The Adobe Creative Cloud includes Adobe Illustrator, the most popular vector graphics program available today. You can draw directly into the program using a vector program like Illustrator or various tools to create the image. An image's sequence will include each step. Using vector images for animations and computer-aided design (CAD) is possible. Additionally, vector images can be useful when developing apps and websites since they don't become distorted when viewed on different devices and screens.
Using Illustrator, creative professionals can build unique logos and illustrations that won't warp under various circumstances. Illustrator is a user-friendly tool for new creative professionals.
Depending on your area, you may have various training options. Both in-person and live online training provides students with a fully interactive class to get the most out of their training.
The 20 Best Illustrator Classes
- Manhattan Edit Workshop—Adobe Illustrator Level 1 (in-person and online)
- Noble Desktop—Illustrator Bootcamp (in-person and online)
- Los Angeles City College—Adobe Illustrator Training for Everyone (in-person)
- Training Connection—Illustrator Fundamentals (in-person)
- Computer Training Source—Illustrator Part 1 (in-person)
- Ascend Training—Illustrator Level 1 (in-person and online)
- Borough of Manhattan Community College—Graphic Design Bootcamp (in-person and online)
- Lumenbrite Training—Illustrator Training: Bootcamp (online)
- General Assembly—Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp (online)
- Business Computer Skills—Illustrator CC (in-person and online)
- Houston Center for Photography—Designing for Social Media (in-person and online)
- Ledet Training—Illustrator 101 (online)
- Academy X—Illustrator Fundamentals (in-person and online)
- The Knowledge Academy—Illustrator Intermediate (online)
- Colorado Free University—Explore Adobe Illustrator (in-person)
- Computer Training Source—Illustrator Part 2 (in-person)
- Ascend Training—Adobe Design Basics (online)
- Training Connection—Illustrator Quickstart (in-person)
- Noble Desktop—Graphic Design Certificate (in-person and online)
- General Assembly—Adobe Creative Cloud Crash Course (online)
#1:Manhattan Edit Workshop—Adobe Illustrator Level 1 (in-person and Online)
 In this three-day course, students will acquire the core skills they need to make the most of this extremely powerful application. Students will begin drawing with variable-width strokes and new brushes. In this course, students will work with new features within the Adobe interface. Students will work through various projects like postcards and posters.
Once students work through the various tools, they explore moving projects between the Adobe programs. This course is designed to quickly move students from beginner to advanced skill levels.Â
Key Information
The course spans three days for full-time enrollment. The course covers 24 hours of course material. Currently, there are no part-time enrollment options.Â
The course costs $1,295 due on the first day of class. Manhattan Edit Workshop does not offer Financial assistance. However, they do offer educational organization discounts.
Manhattan Edit Workshop recommends students have a basic understanding of Photoshop before taking this course; however, it is not required to succeed.
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Manhattan Edit Workshop offers a few benefits for students who enroll in their courses. These benefits include:
- Access to special events throughout the year
Of course, when looking into any school, it is important to consider what former students say about the class and the school. Some students mention that while they cover the basics, they can already use the program for practical uses. Several other students mentioned how great and knowledgeable the instructors were. Choosing a class with knowledgeable instructors is always important to ensure you get the most out of the course.Â
#2: Noble Desktop—Illustrator Bootcamp (in-person and Online)
Noble Desktop offers various courses that cover Illustrator. During this Illustrator bootcamp, students will cover the fundamentals of the vector program. Students will explore the creation of several types of graphics, including logos, icons, patterns, packaging, and typography. They will also spend time with the pen tool, the program's main tool, by utilizing the tracing templates until they become comfortable with it. While spending time with the pen tool, they will also learn shapes, brushes, and paint tools to create various graphics. Students will explore various real-world projects, including creating patterns, using graphic and fashion designs, and making graphics for packaging. Throughout the course, they will create numerous graphics that they can put in their portfolio to send to future employers. They will also learn to save files for web or print purposes.
Key Information
This course can be taken part-time or full-time; the 18-hour course can be taken over three days for seven hours daily. Or on Mondays and Wednesdays for three hours over six days. There are options to fit every schedule.
