Centre for Continuing Education, the University of Sydney ABN: 15 211 513 464 160 Missenden Rd Newtown, 2042 (02) 7255 1577 info@cce.sydney.edu.au Terms and conditions: cce.sydney.edu.au/legal Date of issue:
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This two-day Adobe Photoshop introductory training course focuses on optimising and creating digital images. You'll learn how to add finishing touches to your photographs to render superb images and use powerful editing techniques to create images for web and graphic design.
Your own Adobe Creative Cloud account is required for this course. You will also need your own device. For further details, see 'Before the course'.
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
recognise and understand fundamental aspects of Photoshop
create your first document
navigate images
understand the concepts of file formats, file size, colour modes and image resizing
make effective selections in an image
work with layers
resize images using a variety of techniques
select, use and work with colour
create and format text layers
draw and format standard and custom shapes
understand the process of saving
retouch and repair artefacts in images
print and understand printing techniques
use the Help menu and access online help resources.
Getting to know the application
Starting from the desktop
The welcome experience
Dark versus light interface
The workspace
Understanding panels
Working with the panel dock
Working with panels and panel groups
Panel techniques
Understanding the tools panel
Working with the tools panel
Resetting the tools panel
Understanding the options bar
Opening an existing file
Your first document
Creating a new document
Customising and saving workspaces
Understanding the rulers and ruler tool
Understanding the preferences dialog box
Saving a document
Navigating images
Understanding the document window
Navigating with the zoom tool
Navigating with the hand tool
Navigating with the navigator panel
Understanding screen modes
Working with tabbed documents
Arranging multiple documents
Working with multiple documents
Digital image basics
Understanding file formats
Understanding image size versus resolution
Understanding file size
Understanding colour mode
Making selections
Using the marquee tools
Understanding the lasso tools
Using the lasso tool
Using the polygonal lasso tool
Using the magnetic lasso tool
Using the quick selection tool
Using the magic wand tool
Growing a selection
Add to or subtract from a selection
Saving a selection
Understanding the refine edge dialog box
Refining hard-edged selections
Redefining soft-edge selections
Selecting with colour range
Moving and copying selections
Working with layers
Understanding layers
Understanding the layers panel
Creating a new layer
Working with layers
Adding images to layers
Working with layers
Working with the background layer
Changing the layer stacking order
Changing layer opacity
Transforming layers
Organising layers into groups
Resizing images
Understanding resizing and resampling
Resizing an image for printing
Using the print dialog box to resize images
Resampling an image for email or web
Guidelines for cropping images
Understanding the crop tool options bar
Cropping images
Cropping images to a preset size
Applying a non-destructive crop
Using the crop tool to add a border
Colour
Understanding colour
colour fundamentals
Understanding the colour panel
Applying colour with the colour panel
Selecting colours using the swatches panel
Selecting colours using the eyedropper
Selecting colours using the hue cube
Identifying a colour using the eyedropper
Using the brush tool to apply colour
Changing brush styles
Creating a custom brush
Using the mixer brush
Working with text
Understanding vector-based text
Adding point text
Changing text size
Changing text colour
Changing the font family
Installing typekit fonts
Editing text
Creating a custom path frame
Adding text inside a custom path frame
Filling text with an image
Creating and applying paragraph styles
Creating and applying character styles
Creating a watermark
Shapes
Drawing a standard shape
Drawing a custom shape
Arranging shapes
Drawing a straight line
Selecting and editing shape layers
Understanding guides
Understanding smart guides
Using smart guides to position shapes
Retouching and repairing
Understanding the retouch and repair tools
Removing blemishes
Reducing wrinkles
Removing stray hairs
Whitening teeth
Intensifying eye colour
Removing red eye
Sculpting with liquify
Removing unwanted objects and wires
Moving objects using content-aware
Using the clone stamp tool
Saving
Understanding saving
Saving layered files
Saving PSD images in another format
Understanding the save for web dialog box
Optimising photos for the web – Part 1
Printing
Printing single images
Understanding the print dialog box
Using the print dialog box
Understanding printing marks
Getting help
Understanding the help menu
Investigating new features
Using online help
Searching for online help
Accessing online tutorials
Suitable for beginners wanting to learn the basics of digital imaging and apply these skills to areas such as photography, graphic design and web design.
