How Difficult is it to Learn Adobe?

The difficulty of learning a new skill varies with each learner. But starting the journey with a positive mindset is vital. Try not to be intimidated by the prospect of learning. The challenges of learning Adobe also vary with knowledge of design principles, experience with the applications or similar ones, and time spent learning. 

Many tools are available to make learning easier regardless of your current schedule or comfort level with Adobe.

What is Adobe?

Adobe Creative Cloud is a computer software application that allows users access to all the different Adobe programs. Creative design and marketing professionals typically use it to create content for print, video, or online distribution. You can find professionals in nearly every industry that uses Adobe Creative Cloud, including advertising, website design, and video editing.

At the center of the creative community, Adobe Creative Cloud connects creativity with collaboration, as the cloud-based systems allow you to share work with fellow creatives and work from anywhere. Adobe’s spectrum of programs allows you to edit photos, create stunning digital designs, build websites, and edit videos. Adobe Creative Cloud stores all your programs under the same roof, allowing you to switch easily between programs as needed. Using Creative Cloud can also introduce you to new programs you have not used before to help upgrade your career. 

Read more about what Adobe is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Adobe?

Adobe Creative Cloud is a one-stop shop for all creative projects, and several applications are industry leaders for creative software. Adobe has over 20 applications, though typically, when referring to Adobe Creative Cloud, people think of the top five most popular; After Effects, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro. However, Adobe Creative Cloud has much more to explore. 

Adobe offers applications to fit every project, from allowing users to view and edit PDF files to designing and publishing web pages. The top five applications allow users to edit photos and videos, create visual effects and motion graphics, and create page layouts, typography, and illustrations. With other programs like Adobe Spark, users can create social media or web content directly from their computer or phone. Dreamweaver allows users to publish web pages with a simplified code engine. Adobe Aero focuses on the world of augmented reality. There are endless possibilities for creating with Adobe Creative Cloud.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Adobe?

Adobe Creative Cloud offers multiple applications to learn and master. But what makes them so challenging to learn? The most common reasons are listed below:

• Steep Learning Curve: Each application uses layers that allow you to create unique projects. But it can take time to train yourself to “see” in layers and adjust to this format if you are unfamiliar with the concept. Adobe applications require time and patience to move around them comfortably, and they are notoriously tricky to master on your own, discouraging many people. 
• Time: The more time you spendlearning Adobe applications, the more successful you will be and the easier it will be to pick up where you left off. If you’re new to the application and can’t commit enough time to learning it, you will spend most of your time relearning techniques you’ve already covered. 
• Knowing where to start: With over 20 applications to choose from, it can be hard to determine a good place to start. Without a clear learning path, you may become overwhelmed. If you only want to learn one application, then the decision is easy. But when you need to learn multiple applications for your career and are not given guidance on where to start, choosing your first application can be challenging.

While these are only a few challenging aspects of learning Adobe, they are significant. However, there are ways to reduce these challenges. Training courses allow you to learn applications promptly with the help of experts and give you the time you need to work with the applications to become comfortable. You might also consider rearranging your schedule, allotting enough learning time each day, and creating clear goals, so you don’t waste time re-learning what you’ve already covered. When deciding where to start, pick the application that seems most appealing or most important for your current job or potential new position. With some extra consideration, you can make a challenging task less stressful.

How Does Learning Adobe Compare to Other Applications?

When pursuing a creative career, you may realize that you will require the use of multiple tools to complete your daily job. Depending on the career you enter, you may encounter non-Adobe software you need to use in conjunction with Adobe apps. These may include UX design software like Sketch, video editing software like Cinema 4D and Final Cut Pro, and graphic design software like Canva. As you are learning Adobe, consider what else you should learn and how the learning process will compare to learning Adobe.

Make Learning Easier

Learning a new skill will be challenging, but try not to let it be too stressful. As you are learning Adobe applications, don’t let frustration discourage you. With patience, you’ll get there. Try to have fun! 

Teaching yourself Adobe can be daunting and challenging, even with all the learning resources available. You can learn the basics with video tutorials or free seminars. But if learning through videos doesn’t work for you, consider taking a course. A more structured format can ease learning and reduce stress. 

The first time you open an Adobe application, you may be intimidated by the interface and all the program’s tools. But you’ll never use all the tools simultaneously; over time, you will learn and become comfortable with each one. As with any skill, the more you practice, the easier it becomes. 

Learn Adobe Despite the Challenges

Adobe applications are the go-to programs for creative projects across industries, and companies actively seek professionals proficient in these applications. So, while learning Adobe can be challenging, especially if you’re learning multiple applications, it is ultimately worth the time and cost.

Adobe once sold its programs on CDs/DVDs at a high cost that businesses would cover for employees, but that left the programs beyond the reach of individual users. But since the company transitioned to a subscription service with various price points, it has become affordable for everyone who wants it. Most people use applications like Photoshop, for example, as a hobby and don’t spend enough time using the program to master it. Facing the learning curve head-on and mastering Adobe applications shows potential employers that you are determined and don’t shy away from challenges. 

Learning one Adobe application also makes eases the burden of learning others as you become familiar with the interface and functionality of Adobe programs. The more applications you can put on your resume, the more creative professional paths you can consider. 

Learn Adobe with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop provides several Adobe Creative Cloud Classes that meet any schedule or learning style. Participants have the option to attend in-person courses at Noble's campus in Manhattan, or they can opt to take courses virtually from anywhere in the world. Each option has students working closely with expert instructors in small groups. Noble also provides a free retake option within one year, allowing students additional time and opportunities to hone their skills without paying for another course. 

Learning Adobe Creative Cloud can be daunting; however, the Intro to Adobe CC Bootcamp is available for students who want to learn only a few applications quickly. This course covers several Adobe applications, introducing students to Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Students use each application to work through real-world exercises and projects. For those with a little more time on their hands who want in-depth training on more programs, the longer Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp devotes more time to work with each application. 

Additional options are available for those looking for more career-oriented learning. The Graphic Design Certificate dives into Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, while covering concepts surrounding the graphic design career. For more training on using Adobe programs to design web or mobile interfaces, there is the UI Design Certificate. As part of this course, you will work closely with Photoshop and Illustrator. In addition to learning the programs for your field of interest, you will develop a portfolio to send to potential employers.