The cost of the course is $975 and is due before the start of the course. You can learn additional skills to benefit your career while taking the course with other longer certificate courses.
This course is open to beginners and does not require any prior information before signing up. As with most courses, you should have some basic computer skills.
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Enrolling in this course gives you quite a few extra benefits.Â
- Students receive a digital certificate of completion which can help improve any creative resume.
- Students can retake the course for free up to one year after completion.
- During the course, students receive a proprietary workbook they will use throughout the course.Â
- Classes are recorded; students can access those recordings if they need to review information or miss part of the class.
Former students can tell you quite a bit about a course. A student previously enrolled in this course commented that they "learned a lot from the professor and got to experience great work by my classmates". Several other students mentioned that they are no longer afraid of Illustrator because of the hands-on training the course provides.
#3: Los Angeles City College—Adobe Illustrator Training for Everyone (in-person)
In this short introductory course, students will learn how to create graphics that can be easily resized without losing quality. They will learn basic tools and fundamentals, including features for creating distinct designs, painterly/fluid brushes, shape-building tools, and path controls. Students will work with transparency levels and gradients. Throughout the course, students will work through various projects.Â
Key Information
The course spans two days of 3-hour classes. These classes typically meet in the evening.
The cost of the course is $99, due at sign-up. Currently, there is no financial assistance available.
Beginner-level courses do not require prior knowledge.
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Los Angeles City College has a few benefits for its students.
- Access to the computer labs
- Flexible offerings
Former students of this course mention that the course is "easy to follow along" with "easy means of practicing the skills learned independently". When looking for a beginner-level course, you want one that will make it easy to understand and begin working independently.Â
#4: Training Connection—Illustrator Fundamentals (in-person)
As part of this 3-day class, students will learn Adobe Illustrator through real-world projects. Instructors will guide them through each project step-by-step, who will help them master each tool and teach the correct workflow and shortcuts for faster work. The class takes students through beginner practices to more intermediate-level tasks.
Key Information
The course spans three days. The course is full-time with no part-time options available.
The course costs $1,195 before class starts. They do offer bundles for discounted prices. You can take three courses for the price of two. This can be a great option to learn more than one Adobe product.Â
This is a beginner-level course, and no prior knowledge is required.
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Training Connection offers various benefits for its students, including:
- Free retake within six months of the original completion
- Walk away guarantee get your money back if you decide after the first day it is not for you
- Certificate of completion
- The training manual provided for you
- Authorized training center for Adobe
Former students of this course mentioned that the projects in the course were fun to complete. Most students appreciate the small class sizes of the courses offered.Â
#5: Computer Training Source—Illustrator Part 1 (in-person)
This introductory course teaches students to draw shapes, manipulate paths, and use color. Students will dive into topics like typography, layers, and object stacking order. While they will begin by learning their way around the program, they will have completed several projects by the end of the course. Finally, they will learn how to optimize their content for print, web, and PDF publishing.Â
Key Information
 The course meets for one day. The class session is six hours long. There are currently no other enrollment options available for this course.Â
 It costs $649 and is due before class starts. Students can enroll in combo programs for 15% off of each level. They do offer coupons for businesses wanting to enroll multiple students.Â
There are no prerequisites for this course. You should have Illustrator installed on your computer before the class begins.Â
More Details
Computer Training course offers a few benefits to their students.
- Small class sizes
- Authorized Adobe testing center
Students who previously attended Computer Training sources mentioned that the courses are informative. Others have stated that the course allows them to grasp the symbols but will need more practice. This can be important to note that you will want to spend more time with the material once the course is over.
#6: Ascend Training—Illustrator Level 1 (in-person and Online)
Students can learn how to make high-quality logos, icons, infographics, and more with the help of the top professionals in this Illustrator course. Create and format a wide range of objects, shapes, and text. They will learn to apply patterns and gradients and Adobe Color to create cohesive color schemes. Students will also learn how to combine images, apply special effects, and create powerful imagery that can be incorporated into any graphic design project.
