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Last updated on December 22nd, 2022

Adobe Photoshop is hard to learn on your own because it’s not intuitive photography software, and it’s catered to professional photographers and graphic designers. There are many tools available to new users, making Photoshop not easy to learn.

However, if you follow the right course or tutorial, you can obtain a working knowledge of Photoshop.

Why Is Photoshop So Difficult to Learn?

There are a few reasons why Photoshop is difficult to learn:

  • Tools: Photoshop has an abundant amount of tools available for image editing, restoration, typography, graphic design, and even video. There is so much to learn. But you don’t need to learn them all.
  • Layers: Photoshop image adjustments are applied on layers like editable or stackable image edits. If you’ve never worked with layers before in another program, you will need to understand how this works.
  • Masks: Masking allows users to brush away/in image adjustments. For example, if you want to increase the saturation in a particular part of an image, one way is to use a mask. Masks can be basic to advanced.
Screenshot showing why Photoshop is difficult to learn: tools, layers, mask.

These are only some of the reasons why Photoshop is difficult to learn.

Can I Learn Photoshop on My Own?

Technically, you can learn Photoshop on your own without any help, but it’s unrealistic; you will waste time and prolong the Photoshop learning curve. 

You’ll be more productive in learning Photoshop by watching YouTube videos or taking a course from Udemy or LinkedIn Learning.

How Long Will It Take to Learn Photoshop?

Everyone student learns differently, and it also depends on how much time you can dedicate to studying. But in general, if you study for 2 hours per day, it should take about 3 to 4 weeks to learn Photoshop, and you’ll have a good working knowledge of the most powerful photography software.

Conclusion

Photoshop is hard to learn without proper guidance. This isn’t to discourage you from using Photoshop; it’s only to convince you should take a course to learn it faster.

If you want to learn Photoshop the easy way and for free at the beginning, then I suggest getting Photoshop for free with Adobe’s 30-day trial in addition to LinkedIn Learning’s free month.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn Photoshop?

It depends on the individual and how much time they are willing to dedicate to learning Photoshop. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three to four weeks to learn the basics of Photoshop. To become an expert in Photoshop, it could take anywhere from 6 months or more, depending on your prior knowledge of digital art tools and techniques.

It’s best to start out by familiarizing yourself with the basic tools and features of Photoshop before diving into more advanced topics like compositing and digital painting. Additionally, taking online courses or attending workshops may help you learn faster as you have access to experienced mentors who can provide helpful feedback or answer any questions you may have about using the program. With dedication and practice, you should be able to master Photoshop over time.

Can I teach myself Photoshop?

It is nearly impossible to teach yourself Photoshop without tutorials. However, there are plenty of tutorials available online that can help you learn the basics. There are YouTube tutorials, blogs and articles written about techniques, as well as official classes offered by Adobe itself. With practice and dedication, it is possible to learn Photoshop on your own. It will take time to master all of the features and tools available in Photoshop, but with a good plan and patience, you can become an expert in no time.

In addition to tutorials, there are several books dedicated to teaching you Photoshop from the beginner level through advanced concepts. Many experienced professionals also offer personal tutoring lessons, so if you find yourself struggling with something specific or want a more comprehensive understanding, then this may be an option for you.

No matter what route you take, make sure you have a clear plan and timeline for learning, as well as a benchmark of what skills and knowledge you want to achieve. With the right approach, you can become an expert in Photoshop with self-teaching.

Can I learn Photoshop in a week?

No, you can’t. There are too many tools to learn and memorize. You’ll need to dedicate a lot of time and effort in order to become proficient in Photoshop. It could take several months or even years, depending on your learning curve. If you’re just getting started with digital graphics and photo editing, it’s best to start with some basic tutorials and work your way up from there. With practice and dedication, you can become a master at Photoshop.

It is important to remember that the knowledge gained through tutorials can only take you so far; once you have got the basics down pat, you need to spend some quality time experimenting with all the tools available on Photoshop so as to get a better understanding of how they work. This will help you create stunning effects for your projects.

Is Photoshop a valuable skill?

Yes, Photoshop is a valuable skill to have in today’s world. Photoshop can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from creating artwork to manipulating digital images and photos. It is an incredibly powerful tool that allows you to make quick changes with ease and accuracy. With proper training and experience, Photoshop can help you create stunning visuals that can be used in various projects, from web design to graphic design.

Additionally, having Photoshop skills on your resume can help open up more job opportunities, as employers are always looking for professionals who have the necessary knowledge and expertise when it comes to photo editing and graphic design. Ultimately, learning how to use Photoshop is well worth the time investment as it will pay off in the long run.

What is Photoshop most used for?

Photoshop is primarily used for photo editing, but it can also be used to create digital artwork and manipulate graphics. Photoshop is often used in graphic design projects, such as creating logos and posters, and also for creating web page designs. It is also popularly used for retouching photos, creating collages and digital paintings, drawing shapes, adding text to images, applying special effect filters, and more. Photoshop has become an indispensable tool for professionals across many industries, including photography, advertising, fashion, and film. The software offers a wide range of features that enable users to produce high-quality results with minimal effort. With its powerful toolsets, Photoshop has become the industry standard for image manipulation.

Vincent Croos
About the Author: Vincent Croos

Hola Parceros,

I’m the founder of Aperlust. I enjoy web development and SEO and am into snowboarding and linguistics. In my spare time, you can find me destroying my opponents in chess across the globe.

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