught by Adobe Certified Instructor Daniel Walter Scott.
- Photoshop 2025 Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning offers 12+ hours with Julieanne Kost from Adobe – ideal for photographers wanting structured learning.
- KelbyOne provides 1,000+ photography-focused courses including advanced retouching – best for serious photographers ($19.99/month).
- Skillshare’s Advanced Training (13+ hours) is excellent for intermediate users ready to level up their workflow.
- CreativeLive’s A to Z Bootcamp with Ben Willmore suits photographers who prefer comprehensive, project-based learning.
- CalArts Graphic Design Specialization on Coursera is best for those wanting formal credentials and design theory foundations.
Introduction
Adobe Photoshop remains the industry-standard photo editing and graphic design software. From professional retouchers to hobbyist photographers, millions rely on its powerful tools for everything from basic adjustments to complex composites. The 2025-2026 versions introduce significant AI-powered features like Generative Fill and improved masking, making it an exciting time to learn or upgrade your skills.
Finding the right online Photoshop course depends on your goals, budget, and learning style. Some photographers need portrait retouching fundamentals, while graphic designers focus on composition and text effects. This guide compares the top courses across major platforms – Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, KelbyOne, CreativeLive, and Coursera – to help you choose the best fit.
Whether you prefer one-time purchase courses or subscription-based platforms, the options below cover beginners through advanced users. All courses recommended here have been updated for Photoshop 2025/2026 and cover the latest AI features.
10 Best Online Photoshop Courses
Adobe Photoshop CC – Essentials Training Course
The highest-rated beginner Photoshop course on Udemy, covering fundamentals from interface navigation to portrait retouching and photo effects. Updated for Photoshop 2025 with 11.5 hours of video content.
148,000+ students enrolled
Daniel Walter Scott’s Adobe Photoshop CC Essentials Training Course stands out as the go-to starting point for anyone new to Photoshop. As an Adobe Certified Instructor, Scott breaks down complex concepts into digestible lessons that never feel overwhelming.
The course covers essential skills including document setup, layers, selections, masks, brushes, and retouching. Photographers will appreciate sections on portrait enhancement (skin smoothing, eye brightening, hair color changes) and object removal. Practical projects reinforce each concept, and downloadable exercise files let you follow along exactly.
At 11.5 hours, it’s substantial enough to build a solid foundation without being overwhelming. Udemy frequently runs sales dropping the price to $15-30, making it exceptional value. The course has been continuously updated through Photoshop 2025, including the latest AI-powered features.
Pricing
Priced at $189.99 full price (as of March 2026), though Udemy sales frequently bring it down to $15-30. One-time purchase includes lifetime access and all future updates.
Ultimate Photoshop Training: From Beginner to Pro 2025 + AI
A thorough journey from complete beginner to professional-level Photoshop user. Covers the 2025 AI features including Generative Fill, with 22+ hours of content and 200+ downloadable resources.
30,600+ reviews
Cristian Barin’s Ultimate Photoshop Training takes a different approach – it’s designed to be the only Photoshop course you’ll ever need. Over 22 hours, Barin walks through everything from basic interface navigation to advanced compositing and the newest AI-powered tools.
What sets this course apart is its coverage of Photoshop 2025’s AI features. Generative Fill, Neural Filters, and AI-powered selections get dedicated sections that show practical applications for photographers and designers. The course also covers practical projects like business card design, social media graphics, and photo manipulation.
With over 30,000 reviews maintaining a 4.7-star average, this is a battle-tested curriculum. Barin’s teaching style is hands-on and results-focused – you’ll create real projects rather than just watching demonstrations.
Pricing
Listed at $199.99, typically $15-30 during Udemy sales (as of March 2026). Lifetime access included.
Photoshop 2025 Essential Training
Adobe’s own Digital Imaging Evangelist teaches the official essential training course. 12+ hours covering everything from basics to advanced techniques, with LinkedIn certificate upon completion.
Part of Adobe Professional Certificate
Julieanne Kost brings 25+ years of Photoshop experience to Photoshop 2025 Essential Training. As Adobe’s Principal Digital Imaging Evangelist, she has insider knowledge of every feature and the best practices Adobe recommends.
The 12-hour course follows a logical progression from workspace basics through Camera Raw, layers, selections, masking, retouching, and generative AI tools. Kost’s teaching style is precise and professional – perfect for those who want to learn “the right way” from the start.
A major advantage is the LinkedIn Learning certificate, which displays on your LinkedIn profile and can be valuable for job seekers. The course is part of Adobe’s official Professional Certificate path, giving it extra credibility with employers.
Pricing
Requires LinkedIn Learning subscription at $29.99/month (as of March 2026). Free 1-month trial available. Many employers and libraries provide free access.