Key Information
The course meets over three days and each class lasts 6 hours. No part-time enrollment is available at the moment.
The course costs $999 and is due before the class starts.
Only strong computer skills are recommended for this course.
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When looking into a school, it is important to note what former students have said about it. One student mentioned that the classes were "informative and helpful"; however, they wanted more projects to receive feedback on. While this may be on a case-by-case basis, it is important to consider as you may not have all the time with the program you would like.Â
#7: Borough of Manhattan Community College—Graphic Design Bootcamp (in-person and Online)
This bootcamp takes students through the main three programs used in graphic design to prepare them to become graphic designers. The course is designed to help build experience by applying industry standards. Students will spend time working with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign as they learn to incorporate standard workflow projects.Â
Key Information
This course meets on Saturdays for three months.
The course costs $899 with flexible payment plans.Â
There are no prerequisites for this course.
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Students who have previously taken this course mention that the instructor was "very patient, flexible, and extremely competent, " which you should consider as an instructor. Others felt like the instructor was always available when they needed them.Â
#8: Lumenbrite Training—Illustrator Training: Bootcamp (online)
This Illustrator Bootcamp starts students with foundational Concepts as they get more comfortable with the interface before jumping into intermediate Concepts. Students will start by exploring the difference between raster and vector graphics as Illustrator creates vector images. From there, they will work with shape and pen tools as they learn to combine shapes.
They will learn to create custom colors and swatches as they explore more intermediate concepts. They will also begin adding text to their projects. Throughout the course, they will learn to export their projects for print and web.
Key Information
This full-time course takes four days of six-hour classes to complete. You can find courses that work within your time zone. You can contact them to determine if they can accommodate your time frame and learning needs.
The course costs $1595, and the payment is due by the first day of class.Â
In this course, you won't need any previous Illustrator experience. The only knowledge required to succeed in this course is basic computer skills on either Windows or Mac.Â
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Lumenbrite offers its students a couple of benefits when they enroll in the course.
- Students will receive courseware and class projects.
- They will also receive a certificate upon completion.
- Classes are recorded and available for download up to 14 days after the last day of class.
Even though Lumenbrite doesn't offer many additional benefits, its former students still speak highly of the courses. Several students mentioned that the "training was in-depth and hands-on, " perfectly matching their learning style. Other students mentioned that the instructor went in with the right amount of detail without it becoming overwhelming.Â
#9: General Assembly—Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp (online)
In this course, students will bring their creative ideas to life with Illustrator. Throughout the course, they will create digital graphics, logos, illustrations, and original typography. In one day, students will learn Illustrator's fundamental skills to make them proficient in the program. Students will follow step-by-step instructions through various projects that will cover the program's most important tools and concepts.
Key Information
General Assembly offers part-time and full-time enrollment options.
The course costs $250, due at enrollment. Financial assistance is available.
There is no prerequisite for this course.
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Students who previously took this course mentioned that they learned many things throughout the day, making attending it worthwhile. Others mention how the courses are "very organized" with a "sequential order of steps". Courses like this can be helpful to those who are brand new to the program.Â
#10: Business Computer Skills—Illustrator CC (in-person and Online)
In this Graphic Design Bootcamp, students will learn how to use Adobe Creative Cloud and about Adobe Graphic Design applications. This course introduces students to Creative Cloud and teaches them the fundamentals of Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. It will prepare them to take Advanced courses in these three applications.
Key Information
This course lasts five days. There is currently only full-time enrollment for this course.Â
The course costs $1,995. They do offer a scholarship; otherwise, payment is due at enrollment.Â
There are no prerequisites for this course.
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There are several benefits for students who enroll at this school, including:
- Free retake
- Small class sizes
- Training materials
 A student who previously took this course mentioned that they could "cover a lot of information in one day without getting overwhelmed". Having this quality with a beginner-level course can come in handy. It allows the material to stick instead of getting lost with the stress.Â
#11: Houston Center for Photography—Designing for Social Media (in-person and Online)
The best memes, typography, animations, and videos can capture your audience's attention and involvement on social media. Good design is more than just visual. Instagram imposes rules on what you can share. In this course, students will look at design and editing tools such as Photoshop, Lightroom, and Illustrator. They can enhance their workflow by learning to use mobile devices, desktop computers, and social media platforms. Students will leave this workshop with the ability to find the right formatting options for posts and ways to expand an online community.Â
Key Information
Most of the courses offered are part-time evening or weekend meetings. Typically they only hold classes at the beginning part of the year.