This introductory course assumes little or no knowledge of the software.
Delivery modes
Face-to-face, presenter-taught training using your own device
Online training via the platform Zoom
Face-to-face classes
These classes run in a classroom and you will need to bring your own device with Adobe Photoshop installed. You should ensure it is fully charged as access to power is limited. Please note that the University does not carry any responsibility for your lost, stolen, or damaged devices whilst on the University premises.
Online classes
You will need your own device with Adobe Photoshop installed. We also recommend using a computer with a larger screen, or two screens/devices. A small laptop screen provides limited space, and it can be difficult to manage following the facilitator’s screen and using your own software.
Course materials are provided electronically using Dropbox.
Before the course
You will need an Adobe Creative Cloud account to participate. If you do not have an existing account, you can purchase an Adobe Creative Cloud account here. Please bring your account login details with you to class.
Recommended operating system: Windows or Mac
Recommended software for PC: latest version of Adobe Photoshop
Recommended software for Mac OS: latest version of Adobe Photoshop
Download the BETA version through your Creative Cloud to access the AI features
Master the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop, from image editing to working with layers, text, and selections. This two-day course is perfect for beginners looking to enhance photos, create graphics, and prepare images for print or web.
Xavier Beau-Davis has extensive qualifications and experience in design and graphic arts, including a Bachelor of Design and a Diploma in Graphic Arts. He also successfully runs his own company specialising in creating websites.
Xavier has operational experience in a myriad of industry sectors such as Financial Services, Insurance, Education, Information Technology, Local Government, State Government, Commonwealth Government, Not-For-Profit, Banking, Entertainment and the Media.
Xavier has been a computer trainer and teacher for many years in both corporate and educational environments and holds a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment. He has experience consulting or delivering training in all the aforementioned industry sectors.
Xavier believes that computers are just a tool to let people create their own designs and he enjoys providing learners with some simple techniques so that everyone can achieve this goal.
Antony is an Adobe and Apple certified instructor with over 15 years of experience teaching design software. He began his training career at Adobe in London, delivering courses in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Adobe XD and Captivate. He has trained with leading London-based training providers and worked in the film and television industry in Soho.
Antony is deeply committed to sharing his expertise and takes pride in the positive impact his training has on his clients.
He has delivered training for a wide range of organisations, including Microsoft, Yahoo, Westpac, the Australian Federal Police, the London 2012 Olympics, and many others.
Antony is an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop CC, After Effects CS5, Premiere Pro CC and Audition, and holds Adobe Certified Instructor status in Photoshop CC, After Effects CS5, and Premiere Pro CC. He is also Apple certified in Final Cut Pro X and Final Cut Pro 7.
In addition, Antony holds multiple Canva certifications, including Canva Essentials, Canva for Work, Canva AI in the Classroom, Canva Teacher Essentials, Marketing with Canva and Canva Graphic Design Essentials.
Take your Photoshop skills to the next level with advanced editing techniques, layer effects, smart objects, and colour corrections. Learn to work with 3D tools and digital assets, perfect for anyone looking to refine their digital imaging skills.
Learn Adobe Illustrator basics, from creating custom paths and shapes to working with layers, colour, and gradients. This two-day course covers everything needed to design logos, branding, and graphics. Ideal for beginners in vector design.
Learn Adobe InDesign basics to create layouts for print and digital publishing. This two-day course covers essential tools for working with text, images, colours, and exporting projects. Perfect for beginners in graphic design and layout creation.
Enhance your Adobe InDesign skills with advanced techniques for professional layouts. This course covers styles, tables, long documents, e-publications, and collaboration tools, helping you create sophisticated layouts.
Learn Adobe After Effects fundamentals, including motion graphics and visual effects. This two-day course covers tools, animations, effects, motion tracking, colour correction, and 3D layers. Great for those new to motion graphics.
