Best Adobe Classes Pittsburgh, PA: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About Pittsburgh Adobe Courses

What is Adobe?

Founded over 40 years ago, Adobe has multiple products and technologies that help you imagine, create, and bring your digital ideas to life. Their website lists over 90 available products, but their most renowned products are Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Dreamweaver. Adobe also offers a suite of products that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI): Sensei, Firefly, and Sensei GenAI, embracing the next frontier of technology and design.

Adobe products are used and loved by students and creative professionals, small businesses, and the world’s largest enterprises, highlighting just how versatile, helpful, and user-friendly these products are. Adobe was designed to help you unleash your creativity, accelerate document productivity, and power digital businesses.

What Can You Do with Adobe Training?

With Adobe training, you can gain the skills to create professional-grade visual content across various mediums like graphic design, web design, video editing, photo manipulation, and digital publishing. What you can do with Adobe training depends on which Adobe software programs you learn. A few are outlined below so you can get a better idea:

Photoshop and Illustrator: Create logos, brochures, and social media graphics, and manipulate and enhance photographs.
Dreamweaver and XD: Design user interfaces and layouts for websites.
InDesign: Create layouts for magazines, brochures, and other print materials.
After Effects: Design animated graphics and visual effects.

Adobe’s suite of products can be used for a variety of creative outlets; the sky is really the limit with what you can create. Becoming an expert in Adobe can be advantageous for a career in design or the arts, but it also can help expand the capabilities of your artistic hobbies, too.

What Will I Learn in an Adobe Class?

What you learn in an Adobe class will depend upon the applications that your chosen course covers. Illustrator will cover different topics than After Effects, and a Premier Pro course will have a different curriculum to a class covering Acrobat Pro. While they all are distinctly different, you can expect a quality course to cover the same general categories of knowledge, which are outlined below.

Digital Literacy

Simply put, digital literacy is being knowledgeable of computers and their related technology. Knowing how to efficiently use and navigate computers, tablets, and mobile devices is essential in any professional role, but especially for those utilizing various Adobe products like Photoshop, Acrobat, Illustrator, and more. Mastering basic technologies like these will also help you understand how your work (photos, emails, videos, flyers, etc.) can be compatible with various formats (like making sure emails are mobile-friendly, for example).

Analytical and Research Skills

Regardless of your industry, learning about different methods for collecting data, writing reports and presentations, and making sense of information is extremely valuable. It’s important that you know how to find the best sources, formulate a research question, gather data, and analyze information. An analytical mind and strong research habits can help you produce better work with more successful results.

Software and Applications

Below is a list of basic software and applications that you will commonly utilize in any professional field. Whether it's for creating mock-ups, taking notes and feedback, presenting your work, or tracking results, having a basic understanding of the tools below will come in handy while you develop your projects in various Adobe programs.

Word processing: Microsoft Word is the standard word-processing software, but your company might use Google Docs or something similar. Word is ideal for designing mock-ups and working out the kinks in your layouts. It’s also a useful tool for note-taking and cataloging your brainstorming ideas or feedback from team members.
Presentations: A good presentation holds your viewers’ attention and shows off what you have to say visually. You may make presentations at the start of a project, showcasing your ideas. Or, you may create a presentation after completing a project that summarizes your work and reports on the success of your launch. Knowing how to present your work effectively through PowerPoint or Keynote will allow others to see what you have to say better than sharing a text document on screen.
Spreadsheets: Turn cluttered data into clear information. Basic knowledge of Excel or Google Sheets will give you a leg up in the workplace, even if you don’t use them to crunch numbers.
Communication: You should be able to effectively communicate your ideas, thoughts, and opinions verbally or in writing with tools such as Slack, Skype, and Zoom when collaborating with others on a project or piece of work.

Teamwork

Creative work often necessitates collaboration. You could work with other designers, program managers, sales, or more technical roles in web and software development. Any team will include various personalities, work styles, backgrounds, and opinions. Suppose you’re able to take constructive criticism and feedback, understand what everyone brings to the project, and know how everyone’s roles relate. In that case, you can avoid frustration and contribute to everyone’s success.

Attention to Detail

Adobe products are designed to help you bring your unique visions to life. While the tools and software help to streamline this process, a keen attention to detail is your responsibility as a creator. Taking the time to think critically and work systematically will help ensure your work is free from errors, communicates a clear message, and accomplishes its original goal.

How Hard is it to Learn Adobe?