This course costs $125, due at enrollment.
No prerequisites are required for this course. Although, being a school that focuses on photography, it would be beneficial to have some photography knowledge.Â
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Students who attended previous workshops at the Houston Center of Photography mention how encouraging and engaging their teachers were. Other students mentioned how the homework assigned was beneficial in applying what was learned in class.Â
#12: Ledet Training—Illustrator 101 (online)
In this introductory Illustrator course, students will learn the basic functions of the interface while exploring the various tools. The instructor will dive into Artboards and Workspaces as students practice using the tool palette.Â
Through the hands-on labs in this course, students will create logos, professional-type effects, complex airbrush effects, and unique designs. In addition to all the foundational Illustrator skills, students will work with Adobe Flash integrations, 3D artwork, and CSS code.Â
Key Information
Students can complete the course over two days of six hours each. No part-time enrollment options are available.Â
 This course cost $899. You can take this course as part of a class bundle for a discounted price. However, the cost is due before the start of class.Â
This course does require a novice understanding of computers and Illustrator. They also recommend installing Illustrator before you start the course to ensure you can jump straight into projects if needed.Â
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Ledet Training offers a few additional benefits for this course, including:
- Workbook students can keep after completing the course.
- One-on-one individual training for courses with less than three people enrolled. This allows for more hands-on interaction with the instructor. The one-on-one training courses increase the price of the course you would be attending. Prices for these individual training sessions range between $1,000 and 1,500 dollars.Â
- Course retake after completion for a $100 rescheduling fee.
Students who previously attended Ledet Training mention "the mere fact you are asked about your interest in what you are looking to get out of the training" to showcase that the trainers care more about your success than meeting quotas. This can be very beneficial if you seek a more tailored education.
#13: Academy X—Illustrator Fundamentals (in-person and Online)
In this Illustrator course, students will spend time mastering the fundamentals of the software to create professional-looking graphics for both print and the web. The course is broken down step-by-step, with students working through easy-to-follow exercises. This course teaches many skills that can apply to other design applications, allowing you to learn the skills necessary to break into graphic design immediately.Â
Key Information
The course spans two days, with each session lasting 6 hours. No part-time enrollment options are available for this short course.Â
The course costs $695, and they offer different types of discounts.
For this fundamentals course, no prior knowledge is required.Â
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Students who attend this school can benefit from the
- Authorized Adobe Training Center
- Private training available
Former students who attended Academy X mention how they learn tips and tricks throughout their course that help them at work and during personal use of the programs.Â
#14: the Knowledge Academy—Illustrator Intermediate (online)
In this masterclass for Illustrator, students will learn to navigate their way through the interface with confidence. They will work through various projects to create professional graphics. They will use tools like the pen tool and airbrush effects to create different effects on their work. Students will work with 3D objects and move between different Adobe programs.Â
Key Information
The course is one day with full-time enrollment.
The course costs $995. They offer daily discount codes, although only limited amounts are given daily.
No prerequisites are required for this course.
More Details
Students of The Knowledge Academy have several benefits.Â
- Access to slides and notes
- Certificate upon completion
- 24/7 support
- Adobe Illustrator masterclass training action plan
Former students mentioned how knowledgeable their instructor was as they explained the concepts clearly. Other students mention how their instructor kept them engaged throughout the entire course.Â
#15: Colorado Free University—Explore Adobe Illustrator (in-person)
Students who enroll in this introductory course spend time learning the basics. They will dive into topics like shapes, color, and gradation to create logos, backgrounds, and textures. As the course progresses throughout the day, students will work through different projects to apply the skills they learned.Â
Key Information
The course meets on one Saturday for 6 hours.