Learn essential video editing techniques in this two-day Adobe Premiere Pro course. Master tools like effects, transitions, keyframes, and more. Create professional video projects with hands-on practice, colour correction, and multi-camera editing.
Explore Adobe Express for creating eye-catching social media graphics, videos, and websites. Perfect for beginners, this hands-on course covers templates, photo editing, and AI tools for impressive designs. Ideal for both personal and business use.
Learn to design professional-quality graphics, presentations, and social media content using intuitive tools and templates. Perfect for beginners looking to create stunning visuals with ease.
I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I had never used the Photoshop software before but our teacher could accommodate my learning needs as a beginner as well as others who were more advanced.
Ngaire Watson
Diana Ortiz
The course was very well organised and run, and the facilitator was definitely an expert on the program. It was a very positive experience and I look forward to partaking in more courses run by the Centre for Continuing Education.
Alexandra Ryan
John Nowakowski
Shweta Doke
Robert Ekins
Evan Christie
Niall Chang
Louisa Stylian
Camilo Bustamante
Valerye Thomson
Mike Karle
Liz Keane
Sharon Lee
Eva Trifonas
Leila Dawson
Corinne Avery
Robert Garner
Hannely Micu
Erin Ogilvie
Cara Christofi
Rochelle Whatman
Cristina Kennett
Christopher Ringland
Alissar Wannouss
Lesley Thompson
Gabrielle Bauer
Michael Kicielinski
Katrina McDonnell
Megan Diallo
Kay Harris
Macy Lee
Susanne Richter
Madeleine Fabian
Matthew Chan
Ian Ruddiman
Patricia Curotta
Jenna d'Hotman
Gillian Nalletamby
Paula Newbery
Bradley Wood
Kirsty Jones
Barbara Eden
Marie Tritsaris
Khyati Pal
David Toose
Megan Diallo
Carla Croce
Carmel Boyle
Laura Brew
Briannon Morris
Sara Bedford
Mark Farthing
Julie Wright
Richard Woolnough
Anthony Willoughby
Brett Munro
Hayley Schultz
Nicola Sutton
Julia Davis
Jennifer Hoddinett
Julie Wright
Bridget Shipstone
Barbara Di Giulio
Stephen Edwards
Marius Luppino
Malcolm Parsons
Karina Guerra
Anne Barnes
Felicity Allen
Kristal Rix
Jane Cecilia
Naomi Warth
Amanda Penninkilampi
The tutor was very knowledgeable and also very approachable. He gave a very good insight into the basics of Photoshop, and made it possible to see how the program could be used in my work setting.
Angela Mills
Lynn Wiezel
Paula Perugini
Ilona Sheridan
Erin Kiworra
Jenni Ellard
Tony Leeson
Wui-Ken Yap
Kezia Jayona
Mustapha Malas
The course was very good, well-structured and clear with lots of opportunities for us to practice the skills we were learning. The teacher is a knowledgeable and capable instructor and helped us individually as required, though the group made many demands on him. Everything was very well explained.
Catherine Brophy
Great tutor - patient when dealing with students with varying capacity to pick up the training content... and very knowledgeable of subject matter. Would definitely recommend this course to others.
Suzanne Granger
Wendy Langley
Natalie Woodbridge
The content and material provided in class was thorough and very helpful. Sure beats struggling to figure everything by oneself. I'm a lot more confident at working with Photoshop than any other workshop I've attended. The hands-on nature of the course, I believe, is the best and most efficient way to learn. The instructor was helpful, patient and approachable and I look forward to doing the extended course soon.
Karen Mazur
Annabelle Sims
Beth Robinson
Tonile Wortley
The tutor is an experienced, patient and knowledgeable instructor. The classes were well paced and delivered exactly what was promised.
Min Kumar
Liana Piccoli
The class content was great. What amazing teachers you have for these courses. Super happy with the course.
