Looking to dive into Photoshop and enhance your design skills? Courses are an excellent starting point. Keep reading to find the best free and paid Photoshop courses available in 2026.
Adobe Photoshop has long been the industry standard for digital image editing and graphic design. As we inch closer to 2026, the demand for Photoshop skills continues to grow across various industries.Â
Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your journey in digital art or a seasoned professional aiming to refine your skills, there’s always something new to learn in Photoshop. This article will guide you through the top free and paid Photoshop courses available in 2026, helping you make an informed decision about the one that is right for you.
Here’s everything we will be covering in this article!
- Importance of Photoshop courses
- Free Photoshop courses that you can exploreÂ
- Paid Photoshop courses that you can exploreÂ
- How to choose the best online Photoshop course?
- Conclusion & next steps
Importance of Photoshop courses
Adobe Photoshop is undeniably an important tool in the field of design. Whether you are a graphic designer, photographer, or interior designer, mastering Photoshop opens many doors for creative expression and professional growth. Photoshop skills help you create everything from logos to intricate digital illustrations, enhancing your ability to orchestrate images and design layouts.
With a growing demand for digital content, learning Photoshop can give you an edge in the job market. Even if you’re not in a design-focused profession, detailed knowledge of this tool can be useful in marketing, content creation, and even teaching. Since the software has extensive features and options, mastering it can sometimes feel like a challenge. That’s why taking a course, whether free or paid, can significantly ease the learning curve.
One of the biggest advantages of Photoshop courses is the structure they provide. Instead of trial and error, you get a clear path to learning, often with the help of step-by-step guidance from experts. While paid courses often offer in-depth instruction, free resources are invaluable for those looking to build foundational skills without spending too much. Free courses can also give you a sense of what the paid ones offer, helping you decide if you need more advanced instruction later.
Free Photoshop courses that you can exploreÂ
Image Courtesy: Lightroom Photoshop Tutorials
Before moving ahead with the paid courses, let’s first take a look at some of the top free Photoshop courses you can begin your learning journey with.
1. Adobe’s Photoshop tutorials
Platform: AdobeÂ
Level: Beginner to advanced
Adobe offers free official tutorials on its website, covering a wide range of topics and features. These tutorials cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced users. You can learn basics like layer manipulation and photo retouching, as well as explore advanced techniques, such as blending modes and complex photo compositions.
Pros: Offers the most reliable tutorials, up-to-date with the latest Photoshop versions, and high-quality content.
Cons: May lack the structure of a full course.Â
2. Photoshop Cafe
Platform: Photoshop Cafe
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Photoshop Cafe provides a selection of free tutorials and tips on photo editing, retouching, and graphic design. These detailed tutorials cover specific techniques like creating 3D effects and advanced selections. The site is particularly useful for designers specializing in photo manipulation and retouching, making it ideal for intermediate learners aiming to refine their skills.
Pros: Covers a wide variety of topics through both written and video content.Â
Cons: Website navigation can be confusing, and some content may be outdated.Â
3. Phlearn free Photoshop tutorials
Platform: Phlearn
Level: Beginner to advanced
Phlearn offers high-quality Photoshop tutorials aimed at photographers and designers. The free tutorials cover everything from portrait retouching to advanced editing techniques like frequency separation, dodging, and burning. Phlearn is known for its professional-quality tutorials. Their free offerings provide a glimpse of their in-depth paid courses and are well-structured for serious learners.
Pros: Offers high-quality production, a fairly engaging instructor, and practical examples.Â
Cons: Not as structured as a full course and some advanced content requires a paid subscription.Â
4. LinkedIn Learning — Free Trial
Platform: LinkedIn Learning
Level: BeginnerÂ
LinkedIn Learning provides access to many Photoshop courses during its free trial period. These courses cover fundamentals like layer adjustments, mask usage, and photo retouching. The trial allows you to access a large library of professional-level Photoshop courses for free, making it a good option if you’re unsure about committing to paid courses just yet.
Pros: Allows to assess the quality and depth of the course without committing to a paid subscription.Â
Cons: May lack the structure of a full course.Â
5. PiXimperfect
Platform: YouTube
Level: Beginner to advanced
PiXimperfect is one of the most popular YouTube channels for Photoshop tutorials, offering a wide range of content for designers of all levels. The channel covers everything from basic photo editing to advanced techniques like compositing, color grading, and advanced masking. Each tutorial has a reputation for breaking down complex processes into digestible and easy-to-follow steps, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced users who want to learn new tricks for free.