The course costs $164. They do offer a $15 discount with a membership.
A basic understanding of Windows is required for this course.
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Students who previously attended Colorado Free University mentioned how they appreciated the class size and personal attention they had with the instructor. Another student mentioned how their instructor was "patient and thorough, " making the material easy to grasp.Â
#16: Computer Training Source—Illustrator Part 2 (in-person)
This course dives head-first into advanced techniques. Students who enroll in this intermediate Illustrator course will learn advanced path manipulation and appearance controls. Students will work with patterns, symbols, brushes, gradient mesh, and masking techniques. Students will learn about project management and how to identify audiences. They will also learn about copyright rules.Â
Key Information
The course meets for one day. The class session is six hours long. There are currently no other enrollment options available for this course.Â
It costs $649 and is due before class starts. Students can enroll in combo programs for 15% off of each level. They do offer coupons for businesses wanting to enroll multiple students.Â
As an intermediate-level course, it is recommended to have a basic understanding of Illustrator.
More Details
Computer Training course offers a few benefits to their students.
- Small class sizes
- Authorized Adobe testing center
Former students have mentioned that the instructor for this course was great and highly knowledgeable. Other students said they felt comfortable asking questions and interacting with the class. Knowing this can help potential students know how inviting the course will be.Â
#17: Ascend Training—Adobe Design Basics (online)
In this class, students will learn Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to get them started with Adobe Creative Cloud. They will begin with the basics, like understanding which projects should be used with each program. Once students understand Creative Cloud basics, they will jump into each program, learning the fundamentals. Ultimately, students will have a strong understanding of each program and how to transfer projects.
Key Information
The course spans two days. At the moment, there is only full-time enrollment.
The course cost $699.
They recommend strong computer skills to succeed in the course.
More Details
One former student mentioned that the classes were "informative and helpful"; however, they wanted more projects to receive feedback on. While this may be a case-by-case basis, it is important to consider as you may not have all the time with the program you would like.Â
#18: Training Connection—Illustrator Quickstart (in-person)
A beginner's course on Adobe Illustrator will teach students how to use it effectively. They will also learn how to manipulate their images and use the pen tool, create an event poster, prepare their images for web use, and prepare their images for social media. Beginners will be introduced to the program. As they learn the various tools, students will work through projects that will apply their knowledge of those tools.Â
Key Information
The course is one day.
The course costs $495 and is due before the class starts.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
More Details
When looking into a school, you should consider what former students say about the school and the courses they took. Several students mentioned that their instructors were enthusiastic and articulate. Other students mentioned how instructors used life experience to help draw connections to the course material.
#19: Noble Desktop—Graphic Design Certificate (in-person and Online)
Students will learn various skills and programs in this long-form graphic design course. The main programs students will focus on learning are Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Students will learn the fundamentals of design before jumping in and learning the fundamentals of each program. As students work through the course, they will develop a portfolio of projects they can send to future employers.Â
Key Information
Noble offers the course in full-time and part-time enrollment. Full-time meets Monday through Friday for one month. Part-time meets in the evenings or on Sundays for three months.
The course cost $2,995. Noble offers various payment options. You can pay in installments. You can use 12-month financing. The course is also eligible for VA benefits.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
More Details
Noble Desktop offers various benefits for its students.
- Free retakes
- Set up assistance
- One-on-one mentoring
Looking into what former students say about a course is always important. One student mentioned that the instructors were "welcoming, engaging, and made them feel comfortable". Other students mentioned how the instructor was patient with the class and explained each topic until everyone understood.Â
#20: General Assembly—Adobe Creative Cloud Crash Course (online)
In this short course, students will spend their time working with Adobe Creative Cloud. They will become comfortable using Adobe Creative Cloud interface before jumping into the three most popular programs, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Students will work through projects designed for each program.Â
Key Information
General Assembly offers part-time and full-time enrollment options for all available courses.Â
The course costs $375, due at enrollment. They do offer some financial assistance.
No prior knowledge is required for this beginner-level course.