Caroline Thorburn
Vanessa Dawson
Karolina Marks
The tutor knew the Photoshop software in very fine detail and took time to pay attention to everyone's needs, and was flexible as well. Showed us some very handy tricks and tips. The teaching materials were well prepared. The tutor was also very welcoming and pleasant, good humoured, very affable, and kept the class attention focused on the program, and at the same time made the program very enjoyable and productive. I am looking forward to attending Level 2.
Mike Ellis
Fantastic teacher who was extremely helpful and had a lot of patience. The pace in the class was good, not too fast or slow. A good overview of what Photoshop can provide. It was great to learn what all the tools did! I'm looking forward to using the new skills I've learnt... fingers crossed!
Lizzie Griggs
Jeff Stien
A well presented, engaging and supportive program. It was also well structured and paced in its content. The tutor was professional and great, ensuring all participants were confident and able to keep up, irrespective of prior experience/ability and confidence. I would happily attend another of these programs. The support materials and handouts are great. The facilities and catering arrangements could not be faulted.
Simon Elsy
Shaun Summers
The Photoshop 1 course introduces you to using Photoshop with a level of efficiency. It's not going to teach you how to create a spectacular piece of design but will introduce you to all the tools to do it.
John Mannix
The lecturer was very approachable and friendly. The venue was great and the location and Sunday classes were so convenient.
Nadine Tufrey
AMANDA SABA
Sally Ryan
Adelle Rodrigues
Alice Vuong
Josh Edwards
Shaun Pattinson
George Ghazal
Mariko Manning
Esther Segado Torres
Gina Castrillon
Eliza Doneva
Deborah Shaw
Hayley Wheatley
Arturo Rayas
Aimee Huxley
Max Landrak
Jennifer Craig
Lani de Beer
Sophie Finn
Katerina Dominguez
Leanne von Stolzenheim
Jennifer Olmi
Paul Tierney
I went from having near no knowledge of Photoshop to feeling comfortable enough to teach it myself! This course was great!
Anthony Porra
Craig Howard
Caitlin Golowiecki
Adela Vukovic
Erin Bonvino
Libby Stavrinos
Emma Hindmarsh
Deborah Shaw
Todd Wheeler
Belinda-Jayne Davis
Lauren Nolan
Lauren Thomas
Roula Black
Samantha Whyte
Adam Wasiel
Hannah Nasari
Christelle Crawshaw
Claire Fromm
The course was excellent. So much great content covered efficiently and succinctly. Cant wait to do the next course!
Louise James
Nick Kiossoglou
Arthur Fischer
Sokha Sao
Jaden Dowd
Semra Akcal
Joan Clement
Nina Torrisi
Nicola Seargent
Alessandra Ciampi
Danielle Rees
Ruth Berger
Charlotte Moore
Janina Juhas
The tutor was not only exceptionally knowledgeable but extremely engaging, patient and talented as well. I took far more away from this course than I have from hours of online tutorials.
Kellie Mar
The tutor was highly skilled, engaging and helpful. This course has equipped me with adequate skills of Photoshop that now I feel confident using them in a professional setting. Highly recommend!
Jessica Young
Nicola Redase
lara clemente
Kristina Galletta
Lauren Cooper
Carrol Yu
James Park
Sarah Brand
Louise James
Teacher fantastic. Very patient for the slow ones like myself. A big thank you for the time and energy.
Eulalie Moore
Kasey Drayton
Shiela Calaunan
Noursin Malki
We had an exceptional teacher who explained concepts clearly, demonstrated the techniques for us all to see, then went around the room to each student in turn, to ensure that they understood what to do. The tutor was particularly patient and supportive to those (like me) who were less experienced.
Phil Waite
Meg Gordon
Mahnum Tariq
Michelle Zhou
Victoria Celestini
Nukte Ogun
Antonia Johnson
Sarah Elliott
Demeter Scanlon
Nikki Esfahani
Alisa Knapman
George Pegios
Elena Biancardi
Nicola Vollmer
Susan Astor-Smith
Chris Wood
Amanda Burgess
The course was really enjoyable and informative. We were fortunate to have a small group, so learning was accelerated. I look forward to putting my learning into practice and enrolling in future courses.