Pros: Free access to high-quality and detailed tutorials, with new content being added regularly.
Cons: Lacks structured course progression and may require searching for specific topics.
Paid Photoshop courses that you can exploreÂ
Image Courtesy: LinkedIn Learning
Now that we’ve explored some free courses let’s browse through the paid options available for those looking to learn Adobe Photoshop.Â
1. Adobe Photoshop CC – Essentials Training Course
Platform: Udemy
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Fee: Varies, currently available at approximately $40
Taught by renowned instructor Daniel Scott, this Udemy course is one of the most popular options for Photoshop beginners. With 13.5 hours of on-demand video, it covers essential skills like layer management, masking, and text effects, helping you build a strong foundation. The course provides lifetime access and downloadable materials, and it is frequently updated to stay relevant to the latest Photoshop versions.
Pros: Comprehensive, regularly updated, and includes practice files.Â
Cons: May be too basic for advanced users.Â
2. Photoshop for Photographers: The Essentials
Platform: CreativeLive
Level: Beginner to advanced
Fee: Currently priced at around $49, but often available at a discounted rate of $24Â
The course focuses on Photoshop from a photographer’s perspective, teaching you how to retouch photos, enhance colors, and use various editing tools for professional-quality images. With 30 HD video lessons, this course is led by a professional photographer and instructor, Ben Willmore, which means you get industry-specific knowledge that is immediately applicable if you’re working with photos.
Pros: Comprehensive, well-structured, and taught by a renowned expert.
Cons: A higher price point and may require a subscription for access.
3. Photoshop Masterclass – Advanced Retouching, Mockups & AI Generative Fill
Platform: Skillshare
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Fee: Currently priced at approximately $32 with a free trialÂ
This Photoshop masterclass dives deep into advanced retouching, mockups, compositing techniques, and the innovative AI Generative Fill feature. The course covers advanced photo manipulation, using masks, selections, and blending modes to create stunning composites and professional mockups and leveraging Photoshop’s AI tools to streamline your workflow. Led by an experienced digital artist, this course is designed for photographers and graphic designers looking to refine their expertise and take their Photoshop skills to a higher level.
Pros: Focuses on cutting-edge Photoshop tools, comprehensive lessons for experienced users, and practical project-based learning.
Cons: Requires a subscription to Skillshare, which may be costly for some users over time.
Image Courtesy: Adobe Stock
4. Photoshop One-on-One: Fundamentals
Platform: LinkedIn Learning
Level: Beginner
Fee: Approximately $30 per month or free with LinkedIn Premium
Taught by industry expert Deke McClelland, this course provides a thorough introduction to Photoshop fundamentals. It covers essential topics like layer adjustments, selections, image retouching, and more. Designed for beginners, it offers a step-by-step learning approach that helps you build confidence in using Photoshop’s core features. Deke McClelland’s teaching style is clear and comprehensive and ideal for newbies looking to fill in gaps in their knowledge.
Pros: Clear, structured lessons taught by a well-known expert and offers a free trial with LinkedIn Premium.
Cons: Subscription-based, which may not suit those looking for one-time payment options.
5. Mastering Adobe Photoshop CC
Platform: Udemy
Level: Beginner to advanced
Fee: Typically around $20–$30 (often discounted)
This comprehensive course covers everything from the basics of Photoshop to advanced techniques, making it one of the most comprehensive Photoshop courses available. It includes lessons on layer management, masking, retouching, and working with complex compositions. The course is designed to take you from a beginner to a more advanced level with practical projects and hands-on learning. Also, it comes with lifetime access, which means you can return to it anytime for practice. It’s frequently updated, making it useful for staying current with Photoshop’s latest features.
Pros: Lifetime access, frequently updated, and suitable for all skill levels.
Cons: Some users may find the pace slow if they are already familiar with Photoshop basics.
6. Photoshop for designers, artists & illustrators
Platform: Skillshare
Level: Intermediate
Fee: Skillshare subscription, around $32 per month (with a free trial available)
This course is tailored for designers, artists, and illustrators who want to enhance their Photoshop skills. Led by Rune Løding Lange, it focuses on creative projects such as digital painting, design mockups, and illustration techniques. It’s ideal for those looking to apply Photoshop to artistic and design contexts.
