There are so many reasons that you might want to learn Photoshop. It’s used in various industries, not only in art and photography.
Using this program can help you get a step up in your career, so with that in mind, how long does it take to learn photoshop?
Truthfully, the answer depends on why you want to learn Photoshop (see also ‘Best Online Photoshop Course‘) and how much you need to know.
If you want to learn the basics of Photoshop, you’ll be looking at about five hours.
There’s no set time frame for how long it will take to learn Photoshop, and we can only give you an estimate of how long it will take you to learn the basics.
If you want to master the program, it might even take a few months.
What is Photoshop?
Photoshop is a program developed by Adobe.
Photoshop is a photo editing and raster graphic design software (see also ‘Best Online AutoCAD Classes‘), and using it allows you to create, edit, and manipulate your graphics and other digital art.
It’s one of the most prominent photo editing software used today, with many companies looking for employees to have a firm understanding of Photoshop.
There are over twenty versions of the software, and it was initially created in 1988 by John and Thomas Knoll before Adobe bought the distribution rights.
Learning Photoshop for Photography
When you think of Photoshop, you’re probably thinking about how you can use it for photography.
After all, there are so many features that you can utilize to help you alter your images.
Typically, it will take a photographer between two and three months to learn Photoshop for their field.
Learning Photoshop for Art
Photoshop is essential for anyone working in art and design, with many artists and illustrators using it to ensure their work is top tier.
It’s relatively easy for artists to learn Photoshop’s creative tools; it should take less than a month.
Using Photoshop, you’ll be able to make your distinct designs and efficiently utilize its brush tools and layers.
Learning Photoshop for Media and Marketing
It’s easy to believe Photoshop is only for the creative industries, but it isn’t. With more media going online, marketers have had to get creative.
While you won’t need to be an expert in Photoshop, you’ll be able to learn everything you need to in less than a month.
During that time, you should be able to use Photoshop for your company’s needs.
So if you need to work on some graphics for an advertising campaign, then Photoshop is the way forward.
Learning Photoshop for UI Design
Photoshop is an essential program for user interface designers to master, especially when prospective employers look at their experience.
Photoshop is most commonly used when designing a website, and they’re a great way to create mock-ups.
It makes it simpler for designers to move elements on the page around than if you worked on the code first.
Considering the amount you need, you can learn Photoshop for UI designers in between one month or two.
Practice Makes Perfect
Even if you’ve mastered the basics, you should try to practice with Photoshop each day.
You can create your designs or edit some pictures you’ve illustrated. Think of some small projects you can work on.
Once you’ve thought of these projects, it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to learn.
Just diversify what you work on, and you won’t have to worry about being put off guard for any projects.
What you need to consider is when you’re learning Photoshop, you should know that most companies are looking for their users to have experience.
Even when you’ve learned the basics, you can use your small projects in your portfolio to show what you can do.
Practice is the best way to learn and show how you’ve progressed.
How to Learn About Photoshop?
Many online tutorials and books are available to help you learn more about Photoshop. How you learn about Photoshop depends on personal preference.
The best way you can learn is by combining the two, so you have a guide with all the fundamentals and videos to help explain and show more complex ideas.
You can find tutorials on many different websites, with free ones also available on YouTube.
However, if you want a professional certification to help you with finding a job that uses Photoshop, you may need to pay for your course elsewhere.
Books are a great way to study while you use your tutorials, and if you get stuck, there are numerous Photoshop users on online forums to get help.
Is It Difficult to Learn Photoshop?
Learning about the basics is one of the most manageable parts of learning about Photoshop.
It will also take you the least amount of time. What will take you more time is learning how to master it.
Once you know how to navigate the software, you’ll have some understanding of the fundamentals and won’t be too confused about its more advanced features.
Once you get accustomed to its interface, you’ll be able to breeze through the design process on Photoshop.
Final Thoughts
If you want to learn how to use Photoshop for your job or hobby, you won’t have to spend too long learning the fundamentals.
Once you know about the basics and the interface, you should be able to navigate the software with ease.
What is more difficult is learning how to master Photoshop because that will take you a lengthier amount of time.
However, you shouldn’t use this article to judge how long you have spent learning.
Everyone learns in different ways and at different paces. Learning Photoshop has more to do with getting comfortable with the program as you go.
If you’re not used to computers, it will be more challenging for you than if someone spends a lot of time on them.
So the best way to master Photoshop is to practice it regularly, even if it’s for a short amount of time. Small projects can go a long way with experience.