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Students who previously took this course mentioned how well-organized the class was, making it easy to follow along. Other students mentioned the nice small classes and how they made it easy to work together.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Choose an Illustrator Class?
When looking at all the options available for training, you may not know where to begin or how to narrow down the choice. Each course will cover different topics.Â
Firstly you will want to start with type. It is important to know how you want to learn. Consider options in your area if you prefer to learn in a classroom. However, if you want to learn from the comfort of your own home, you have more options available with live online training. Next, you will want to consider your skill level. Illustrator courses are available for a variety of skill levels. If you are new to the program, start with an introductory course. Of course, you may also consider why you want to learn the program. If you have a career in mind, enroll in a course covering Illustrator and the main skills and tools of the profession you want to pursue. Lastly, you want to consider what the course is covering. Not all introductory courses are the same. Not all of them will cover the same topics. Some will begin to cover more intermediate-level topics, while others will stick with the basics
Is It Better to Attend an Illustrator Class In-person or Online?
When deciding between in-person and live online classes, you may wonder what the differences are. While there are a few differences, the biggest difference is where you attend the course. In-person courses meet like traditional classes. You and your peers will be in the same room as your instructor, learning the material simultaneously. Online courses can be taken from the comfort of your home in a virtual classroom or over teleconferencing software.Â
Both options provide students with the highest level of interactivity, making them the best options when looking for any training course. Of course, deciding between the two will come down to personal preference. You will need to consider your learning style when looking into courses. If you have not tried online learning in the past, you may find it difficult to concentrate on the course. However, in-person courses also require a commute and may only be available in some places.Â
What Will I Need for an Illustrator Class?
No matter which way you go, you will need a computer with an internet connection.
Some courses May provide students with a version of Illustrator; however, some will require you to get it yourself. Adobe offers a free trial to new users or a monthly subscription. The free trial should allow students to get through most introductory courses.
You can download Illustrator straight from Adobe. You will install Creative Cloud on your computer and then install Illustrator there. Creative Cloud is free to install, while the programs cost a monthly fee.
Can I Learn Illustrator Online for Free?
You can find various free online resources through YouTube and other online tutorials. Various topics within Adobe's programs are covered in free live streams. The resources listed here can be a great place to begin learning Illustrator. However, these online resources will take a long time to learn all the advanced techniques you would learn in courses. You also risk finding outdated information that will make learning more complicated and frustrating.Â
Whether you need to learn Illustrator for a career change or to upskill at your current job, enrolling in a course will provide you with the in-depth training you need.Â
You can utilize Adobe's free trial to check out Illustrator before committing to any courses. Subscription fees are required to continue using the program.Â
Is It Better to Learn Illustrator in a Live or Self-paced Class?
You may still be wondering which training option is right for you. Each option has its benefits, and its drawbacks. The option that will work best for you depends on your schedule and the interactivity you want.Â
Live online will be more interactive than self-paced, as you will need to show up to each class section. You will meet with fellow students and your instructor in a virtual classroom during the course. This allows you to follow along with instructions in real-time. You can ask questions and receive feedback as issues arise. This option will provide a more traditional classroom vibe to it. You also have the added benefit of completing the course from anywhere. You can attend the course if you have an internet connection.Â
While live online courses have several great benefits, they also have drawbacks. Depending on the school, you may have to take time off from work to attend. Some schools only offer full-time classes, which meet during the week during normal business hours. This can be a struggle if you work full-time and cannot take time off to attend classes. However, you can opt for a school that offers part-time enrollment. The school may offer evening or weekend classes, depending on the course.Â
Self-paced courses offer flexibility. Coursework can be done whenever you have time. This can be especially beneficial if you only have a few minutes daily to work on the course. If you cannot block out long periods to attend a class, self-paced courses may be a great place to start.Â
However, they still have some drawbacks to them. You lose out on the in-real-time interaction. If you have questions, you need to go and find the answer yourself. This can end up being a more time-consuming task. You also run the risk of finding programs that teach outdated information. With Adobe updating its programs constantly, some pre-recorded courses may not be 100% up-to-date with the new versions.