While Adobe’s suite of products are generally considered user friendly, they do present some challenges. The interfaces of the programs can feel overwhelming at first with many tools and options, which can be daunting for beginners. Key tools like the Pen Tool, Shape Tool, Selection Tool, and Layer panels are essential to learn first and can take some time to master. Additionally individual programs will have their own hurdles. For instance, the concept of vector graphics, which allows for resizing without quality loss, is crucial for effective use of Illustrator.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Adobe?

Some of the most challenging aspects of learning Adobe are a steep learning curve due to the complex interface and vast array of features, understanding advanced techniques, navigating color management, mastering layer manipulation, and adapting to the software's workflow. And, because Adobe has a wide range of software programs, mastering them all will take substantial time and provide a lot of challenges unique to each program, as previously mentioned.

Here’s the good news: Adobe's products are set up so that you can pick and choose which ones you need, depending on the work you are doing. If you only need to learn Photoshop and Illustrator, you can focus on those and set aside the remaining programs for later. Additionally, several of Adobe’s programs work together, so mastering one can help you master another more easily. And, no matter what challenges you encounter, mastering Adobe is possible with the right amount of dedication and passion. (Learning through a professional training program can help, too.)

How Long Does it Take to Learn Adobe?

The time it takes to learn Adobe applications can vary depending on the program, but it can generally take anywhere from a month to a year. Your previous experience will greatly impact this length of time, so having knowledge of any Adobe programs will help you learn others more quickly. General lengths per application are outlined below:

Adobe Acrobat: The basics can be learned in a few hours, while advanced skills can take a few days or weeks.
Adobe InDesign: A basic understanding can be learned in one to two days, but mastering the program can take a few weeks to a few months.
Adobe Premiere Pro: You can learn Premiere Pro in less than a week by taking a course, or it can take 150 hours of instruction and practice to become Adobe Certified Professional in Digital Video.
Adobe Illustrator: You can download Illustrator and experiment with vector graphic design within minutes, but mastering the program can take a significant amount of time and training.
Adobe After Effects: Some say that After Effects is the most difficult Creative Cloud tool to learn, but you can cover beginner to intermediate skills in about eight weeks if you focus on key concepts.

Should I Learn Adobe In Person or Online?

There are many factors to consider when answering this question. Firstly, you’ll need to decide what learning environment is best suited for you. Do you excel in a collaborative environment that allows you to interact with your peers and receive instant feedback from your instructor? Or, do you prefer a more solitary learning environment, perhaps one where you can learn at your own speed?

You’ll also need to decide how much time you can commit to your education and what level of flexibility your schedule requires. Are you looking to dive deeply into an intensive program? Do you work full time and require your classes to be scheduled for evening and weekend hours?

In-person classes offer face-to-face interaction with your fellow students and your expert instructor. This collaborative environment is available for both full-time and part-time classes and provides structure and accountability, two things that can help you succeed. Online courses may lack this in-person interaction, but they make up for it with increased flexibility. Live virtual courses still offer instant feedback from your instructor and interactions with other students, while on-demand virtual training allows for the most flexibility since you can decide where and when you learn.

The good news is that, no matter which version you attend, you can obtain a quality Adobe education with a top-notch curriculum and expert instructors.

Can I Learn Adobe Free Online?

The internet is a great source of free Adobe tutorials. From blogs to YouTube videos, there are nearly endless free tips and tricks available. There is also the possibility to use free trials of online trainings to try your hand at learning programming before committing to a paid course. These free training materials are great for dipping your toes into the basics of Adobe’s software and can help you further explore if learning Adobe is what you really want.

If you’re hoping to learn up-to-date animation skills or do a deep dive into this creative field, then a more structured class or course could be the better choice. Experienced instructors, a high-quality curriculum, and a more traditional learning environment will help you to become an Adobe expert in record time. Whether you enroll in an on-demand or live online course, both options offer a breadth of knowledge that you won’t be able to access through free resources.

What Should I Learn Alongside Adobe?

Because Adobe is an industry-standard creative software, employers will look for applicants proficient in its multiple applications. Many companies, however, will also use other programs to build upon Adobe projects or promote collaboration with colleagues who may be familiar with less complex programs. So, Once you are comfortable with Adobe, consider learning Figma, Sketch, JavaScript, or Cinema 4D, depending on the industry you want to enter. You could also look into design theory, HTML/CSS, and project management to help you decide what skills you want to tackle next.

Industries that Use Adobe

Known as “Steel City”, Pittsburgh is becoming equally well known as an ideal location for working as an Adobe expert. Several industries are thriving in the region, each of which will have a need for investment experts for a variety of roles.

