How to Learn Adobe Creative Cloud
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No jaw-dropping illustration or complex animation you’ve seen made with Adobe Creative Cloud came from someone who just opened the software. Before you can make your own masterpieces, you need to learn the basics.
There are plenty of ways to learn Adobe Creative Cloud. Two of the most popular methods are through coding bootcamps and online courses. The best choice for you depends on your budget and schedule.
Maybe you are thinking about getting a subscription to access Adobe Creative Cloud. If you invest in some Adobe classes as well, you may walk away with skills that make you more hirable or land you a higher salary.
Coding Bootcamps
The training at coding bootcamps is generally considered more intense than online courses.
These bootcamps typically last anywhere from 10-24 weeks. There are in-person and online bootcamp options and full-time and part-time schedules.
Coding bootcamps can be a great option for learning Adobe Creative Cloud if you’re looking for more in-depth and hands-on training. In some ways, bootcamps are similar to college classes — for example, you have an instructor to guide you.
Bootcamps are typically more expensive than online courses for Creative Cloud. Depending on the program, there may be scholarships, grants, or loans available. Your employer may also cover some costs — so be sure to ask.
Coding Bootcamps for You
Adobe Creative Cloud Courses
Online Adobe Creative Cloud courses come in various formats, lengths, and prices.
These courses can last anywhere from 4-5 hours to more than 20 hours. However, you’re free to complete them at your own pace. That can be convenient for learners who have busy schedules. They can offer more flexibility to learn Adobe Creative Cloud than a bootcamp allows.
In addition to flexibility, online Adobe Creative Cloud courses usually have a lower price point or are free.
Not every online course jumps straight into how to use Photoshop or other popular apps. Some focus on navigating the platform as a whole instead of going into the techniques of each app. This can be helpful if you’re new to the Adobe suite.
Some online options include (prices may vary):
- Adobe Creative Cloud 2022 Ultimate Course (Udemy): This course walks you through the basics of navigating the apps in Creative Cloud. That includes learning what each app does, setting up your account, and navigating Adobe’s menus. The course costs $109.99.
- Learning Adobe Creative Cloud (LinkedIn Learning): LinkedIn’s course walks you through getting started, working with different files, installing different apps, and more. The course costs $39.99.
- The Complete Adobe Mastery Bundle (StackSocial): This mastery bundle can teach you how to use Photoshop, Lightroom, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. It costs $39.
- The All-in-One Adobe Creative Cloud Suite Certification Course Bundle (StackSocial): More lessons on Adobe apps than the previous StackSocial product. This bundle includes Illustrator, Adobe XD, and InDesign. It costs $33.99.
- Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn GREAT Design (Skillshare): This class focuses on design principles and using Adobe Creative Cloud apps to achieve them. It also comes with projects for you to complete. The course is free with a Skillshare trial. After the trial, Skillshare is $13.99 per month.
Online Courses vs. Bootcamps
Fully online courses or bootcamp options? There’s no best or right way to learn Adobe Creative Cloud. It depends on individual preferences.
So weigh the pros and cons for each method to decide which one works best for you.
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Coding Bootcamps to Learn Adobe Creative Cloud
General Assembly
- Location: Remote, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C.
- Program Cost: $2,800
- Learning Format: Online, in person
- Time Commitment: Full time, part time
Career Services
General Assembly’s Visual Design bootcamp is eight weeks long. To help alleviate those first-day nerves, General Assembly provides optional tutorials before the bootcamp starts so you can dip your toes in the water. Before each class, participants take lessons on what they previously learned to get a refresher and retain the information before diving into the next topic. General Assembly also offers networking events and workshops after you complete your course so you can keep in touch with your fellow participants.
Noble Desktop
- Location: Remote, New York City
- Program Cost: Varies, depending on certificate
- Learning Format: Online, in person
- Time Commitment: Full time, part time
Evening and weekend options Job guarantee
Noble Desktop offers individual bootcamps in different Adobe Creative Cloud apps so you can get a deeper understanding of each one. They have Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, After Effects, and Premiere Pro bootcamps available. There are also bootcamps on broader graphic design concepts to apply on those apps. Each app-specific bootcamp is 18 hours long, while the broader courses on graphic design, web design, motion graphics, and more range from 66-126 hours.