Adobe Photoshop CC – Advanced Training Course
Take your Photoshop skills to the next level with 13+ hours of advanced techniques. Covers professional workflows, efficiency shortcuts, and real-world projects for designers and photographers.
Project-based learning
Once you’ve mastered the basics, Daniel Walter Scott’s Advanced Training Course on Skillshare is the natural next step. This 13+ hour course focuses on professional techniques and workflow efficiency.
Key topics include advanced selections and masking, artboard workflows for multi-format design, Photoshop actions for automation, and professional retouching techniques. Scott emphasizes real-world projects throughout, so you build a portfolio while learning.
Skillshare’s project-based format encourages hands-on practice – you’ll submit work and receive community feedback. This active learning approach helps techniques stick better than passive video watching.
Pricing
Skillshare Premium costs $13.99/month annually or $32/month monthly (as of March 2026). Free 7-day trial available. Subscription includes access to all Skillshare courses.
KelbyOne Photoshop Training
The premier photography education platform with 1,000+ courses on Photoshop, Lightroom, and photography. Founded by Scott Kelby, it focuses on practical workflows for working photographers.
100+ instructors, 1000+ courses
KelbyOne is the go-to platform for photographers serious about mastering Photoshop. Founded by Scott Kelby – author of the best-selling “Photoshop for Lightroom Users” – the platform offers over 1,000 courses from 100+ instructors.
Standout courses include “Mastering the New Photoshop Selections & Masking,” “The Best Retouching Secrets Uncovered,” and “Unlocking the Power of Photoshop Layers.” The platform excels at photography-specific workflows: portrait retouching, landscape enhancement, compositing, and integration with Lightroom.
Beyond courses, KelbyOne membership includes exclusive Adobe CC discounts (up to 25% off), downloadable presets and brushes, and access to the annual Photoshop World virtual conference. For photographers who want ongoing education, it’s exceptional value.
Pricing
KelbyOne Pro membership costs $19.99/month or $239/year (as of March 2026). Includes all courses, Adobe discounts, and community access. Annual plans often include bonus bundles worth $200+.
Adobe Photoshop: The A to Z Bootcamp
A complete Photoshop education from one of the industry’s most experienced instructors. Ben Willmore has used Photoshop since version 1.0 and brings decades of real-world experience.
Suitable for all levels
Ben Willmore’s A to Z Bootcamp on CreativeLive is a masterclass from someone who’s literally used Photoshop since day one. Willmore’s teaching style is approachable and thorough – he explains not just how to use features, but why and when you’d choose each approach.
The course covers everything: retouching, masking, troubleshooting common problems, layers, blending modes, and creative techniques. What distinguishes it is Willmore’s real-world perspective – you learn the techniques working professionals actually use, not just theoretical possibilities.
CreativeLive offers the course both as a one-time purchase and through their Creator Pass subscription. The platform also regularly broadcasts free live classes that provide valuable learning opportunities.
Pricing
Individual course purchase around $149 (as of March 2026), or included with Creator Pass subscription at $13/month annually. CreativeLive frequently offers sales and free live class access.
CalArts Graphic Design Specialization
A university-level graphic design program that includes comprehensive Photoshop training alongside design theory, typography, and branding. Earn a certificate from one of America’s top art schools.
From California Institute of the Arts
The CalArts Graphic Design Specialization on Coursera takes a different approach – it teaches Photoshop within the broader context of graphic design education. Across five courses, you’ll learn design fundamentals, typography, image-making, and branding alongside practical Photoshop skills.
CalArts (California Institute of the Arts) is one of America’s most prestigious art schools, and this certificate carries real weight. The program covers Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, giving you a complete creative toolkit.
For those seeking formal credentials or a career change into design, this structured program provides both skills and certification that employers recognize.
Pricing
Free to audit all courses (no certificate). Coursera Plus subscription ($49/month as of March 2026) or per-course payment for certificates. Financial aid available.
Adobe Learn – Photoshop Tutorials
Adobe’s official free tutorial library with hundreds of lessons from basics to advanced techniques. Always up-to-date with the latest Photoshop version and features.
Requires Photoshop subscription
Adobe Learn offers hundreds of free tutorials directly from Adobe. These range from 1-minute tips to comprehensive multi-part lessons, covering every major feature including the newest AI capabilities.
The tutorials are integrated into Photoshop itself – you can follow hands-on guided tutorials right in the application with sample files provided. Topics include Generative Fill, selections, masking, retouching, and creative effects.
While less structured than paid courses, Adobe Learn is perfect for self-directed learners who want to master specific features or supplement other training. It’s always the first place to check for learning the newest features.
Pricing
Completely free. Requires Adobe Photoshop subscription ($22.99/month for Photoshop alone, or $9.99/month with Photography Plan including Lightroom as of March 2026).