Advanced Manufacturing

Top manufacturing companies in Pennsylvania are based in the Pittsburgh area, including Coherent, Eos Energy Enterprises, U.S. Steel and Wabtec. Additionally, the industry’s expertise in advanced materials, engineering, smart factories and R&D has made Pittsburgh a future-focused laboratory for industries like next-generation metals, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, coatings and chemicals. The U.S. Economic Development Administration even awarded the region a $62.7M federal Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant. As part of that grant, the Pittsburgh region will accelerate the commercialization of robotics technologies in manufacturing and other industries.

Energy

Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania have been energy capitals since the middle of the 19th century when Westinghouse Electric Corporation was founded. Approximately 970 firms employ over 29,000 energy workforce members and generate a whopping $16.2 Billion GRP. The region offers valuable natural gas resources but is now also focused on renewable energy sources, such as hydropower, nuclear energy, geothermal energy and biofuels.

Life Sciences and Healthcare

Home to two world-class hospital systems, Allegheny Health Network and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), and as one of the region’s largest sectors by employment, Pittsburgh is attractive to top talent and R&D investment dollars.Over 133,000 people are employed across 5,800 establishments, making life sciences one of the region’s largest industries by employment.

Finance and FinTech

At the center of modern banking, Pittsburgh is home to financial service companies like PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., ranked as the sixth-largest retail bank in the United States. There’s also BNY Mellon, which has its largest global workforce stationed in Pittsburgh. All this solidifies our region’s stature as the preferred headquarters for esteemed financial institutions. The city is ranked #1 in FinTech job growth and currently boasts over 61,000 professionals employed in this sector.

Adobe Job Titles and Salaries

Perhaps one of the top reasons to learn Adobe Creative Cloud is its widespread use across industries and job roles. With applications covering a wide array of creative tasks, you’ll find Adobe expertise required by more jobs than you may think. Outlined below are a selection of job titles that commonly require Adobe experience. You can consider any of these roles for your future, or look into the many other positions that commonly use Adobe.

Graphic Designer

As a Graphic Designer, you could work on everything from magazine layouts to graphic illustrations to product packaging. You could also design company logos or branded merchandise. Graphic Designers rely heavily on Adobe’s applications to create fresh, innovative, and easily digestible content. The average salary for a Graphic Designer in Pittsburgh is around $62,000-$85,000 but you can make much more in a senior role.

Digital Marketer

A Digital Marketer is a marketing professional responsible for leveraging digital channels to promote products, services or brands. They often work on a variety of digital tactics, from social media posts and emails, articles and paid ads, even SEO and text messages. It’s their job to connect the target audience with the brand, foster an ongoing relationship, and generate engagement and sales. The Adobe Creative Cloud is used frequently by Digital Marketers to bring their content to life. You can expect to make $60,000-$82,000 in Pittsburgh in this role.

UX/UI Designer

A User Interface (UI) Designer manages how an application or web page looks and feels by using colors, fonts, patterns, textures, icons, and buttons to improve the user’s experience. UX Designers are similar to UI Designers, except they focus on prototyping, user research, and use testing to ensure that digital products offer a seamless user experience. You’ll most likely collaborate with Computer Programmers, Developers, Project Managers, Product Managers, and clients in both of these roles. You can expect to make anywhere from $94,000-$121,000 as a UX or UI Designer in Pittsburgh.

Web Developer

As a Web Developer, your primary role is to create and maintain websites and web applications that are functional, user-friendly, and secure. From planning to coding, testing to debugging, web developers sole focus is to create and maintain functional and engaging websites. A web developer primarily uses Adobe tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe XD to design visual assets for a website, create interactive prototypes, and export design specifications for developers to implement. You can earn around $88,000 as a Web Developer in Pittsburgh.

Adobe Classes Near Me

Intro to Adobe Creative Suite

Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media hosts this beginner-friendly course that gives an introduction to the Adobe Creative Suite, providing an overview of some key software included in membership (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects.) Each week, you’ll gain hands-on practice with the essentials of each tool and learn shortcuts and workflows that overlap (and differ) between each software. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the skills needed to independently expand your ability with each software. As part of enrollment, you will have access to their computers and Adobe programs.

Adobe Dreamweaver Core Skills: Level 1

Offered by ONLC Training Centers, this in-person course is designed for beginners. This program uses the official workbooks from Adobe to help properly prepare you for the Adobe certification exams. You’ll learn to identify Dreamweaver fundamentals, create websites and webpages, insert tables and import content into web pages, create reusable site assets, link webpages, and send the website to the server. Lessons will also include the basics of HTML, the syntax of CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) rules, and how to create, edit, and troubleshoot style sheets.

