Adobe Photoshop CC 2015 Part 1: The Basics

Overview

This practical, exercise-driven overview introduces the core workflows and tools in Adobe Photoshop CC 2015, with a focus on building reproducible, non-destructive editing habits. Written as a hands-on primer for beginners, the guide emphasizes workspace efficiency, essential photo corrections, layer-based editing, and the steps required to prepare images for both web and print. Lessons are organized around simple projects so learners can apply techniques immediately and see how individual tools fit into everyday editing tasks.

What you will learn

Through clear, task-oriented instruction and short projects, the course helps you move from basic corrections to polished outputs. Expect practical guidance on navigating and customizing the Photoshop workspace to match specific tasks, making tonal and color adjustments without damaging originals, and combining retouching with basic compositing for finished pieces. Exporting and delivery topics are presented with real-world considerations—how to choose file formats and color modes that suit web display or print production.

Teaching approach and learning design

The guide favors learning-by-doing: short, focused exercises introduce a tool or concept, followed by mini-projects that reinforce the skill in context. New CC 2015 features are introduced only when they accelerate common workflows. Visual examples and sample files accompany instructions so abstract topics—histograms, color modes, and output sharpening—become concrete steps you can repeat on your own images. The structure is ideal for self-paced learners who want immediate, measurable progress.

Key skills gained

• Workspace fluency: customize panels and tools to speed up recurring tasks and reduce menu searching.
• Non-destructive workflows: use adjustment layers, masks, and smart objects to preserve original pixels and enable flexible revisions.
• Targeted image correction: perform cropping, straightening, tonal adjustments, and selective color fixes with predictable results.
• Exporting and optimization: choose appropriate file types and export settings to balance image quality and delivery constraints for web and print.
• Print preparation fundamentals: set resolution and color modes correctly and apply targeted sharpening before output.
• Basic retouching and compositing: combine simple cloning, healing, and layer compositing to create portfolio-ready pieces.

Who benefits most

This guide is best for absolute beginners, students, and creative professionals seeking a concise refresher on foundational Photoshop workflows. It suits learners who prefer hands-on practice—opening Photoshop and following the exercises step-by-step. The lessons build skills that make later, more advanced tutorials easier to tackle.

How to use the guide effectively

Work through exercises sequentially to develop a logical skill progression. Keep Photoshop open while following examples and use the supplied sample files to replicate each step; then apply the same techniques to your own images. Prioritize mastering layers and masks early—these are the most transferable skills and will make subsequent retouching and compositing safer and faster. Use the mini-projects as short milestones to consolidate learning and produce pieces you can add to a beginner portfolio.

Why this guide helps

Choose this course overview if you want a compact, practice-oriented introduction to Photoshop fundamentals and non-destructive editing. The focus on task-driven lessons, paired with visual examples and export guidance, helps learners produce cleaner edits, prepare files for print or web, and develop habits that support continued learning and more advanced workflows.

Next steps after completing this guide

After mastering the basics here, consider exploring intermediate tutorials on advanced masking techniques, smart object workflows, layer blending modes, and photo compositing. Applying the foundation from this guide to your own projects is the fastest way to retain skills and grow a simple portfolio of edited images and print-ready pieces.