Photoshop Basics: Smart Workflows, Retouching & Masking
Ends soon! Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.
Photoshop Basics: Smart Workflows, Retouching & Masking
This course is part of Mastering Adobe Photoshop 2024 Specialization
Included with
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Master Photoshop's core features to enhance your editing workflow
Learn non-destructive healing and retouching methods for better results
Apply advanced masking techniques for professional photo edits
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
May 2026
3 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 3 modules in this course
This course introduces you to essential Photoshop techniques that will improve your workflow efficiency and enhance your creative output. With a focus on smart workflows, non-destructive retouching, and masking, you’ll learn to make the most of Photoshop’s powerful tools. The course is designed for beginners looking to enhance their editing skills in a practical and efficient way.
You will gain hands-on experience in working smarter with Photoshop’s features, including using non-destructive editing methods for retouching and applying advanced masking techniques. These skills are crucial for achieving professional-level results in photography and design. By the end of the course, you'll be able to handle basic to intermediate Photoshop tasks more effectively and efficiently. What sets this course apart is its practical approach. You’ll not only learn the theory but also apply techniques in real-world scenarios, ensuring that the skills you develop are ready to be used immediately in your projects. The course includes step-by-step instructions, enabling you to progress at your own pace. Whether you're a beginner photographer, graphic designer, or digital artist, this course will provide you with the essential tools to enhance your editing workflow. No prior Photoshop experience is required, but basic computer skills will be helpful. This course is part one of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization.
This module guides learners through advanced Photoshop customization, including optimizing workspaces, adjusting preferences, and understanding essential settings like color management and pixels per inch. Learners will also explore the integration of AI tools such as Adobe Firefly to enhance creative workflows. By the end, you'll be equipped to streamline your editing process and make Photoshop more efficient for your needs.
What's included
1 video7 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
7 readings•Total 37 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Adobe Firefly•5 minutes
- Creating a Bespoke Workspace•6 minutes
- Saving a Custom Workspace•4 minutes
- Modifying Preferences•7 minutes
- Defining Color Settings•6 minutes
- Pixels per Inch (PPI)•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Mastering Photoshop 2024 Tools and Settings•16 minutes
This module explores advanced Photoshop techniques for non-destructive image healing and retouching. Learners will practice using tools like Content-Aware Fill, Clone Stamp, and adjustment layers to remove unwanted elements, retouch portraits, and manipulate color and tone while preserving original image quality.
What's included
1 video8 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
8 readings•Total 43 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Extending the Canvas with Content-Aware Cropping•4 minutes
- Content-aware Scale•6 minutes
- Removing Large Blemishes with Content-Aware Fill•6 minutes
- Removing Unwanted Content with the Clone Stamp Tool•6 minutes
- Portrait Retouching•4 minutes
- Color and Tonal Editing with Adjustment Layers•6 minutes
- Altering the Hue of Multiple Subjects•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Mastering Image Retouching and Cropping•16 minutes
This module introduces a range of Photoshop masking techniques, including layer masks, Blend If, and vector masks, to control the visibility and refinement of image content. Learners will practice non-destructive editing, tackle challenging details like hair, and explore advanced options for precise cutouts. By the end, you'll be able to confidently reveal, conceal, and manipulate image elements using both pixel-based and vector-based approaches.
What's included
1 video6 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 32 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Applying Masks to Adjustment Layers•4 minutes
- Masking with Blend If•5 minutes
- Masking Hair•5 minutes
- Unlinking Images and Masks•5 minutes
- Working with Vector Masks•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Mastering Masking and Cutout Techniques•16 minutes
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Explore more from Design and Product
- Status: Free Trial
- Status: Free Trial
Course
- Status: Free Trial
Specialization
- Status: PreviewL
Logical Operations
Course
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
More questions
Financial aid available,
