Adobe Creative software functions essentially identically across both Macintosh and personal computer platforms. When attending classes at our physical locations, instruction utilizes PC-based systems running Windows software. The instructor will point out any keyboard shortcuts or display differences specific to Mac users. For students participating remotely from home or office, you can access hosted Windows-based Adobe software from either Mac or PC hardware.
Course Overview:
This comprehensive course provides thorough instruction in navigating the Photoshop workspace, including effective tool utilization and panel organization. You will learn methods for customizing your working environment and storing customized workspace configurations for future sessions.
Essential technical skills developed throughout this course include understanding methods for correcting and improving photographic images, calculating optimal resolution and dimensions, straightening and framing compositions, and making precise color and brightness adjustments.
You will gain proficiency with Photoshop's extensive selection capabilities to precisely isolate regions of images for targeted adjustments or creative editing. The course covers practical application of layers to organize your work, implementing gradients for smooth color transitions, and applying layer styles and visual effects. Beyond selection techniques, the course emphasizes mask and channel usage as essential Photoshop competencies for generating composite images or highlighting specific image regions. You will practice creating, modifying, and refining both masks and channels.
Finally, the curriculum addresses text implementation in Photoshop, covering techniques including generating masks from text characters, positioning text along custom paths, formatting paragraph text, distorting point text, and producing vertical text orientations.
Software Version Note:
Our Adobe instruction covers both CC and CS6 versions of the software. Classes are conducted using the CC version, though course content remains pertinent for CS6 users. We regularly update our software shortly after Adobe releases new training materials from the publisher. Normally, updated course materials become available within two to four months following a software version release.
Getting Ready for Certification:
Our Adobe training utilizes "Official Adobe Training Workbooks," which correspond directly with Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) certification requirements. Students pursuing professional certification can access Certification Bundles that provide complete preparation, including instructor-led training, practice assessments, detailed study materials, and exam registration fees; everything required to successfully earn Adobe professional certification.
Appropriate Student Level:
This course is suitable for people with no prior Photoshop experience and for self-taught users building on basic foundational knowledge. Even experienced Photoshop practitioners frequently discover valuable insights and fill knowledge gaps by taking Core Skills Level 1 courses.
Requirements for Success:
Core Skills Adobe courses require basic computer literacy and file management proficiency. You should have working knowledge of fundamental computer tasks, including finding and opening documents; creating new folders; resizing, minimizing, and maximizing application windows; launching and closing programs; managing several open programs concurrently; and switching among active applications.
Curriculum Topics:
Understanding the Workspace and Tools
- Beginning Your Photoshop Project
- Learning the Tool Palette
- Selecting and Using Colors
- Configuring and Using Tool Settings
- Undoing and Correcting Mistakes
- Organizing Panels and Their Positions
Correcting Photographs Effectively
- Approaches to Image Enhancement
- Understanding Resolution and Pixel Dimensions
- Opening Files Using Adobe Bridge
- Rotating and Cropping Your Photos
- Modifying Color Balance and Exposure
- Using the Spot Healing Instrument
- Applying Smart Patch Technology
- Using the Duplication Tool for Repairs
- Enhancing Image Clarity
Using Selection Techniques
- Introduction to Selection Methods and Tools
- Getting Familiar with Selections
- Using the Intelligent Selection Tool
- Moving Selected Content
- Making Selections More Complex
- Using the Automated Selection Tool
- Drawing Free-form and Constrained Selections
- Changing Selection Orientation
- Using the Magnetic Selection Tool
- Choosing from a Fixed Point
- Adjusting and Duplicating Selections
- Adjusting Image Boundaries
Fundamentals of Layers
- What Layers Are and Their Purpose
- Beginning with Layers
- Navigating the Layers Panel
- Organizing Layer Stacking Order
- Using Gradient Fills on Layers
- Adding Visual Layer Styles
- Using Layers for Targeted Adjustments
- Refining and Updating Layer Styles
- Creating Decorative Borders
- Merging Layers and Exporting Results
Creating and Using Masks and Channels
- Understanding Masks and Channel Techniques
- Starting Your Mask Work
- Using Mask Selection Features
- Building Preliminary Masks
- Using Interactive Warping for Creative Effects
- Creating Depth Effects Using Channel-Based Shadows
Design Using Typographic Elements
- Working with Text Elements
- Getting Started with Text
- Making Text Masks for Design
- Following Curved Paths with Text
- Creating Dynamic Text Effects
- Structuring Multi-line Text
- Adding Geometric Shapes
- Using Text in Different Orientations
