Photoshop Learning Path

What You’ll Learn

The Photoshop Learning Path is seven tutorials in the order you actually need them. It starts with the interface and the tools you will use on every image, then spends two full tutorials on the skills that separate beginners from professionals: selections and masking, and a non-destructive workflow you can revise at any point. From there it adds raw processing, cleanup and the AI tools that arrived in the latest versions of Photoshop.

• 1. Learn Photoshop from the ground up The interface, the brush, move, crop and type tools, layers, masks, adjustment layers and blend modes, with real projects instead of tool tours.
• 2. Master the ten essential tools Camera Raw, Blend If, clipping masks, selections, smart objects, AI tools and the rest of the shortlist Aaron uses on almost every edit.
• 3. Select and mask anything Every selection and masking tool in one place, from quick selections to hair, color and brightness-based masks.
• 4. Work non-destructively Layered files, masks, clipping, blend modes, adjustment layers and smart objects tied together, so any edit can be changed later.
• 5. Process raw files in Camera Raw Light, color, color grading, batch syncing, AI noise reduction and object removal before you ever reach a layer.
• 6. Remove anything Distractions removed with AI and with the clone stamp and healing tools, and when to combine the two for a clean result.
• 7. Use the newest AI features The 2026 tools in Photoshop and Lightroom, including Harmonize, Generative Upscale and the new generative models.

Who This Path Is For

Anyone starting Photoshop from scratch, and self-taught users who can get results but not reliably. If you have been working by trial and error, the first two tutorials fill the gaps and the next two change how you build every file.

No experience is assumed. If you already know the basics, start at step three; selections and non-destructive editing are where most people find the biggest jump.

What You Need

• Photoshop A current version. The last tutorial covers features released in 2025 and 2026.
• Sample files Included, so you can follow every step on the same images.
• A mouse or tablet Either works. A tablet helps with masking but is not required.
• Time to practice Each tutorial has exercises; doing them is what makes the tools stick.

Any reasonably recent computer runs Photoshop well; more memory helps once your files have many layers.

How Long It Takes

Seven tutorials and 108 lessons, about 31 hours of video. The Beginner’s Guide is the longest at over thirteen hours. At a few hours a week, plan on six to eight weeks.

You do not need to finish one tutorial before opening the next project. Use what you learn on your own photos as you go; that is where it sticks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PHLEARN PRO membership?

Yes. This is a PRO Learning Path, so all seven tutorials and their sample files are included with a membership.

I have never used Photoshop. Is this the right place to start?

Yes. Step one assumes nothing and the order is built so each tutorial only uses what came before it.

Which version of Photoshop do I need?

A current Creative Cloud version. Most techniques work in older versions too, but the AI tools in the later steps need the latest releases.

Do I have to follow the order?

It is built to be followed in order. If you already know the basics, steps three and four are the best place to jump in.

Should I learn Lightroom first?

No. Start with whichever you will use most. The Lightroom Learning Path pairs well with this one.

Where to Go Next

• Retouching Learning Path Apply these tools to skin, hair, eyes and clothing.
• Coloring Learning Path Go deeper into color grading and building a consistent look.
• AI Photo Editing Learning Path The full set of AI tutorials, beyond the two included here.
• 30 Days of Photoshop A free daily series if you would rather learn in short lessons.
• Photo Editing Essentials Learning Path Practice the everyday fixes: exposure, color, sharpening and cleanup.