For students seeking certification, there are Certification Bundles, which include training, practice exams, certification study guides, and test vouchers--everything needed to obtain Adobe certification successfully.

While there aren’t many in-person offerings currently in St. Louis, Noble Desktop offers many live online training options that can help offer you more flexibility without sacrificing course quality. Their courses come with many benefits, like one-on-one mentoring and a free retake, in addition to top-notch curriculum taught by industry experts. A few of their courses are outline below:

Graphic Design Certificate

While not offered in person in Pittsburgh, this in-depth Noble Desktop course still offers face-to-face interaction through its live online format. This three-month part-time (or one-month full-time) training offers hands-on experience in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, three essential programs for Graphic Designers. You’ll learn to edit & retouch photos in Photoshop, create vector graphics in Illustrator, and design page layouts in InDesign. Throughout the course, you’ll create a stunning portfolio to showcase your talent to potential employers or clients.

Tuition for this course includes one-on-one mentoring, setup assistance, and a free retake. Payment plans and other forms of financial assistance are available for those who need it.

Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp

Also held live online through Noble Desktop, this bootcamp course focuses solely on developing your skills within Adobe Photoshop. You’ll master removing unwanted elements from photos, making selections, and saving files for print or web. You’ll also get familiar with the more minute details of the software, like adjusting color and contrast, removing unwanted elements from photos, making selections to work with specific parts of an image, and taking part of one photo and putting it into another. Through project-based training from experts, you’ll walk away from this course confident in your skills and with a portfolio of work in hand.

This course includes a free retake, a proprietary workbook, and a verified digital certificate upon completion. Payment plans and financial assistance are available upon request.

Motion Graphics Certificate

Build your skills in animation, video editing, and special effects, with this certificate course that prepares you for opportunities in the world of motion design and video production. You’ll learn the art of motion graphics and visual effects using Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D Lite.

You’ll practice advanced techniques like greenscreen removal, rotoscoping, and motion tracking with Adobe Effects, learn the fundamentals of video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro, and create 3D models using Cinema 4D Lite. Apply your skills through hands-on projects that mirror industry standards. You’ll also develop a professional demo reel showcasing your work in motion graphics, special effects, and video editing, giving you the tools to impress potential employers or clients with your expertise.

Adobe Corporate Training

If you’re looking to offer in-person or online training to your office or team, Noble Desktop can help. They offer a variety of corporate training programs, including in construction. You can order vouchers in bulk at a discount, choose which courses are available to employees, and even let your employees choose their own schedule. Plus, you can choose to have your training hosted at a location of your choosing, live online, or at Noble Dekstop’s Manhattan office.

With a top-notch customizable curriculum and instructors who are experts in their industries, Noble Desktop’s corporate training is designed to cater to your business or organization’s needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, you can reach out to Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com.

Kelsey Kissner

Kelsey Kissner is a writer for Noble Desktop. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from Ohio State University, a master’s degree in creative writing from London Metropolitan University, and a certification in UX Writing and Content Strategy from the UX Content Collective. Collectively, she has 15 years of experience in publishing and marketing spanning across a variety of industries, including education, fashion and retail, and the nonprofit sector. While working in the publishing industry, she managed the books and materials for construction, architecture, hospitality management, and various trades like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. Kelsey's writing at Noble Desktop also covers a variety of professional training programs and career fields.

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Key Insights

Learn More About Pittsburgh Adobe Courses

What is Adobe?

What Can You Do with Adobe Training?

What Will I Learn in an Adobe Class?

Digital Literacy

Analytical and Research Skills

Software and Applications

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

How Hard is it to Learn Adobe?

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Adobe?

How Long Does it Take to Learn Adobe?

Should I Learn Adobe In Person or Online?

Can I Learn Adobe Free Online?

What Should I Learn Alongside Adobe?

Industries that Use Adobe

Advanced Manufacturing

Energy

Life Sciences and Healthcare

Finance and FinTech

Adobe Job Titles and Salaries

Graphic Designer

Digital Marketer

UX/UI Designer

Web Developer

Adobe Classes Near Me

Intro to Adobe Creative Suite

Adobe Dreamweaver Core Skills: Level 1

Adobe Corporate Training

Pittsburgh Adobe Courses by School

Adobe InDesign Core Skills: Level 1

Adobe InDesign Core Skills: Level 2

Adobe Acrobat DC Introduction

Pittsburgh Adobe Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Adobe Training Locations in or Near Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Careers & Salaries Related to Adobe

Related Classes

Pittsburgh Adobe
Corporate & Onsite Training