Progress from beginner to expert using any of a range of training options to advance your Adobe software skills

Looking to improve on your mastery of Adobe software? You've picked the right time: never before has there been such a wide variety of training options to help you take your skills to the next level.

Today you can choose from a range of traditional self-teaching methods, instructor-led courses and multimedia-based training materials, and then mix and match them however you like.

Obviously, the first step for any user of Adobe software is to investigate the program manuals, supplied as fully bookmarked and searchable PDF documents on the installation discs. Beginners can use the early chapters to grasp the basics, while intermediate users can dip in wherever and whenever they like to obtain detailed instructions on particular program functions.

If this kind of self-taught system works for you, try investing in some product-specific training books. Whether published by Adobe Press or by third parties, these books provide a more hands-on, step-by-step approach than program reference manuals. Better still, you're spoilt for choice – there are literally hundreds of different titles on the market, aimed at all levels, from beginner to expert.

If self-teaching is not your thing, or if you want to accelerate the learning process as much as possible, your best option may well be to attend some training courses, delivered at one of the many Adobe Authorised Training Centres around the country. Nothing will get you up to speed faster than a live training course. Nor are training courses just for people learning a new program: a one or two day advanced course can be enough to transform a competent user into a maestro. Some Training Centres are currently running discounted courses, please scroll down to the bottom of this article for a list of those participating.

In addition to these conventional approaches to training, Adobe and its partners have developed new-age educational options that combine self-teaching and tutor-led methods using multimedia. Third-party training videos are a classic example, letting you pace your own courses by watching CD-based or online-delivered video lessons on your computer. A number of training videos are included in the Adobe Creative Suite 2 box, and you will find plenty more at Adobe's Design Centre website. [www.adobe.com/uk/designcenter]

Adobe has also designed its own self-contained, 'self-paced' training courses that incorporate a combination of step-by-step tutoring, interactive content, hands-on materials and student assessment features. You can sign up for these inexpensive courses individually or as an enterprise, choosing to focus on single products or entire suites, just as you like.

To find out more about all the training options available to you, go to Adobe's training page.

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