University of California, San Diego
- Location: Remote, La Jolla
- Program Cost: Starting at $11,495
- Learning Format: Online, in person
- Time Commitment: Part time, full time
Career Services
UC San Diego’s coding bootcamp is available to anyone — not just university students. However, alumni are eligible for bootcamp scholarships. This bootcamp tailors its curriculum to what’s in demand for employers in San Diego. The bootcamp’s full-time option is three months, and the part-time option is six months.
University of Central Florida
- Location: Remote, Orlando
- Program Cost: Starting at $11,495
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Part time
Career Services Evening & Weekend Options
Despite UCF’s coding bootcamp being entirely remote, it focuses on collaboration and mentorship. You’re placed in a Slack workspace with fellow participants. Teaching assistants and mentors are available to help you throughout the day. You also get 24 one-hour personal sessions with your mentor throughout the bootcamp. The bootcamp lasts 24 weeks.
University of New Hampshire
- Location: Remote, Durham
- Program Cost: Starting at $10,495
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Part time
Career Services Evening & Weekend Options
Much like the UC San Diego bootcamp, UNH’s coding bootcamp isn’t just available to the students of the university, and alumni are eligible for scholarships. It’s also tailored to the technology and skills needed in the New Hampshire market. The bootcamp takes 24 weeks to complete.
Adobe Creative Cloud Jobs
You can use Adobe Creative Cloud across a variety of fields. Below are examples of some jobs where you would use Adobe Creative Cloud regularly.
Art Director
- Art directors develop designs and design strategies across print, digital, and film mediums. They may oversee other artists and designers to execute their vision, often with Adobe Creative Cloud. They may work with newspapers, brands, films, and more to create effective design plans.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $100,890, as of May 2021.
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager
- Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers can work across various industries and brands. They use Adobe Creative Cloud to design marketing materials and advertisements for different print and digital outlets.
- The BLS reports a median annual salary of $141,490, as of May 2020.
Graphic Designer
- Graphic designers use many Adobe Creative Cloud apps daily to do their job. They create illustrations, infographics, advertisements, and more.
- The BLS reports a median annual salary of $53,380, as of May 2020.
What Are the Benefits of an Adobe Creative Cloud Certification?
Earning Adobe Creative Cloud certification may open doors or give you more access to job opportunities. Employers like to see people ready to hit the ground running — and the practice necessary for certification may certainly prepare you for that.
Another benefit is boosting your portfolio. If you want to go into any creative career, you’ll probably be asked for samples of your work. By getting this certification and practicing your skills, you can improve the quality of work, which may make it easier for you to find a job — and possibly earn more as a result.
Be sure to check whether the online course or coding bootcamp you choose offers Adobe Creative Cloud certification. Some offer you the official Adobe certification as part of the program, while others simply prepare you to take the exam on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Learning Adobe Creative Cloud
Is Adobe Creative Cloud easy to learn?
It depends. Everyone has their own learning curve. Your choice of format — whether through coding bootcamps or online courses — can impact how quickly you learn. Depending on your strengths, different Adobe apps may take longer to learn than others. Just like with any skill, you’ll likely get better with time and practice.
What is Adobe Creative Cloud used for?
Adobe Creative Cloud can be used for photo and video editing, illustrating, animating, print and web designing, and more. People use it to create social media graphics and videos, websites, magazines, films, and much more.
The beauty of Creative Cloud is that there’s no limit to what you can do with it. You can use each app to do many things — and learn how different apps work with each other to create even more possibilities.
Does Adobe offer free classes?
Adobe doesn’t offer free formal online courses. They offer Adobe Education Exchange for free, a resource aimed at helping educators teach Creative Cloud. Adobe does offer classes via Creative Cloud Training for Enterprise, but it costs money and is available to large organizations.
You can find free Adobe Creative Cloud tutorials and tips on its website and YouTube channel. Instead of hourslong courses, Adobe’s tutorials, website, and YouTube channel provide tips and tricks that are short and sweet.
Is it worth learning Adobe Creative Cloud?
If you want to go into any communications or creative job, then Creative Cloud is likely a must. It can make you stand out compared to other candidates who don’t have experience with the suite. And once you’re in the workplace, knowing Creative Cloud can make your job easier and allow you to bring your ideas to life.
If you want to go into science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), it might not be necessary.
Regardless of the field you’re trying to break into, nothing is stopping you from learning Adobe Creative Cloud recreationally.
Feature Image: Witthaya Prasongsin / Moment / Getty Images
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