Mellisa Gillies
Valerie Bickell
Michael Gunawan
Amanda de Zapirain
A very useful and well laid out course. I came to the course self-taught and just wanted some kind of official training to fill in the gaps. It was perfect for that. I will definitely be doing the Level 2 course.
Holly Thompson
The course was well presented, and the tutor patient and good humoured.
Brendan Smith
Mandi Bateson
Elisha Long
Jenny Relph
The tutor was experienced and patient and the course was clear, well structured and easy to follow. I definitely will continue taking other courses.
Denise Marinkovic
The tutor was extremely knowledgeable and friendly and knew Photoshop inside out. The quality of teaching received was very high.
Maeve King-Devery
Jan Aguilar
Kylie McQueen
Janis Lander
Janina Key
One of the best tutors I've had - patient and very approachable. I can't wait to practise my new skills!
Olga Cahill
Raelene Chatten
Jennifer Hsu
The tutor was wonderful. I had a very enjoyable experience and will be back for more courses.
Megan Reibel
Siobhan Spratt
Michelle St Anne
Paolo Polimeni
I am no longer scared of Photoshop!
Neill Roberts
Natalie Freeland
John Trajkovski
Kevin Mac
Catrin Shaw
An Nguyen
The tutor was a great course facilitator. Their instructions were clear and direct, making it very easy to follow the course and understand taught skills and concepts. I have taken away a lot more than I could have hoped for from this course.
Lauren Cusack
Victoria Louise York
Da Yu
Slavka Borovina
The tutor was knowledgeable and encouraging, patient and great at helping and delivering the course. Lots of useful tips on how to better utilise the program. Thank you
Michelle Willoughby
Xavier was an excellent tutor. Patient with all students, it was great having the smaller class as he was able to give everyone individual time. Class exercises were fun. Thank you for providing a delicious lunch and excellent venue. I will be coming back for more classes with Xavier
Caroline Scambary
John Nguyen
Lena Gerasimon
Isabella Adelson
Berniece Palaci
Michelle Grasso
Michelle Novoselov
Vanessa Cremona
Darren Vaughan
Meagan Vella
Jody Redfern
Mathew Sloane
Sheri Allard
Stephanie Cecil
Erica Frankln
Aylwin Chan
Charlotte Johnson
Erwin Atmadjaja
Patricia Mulhall
Kimberley Jordan
Anthony Palmer
Tijana Miljovska
Fei Gao
Prudence Royle
Emma Andrews
Kesia Walsh
Caitlyn Douglas
Will Willitts
Jacquii McLeay
Laurice Gea Gea
Candace Scanlan
Jye Campbell
Renee Jaeger
Kathryn Placencia
I really enjoyed my course; Antony was a great facilitator and very knowledgable. I have learnt lots of tips and tricks that will improve my work.
Kirsten Taylor
Diana Khezeqia
Graham Evans
Aimee French
Emanuelle Karamanolis
Alessia Jeffery
Lorna Warren
Mark Stewart
Natalie Scott
Anthony Paleoudis
Kathy Walsh
Alex Eddey
Alana Gogic
Haseena Yaseen
Julie Kirk
Eryn Gibson
Susan Yang
Oonagh Chan
Debera Seymour
Taylah McNamara
Stephanie Hollands
Jennifer Semple
Rosalin Kuriype
Paul Bentley
Sirena Azzi
Michelle Wilson
Joanne Buckley
Neil Warner
Ashleigh Rothel
Ciahn Pertzel
Krystal Prasad
Luke Baweja
Mariel McClorey
Sarah Rosario
Killara Ulm
I learnt skills I will be able to apply immediately in my work role. Good take-away reference materials. Lots of practice in class with our trainer coming around individually to check in and help.
Sandra A Griffith
Mark Anton
Manoli Luxford
Anthony Becker
Everything was explained so well and in great detail. It moved at a good pace and I didn't feel rushed. The tutor was reassuring to those who struggled and showed great patience. I left the course feeling confident in using & understanding Photoshop.