Adobe Photoshop CC – Advanced Training Course
The sequel to the Essentials course for users ready to level up. 15+ hours covering advanced retouching, graphic design workflows, and professional-level techniques.
106 lectures, 15.5 hours
Daniel Walter Scott’s Advanced Training Course on Udemy is designed for those who’ve completed his Essentials course (or equivalent) and want to reach professional proficiency.
Over 15+ hours and 106 lectures, the course covers advanced retouching techniques, creative effects, artboard workflows, batch processing with actions, and professional graphic design projects. You’ll work on real-world assignments like multi-format ad campaigns.
The focus on efficiency and workflow optimization makes this particularly valuable for those using Photoshop professionally. Scott shares the shortcuts and techniques that separate casual users from experts.
Pricing
Listed at $159.99, typically $15-25 during Udemy sales (as of March 2026). Lifetime access included.
Photoshop on the iPad Masterclass
A specialized course for learning Photoshop’s iPad version, covering touch gestures, Apple Pencil workflows, and mobile-specific features for editing on the go.
iPad-specific techniques
Photoshop for iPad has matured into a capable editing platform, and Martin Perhiniak’s Masterclass is the definitive guide to using it effectively.
The course covers everything specific to the iPad experience: touch gestures and shortcuts, Apple Pencil techniques, cloud document sync with desktop Photoshop, and mobile-optimized workflows. For photographers who want to edit on location or during travel, this fills a crucial gap.
Perhiniak addresses iPad Photoshop’s strengths (portability, pencil precision for masking and retouching) while being honest about its limitations compared to desktop. You’ll learn when iPad editing makes sense and how to integrate it with a desktop workflow.
Pricing
Typically $15-20 during Udemy sales (as of March 2026). Requires iPad with Photoshop subscription.
How to Choose the Right Photoshop Course
With so many options, selecting the right course depends on several factors:
Your experience level: Complete beginners should start with Daniel Walter Scott’s Essentials course on Udemy or Julieanne Kost’s Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning. If you already know the basics, jump to advanced courses or specialized training.
Your goals: Photographers focused on retouching should consider KelbyOne. Graphic designers benefit from CalArts’ design-focused curriculum. Those wanting the most efficient path should take one of the comprehensive Udemy courses.
Budget: If cost is a concern, start with Adobe Learn (free) and wait for Udemy sales ($15-30). For ongoing learning, subscriptions like Skillshare or KelbyOne provide better value than multiple individual courses.
Learning style: Project-based learners thrive on Skillshare and CreativeLive. Those who prefer structured curriculum do well with LinkedIn Learning or Coursera. Self-directed learners can accomplish a lot with Adobe’s free tutorials.
Choosing Your Photoshop Learning Path
The best Photoshop course is ultimately the one you’ll complete. For most beginners, Daniel Walter Scott’s Essentials course on Udemy offers the best combination of quality, value, and accessibility. Photographers should seriously consider KelbyOne for its photography-specific focus and ongoing education.
For those seeking credentials, LinkedIn Learning’s Essential Training provides both excellent instruction and a certificate that enhances your professional profile. And don’t overlook Adobe Learn – it’s free, always current, and surprisingly comprehensive.
Whatever you choose, commit to practicing regularly. Photoshop skills develop through hands-on use, not just watching videos. Pick a course, work through the exercises, and start creating. Your future self will thank you for investing in these skills.
Photoshop Course FAQ
Do I need my own Photoshop subscription to take these courses?
Yes. All courses assume you have access to Adobe Photoshop. The most affordable option is Adobe’s Photography Plan at $9.99/month (as of March 2026), which includes both Photoshop and Lightroom. Some platforms like Adobe Learn offer in-app tutorials, but you still need the subscription.
Which course is best for complete beginners?
Daniel Walter Scott’s Adobe Photoshop CC Essentials Training Course on Udemy is the best starting point for beginners. It assumes no prior knowledge, has excellent reviews (4.8 stars from 36,000+ students), and costs as little as $15-30 during Udemy sales.
How long does it take to learn Photoshop?
Basic proficiency takes 20-40 hours of focused study and practice. Most comprehensive courses run 10-20 hours, but real skill develops through hands-on projects afterward. Professional-level mastery typically requires 6-12 months of regular use.
Are free Photoshop tutorials good enough?
Adobe Learn provides excellent free tutorials that cover all major features. For self-directed learners willing to piece together their own curriculum, free resources can absolutely work. Paid courses offer more structured learning paths, better projects, and instructor support.
Should I learn Photoshop or Lightroom first?
For photographers, start with Lightroom – it handles 80-90% of typical photo editing needs and is easier to learn. Photoshop is essential for advanced retouching, compositing, and graphic design work. Many photographers use both together.