Pros: Project-based learning with a focus on creativity, ideal for artists and illustrators.
Cons: Requires a Skillshare subscription, which could be costly.Â
How to choose the best online Photoshop course?
Image Courtesy: ESS Institute
Choosing the right Photoshop course depends on various factors, including your current skill level, learning goals, budget, and preferred learning style. Here are some considerations to help you make the best choice:
1. Assess your skill level
Beginner — If you’re new to Photoshop, start with free resources or beginner-level courses that cover the basics. Focus on fundamental skills like layer management, selections, basic image adjustments, and interface familiarisation.Â
Intermediate — If you’re already familiar with the basics, look for courses that delve into more advanced techniques and specific areas of interest (e.g., photo retouching, digital painting, or compositing)
Advanced — Focus on courses that offer specialized knowledge, industry-specific workflows, or cutting-edge techniques that match your interests.Â
2. Define your goals
General proficiency — Opt for comprehensive courses that cover a wide range of Photoshop applications.
Specific skills — Choose courses that focus on particular areas, such as photo manipulation, graphic design, or web design.
Career advancement — Look for courses that offer industry-recognized certifications or are taught by well-known professionals.
3. Know the course structure, duration, and format
- Consider how the course is structured meaning is it short, bite-sized lessons or comprehensive, in-depth courses.Â
- Look at how long the courses take to complete. If you have a busy schedule, you may prefer shorter courses that can be completed over a few weekends.
- Written guides are suitable for those who like to learn at their own pace and easily reference information.
- Video tutorials are ideal for visual learners who prefer step-by-step demonstrations.
- Interactive lessons benefit learners who want to practice and receive feedback.
- Live classes are helpful for those who value real-time interaction with instructors and peers.
4. Prioritize the instructor’s expertise
- Experts in the field teach some of the best Photoshop courses. Check out the instructor’s background to ensure they have relevant experience.
- Read reviews from other students to get an idea of the instructor’s teaching style and the overall effectiveness of the course.
- Look for instructors who regularly update their content to keep up with Photoshop’s evolving features.
5. Look for additional resources and support
- Downloadable assets like practice files, templates, presets, and other resources can enhance your learning experience.
- Some courses also offer assignments or quizzes, helping you test your knowledge and stay on track.Â
- Access to community forums can provide additional support and networking opportunities.
- The ability to ask questions and receive feedback can be invaluable, especially for complex topics.
For inspiration, We highly recommend checking out AND Academy learner Rushali Sharma’s graphic design project on creating an invite brochure for a web and print event.
Image Courtesy: Adobe Stock
6. Consider certification
If you’re learning Photoshop for professional reasons, choose a course that offers a certificate upon completion. This can boost your resume and demonstrate your proficiency in Photoshop to potential employers.
7. Evaluate cost and accessibility
- Compare course prices with the depth of content offered. While paid courses tend to offer more in-depth instruction, there are enough free resources that can give you a good foundation.Â
- Make sure the course fits your budget. Many platforms like Udemy and Skillshare often offer discounts, so keep an eye out for deals.
- Consider the long-term value of paid courses.Â
- Look for courses that offer money-back guarantees or free trials to ensure satisfaction.
8. Check trial periods and free content
If you’re unsure about committing to a paid course, look for platforms that offer free trials. This way, you can test out the content before deciding if it’s worth the investment.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored in this article, there’s no shortage of Photoshop courses available in 2026, catering to learners of all levels and interests. Whether you opt for free resources to get started or invest in a comprehensive paid course to deepen your skills, the key is to choose a learning path that aligns with your goals and keeps you engaged.
Regardless of which path you choose, remember that learning Photoshop is an ongoing journey. The software continues to evolve, and there are always new techniques to discover and master. By combining structured courses with regular practice and real-world projects, you can continually improve your skills. To make sure you choose what’s best for you, remember to go with a course that suits your learning style, budget, and certification requirements.
Next Steps
We hope this listing provides some useful insights into the best free and paid Photoshop courses to consider next year that can enhance your skills and advance your career.
In case you need further assistance, here are some of our resources you can consider:
- Watch this session by design veteran and AND’s Academic Head, Prachi Mittal, and our Course Lead, Soumya Tiwari.
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Pursue our Graphic Design courses – all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts, and some even offer a Job Guarantee.
- Take advantage of the scholarship and funding options that come with our courses to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
