Photoshop for Absolute Beginners: Is This Top-Rated Course Worth It?

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Adobe Photoshop—you’re not alone. With its powerful tools and complex interface, many beginners feel stuck before they’ve really started. But with the right course, learning Photoshop doesn’t have to be intimidating.

That’s why we reviewed one of the highest-rated online options: the “Photoshop for Beginners” course on Udemy. It claims to take total beginners from confused to confident in under 20 hours, using step-by-step lessons, real-world projects, and lifetime access.

But is it actually worth it?

Let’s dive in.

Image source: Unsplash

Why Photoshop Is Still the Gold Standard for Creatives

Whether you’re into photography, social media design, website graphics, or branding, Photoshop remains an essential tool. But it’s also known for its steep learning curve. Unlocking its full potential means learning more than just where the buttons are—you need to understand workflows, layers, and non-destructive editing.

A high-quality beginner course introduces Photoshop one step at a time, guiding you through:

• Understanding the interface and panels
• Mastering essential tools like selections, masks, and brushes
• Performing photo corrections (blemishes, lighting, cropping)
• Using layers and blending modes creatively
• Creating simple design elements from scratch

And that’s exactly what the “Photoshop for Beginners” course on Udemy promises to teach you.

Course Snapshot: What You’ll Actually Learn

The Photoshop course we evaluated is designed for first-time users, with a clear lesson structure and hands-on projects. Here’s what stands out:

• Over 16 hours of beginner-level content
• Includes core concepts: from selections to retouching
• Teaches how to export polished designs for print and web
• Bonus: Covers new tools like generative fill and updated masking features
• Offers downloadable project files for practice
• Lifetime access with free updates (ideal for long-term learning)

Plus, you’ll find that most instructors on Udemy update content regularly to reflect the latest Adobe CC changes—a big win over older YouTube tutorials.

⭐ According to user reviews on Udemy, many beginners managed to complete their first polished design within just a few sessions. One student wrote:

“The layers and masking sections were a game-changer for me. I’ve watched free tutorials before, but nothing felt this clear or structured.”

How Does It Compare to Other Photoshop Courses?

Let’s compare the Udemy Photoshop Beginner course to similar options:

🎯 For someone on a budget or just starting out, Udemy stands out thanks to its affordable price and one-time purchase model. Courses like Matt Kloskowski’s are amazing—but they’re better suited after you’ve mastered the basics.

(For an honest breakdown with real user feedback, reviews from Reddit and ClassCentral also strongly favor the Udemy beginner series for Photoshop as a starting point. Source: https://www.classcentral.com/)

What Most Beginners Love (and What You Should Watch Out For)

✅ What Works Well:

• Lessons are broken into short, manageable chunks
• Real-world projects keep things engaging
• Teaches both photo editing and graphic design basics
• Supports newer Photoshop features (e.g., generative fill techniques)
• Course offers lifetime access and mobile-friendly viewing

🚫 Watch for:

• Some modules may still reference older Photoshop versions—though updates are happening regularly
• Instructor responsiveness varies—be sure to read recent reviews
• Not ideal if you already have intermediate knowledge of Photoshop

Tip: Before enrolling, scroll through the “Update History” and “Most Recent Reviews” on the course page. That will show you whether the instructor actively maintains the course.

Who Is This Best For?

If you’re…

• New to Photoshop and need a total beginner guide
• A photographer, social media manager, or aspiring digital designer
• Someone who learns best through structured lessons and projects
• Looking for a one-time purchase rather than a subscription

…then this course is likely a perfect fit.

It bridges the gap between scattered YouTube tutorials and expensive design degrees. You’ll walk away knowing how to confidently use Photoshop—from opening your first file to creating polished, presentable work.

Final Verdict: Is This the Best Beginner Photoshop Course in 2024?

We think it is—for a few big reasons:

• Crystal-clear structure, ideal for visual learners
• Lifetime value means you can come back to lessons any time
• Beginner-friendly lessons reduce the overwhelm Photoshop is known for
• Affordably priced (often $15-20 during Udemy’s constant promotions)
• Backed by thousands of glowing reviews and active users

When you consider the value (16+ hours of content, downloadable projects, and forever access), this course earns a strong recommendation for most people starting their Photoshop journey.

📢 If you’re ready to go from stuck and frustrated to confident and creative—this is one of the best places to begin.

🧠 Pro Tip:

If you’re not 100% sure yet, Udemy offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee—so there’s no pressure. Try it out risk-free and see if you vibe with the teaching style.

Still shopping around? Keep in mind that many Skillshare or direct-purchase courses cost much more—and often make more sense once you’ve nailed down the basics.

Are you learning Photoshop now or planning to start? Share your experience in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re using it for photography, design, or even starting your freelance career.