I want to stay on web design track and don't have Photoshop. How do I move on to unlock the next course?

If you still need a good vector graphics program, you could try Inkscape and see if you like it, it's free. Definitely not as powerful as Illustrator, but maybe worth a try.

One option could be picking up a copy of CS6. Since you're a student, you should be able to get the Educational discount, which makes it way more affordable. Still not exactly cheap- think it was around $500? or maybe $600- but totally worth it. Plus, since it's the actual programs, you don't have to worry about a subscription fee (which I'm not a fan of, truth be told. I like owning the things I'm using so I don't have to worry about it suddenly disappearing- & very not a fan of drm. But then, I'm one of those weirdos that buys real CDs, too). I'm not sure how how you'd go about verifying your student status through Treehouse as I bought my copy at my university bookstore when I was still in grad school, but I'm sure there's a way. There are a couple different version of CS6, too- a more basic one with just the graphic design programs- which is cheaper, a web version with the graphic design programs & the web-oriented design programs like Dreamweaver (which is the version I have), & the Everything-but-the-Kitchen-Sink version which has the design & web along with animation & film editing programs, which I'm not even remotely familiar with & was still massively expensive even with the discount.

Herb, basically you just watch the videos take notes and do the code challenges. It's good to have a copy of photoshop to follow along and practice with, but not necessary to get through the challenges.

Erik. I wouldn't have known where to start, there are a ton of editors out there. I think you just saved me a lot of headaches. I will try them both. I definitely like the prices of each product over Photoshop. Thanks for the great advice.

Not necessary. I actually had started out with Photoshop CC and stopped just before my first paid month was up because I didn't like the subscription terms. Truthfully if you've got a graphics program you like (Paintshop Pro, CorelDraw, Gimp, etc) you can just use that. Never let lack of tools stop your creativity. :) Keep going, Keep Playing!

Thank you Robyn and Erik for your responses. Erik, first off, I will NEVER stop!! I love doing this. Second, which program do you think is best for web application? I have used photo editors before but not to the extent I will be in the near future.

Thanks again.

I'm not sure if you can unlock the course, what you would have to do is go to the course through the Library section since it's locked through Tracks.

Herb Bresnan Hi there Herb! I'm a designer and I would suggest you take a look at Illustrator (also from adobe). The difference from photoshop is that photoshop should be mainly used for post-production and it works (mainly) with pixels. This means that if you have an image and you scale it up, it will stretch the pixels and you'll lose quality.

Illustrator, however, is a software that works with vectors (a mathematical line), and you can scale it as much as you want and you'll never lose any quality!! :) The cool thing about illustrator is that the UI is very similar to photoshop! :)

Good luck!

Hi Paula, Thank you for your response. My main concern at this point is cost. I understand you get what you pay for, but none the less... I am looking for a less expensive alternative to the adobe software. I am open for suggestions since you have experience with this.

Regards, Herb

Truthfully, it is the person, not his or her tools. If you find that Adobe works for you and you're ok with how they rent you your software (and their terms, for me if I'd had to cancel they'd have dinged me half a year's worth of fees, just for cancelling early), do that. Best alternative to my mind for what you seek is Corel. All the tools, less cost and very solid training videos included with the software. My thinking too is, just because it's not Adobe, doesn't make you any less of a professional. Elitism sucks. :) I use what works for me and my workflow. Nice thing is you've got a ton of choice.

I understand what you are saying. I tried an open source program called GIMP. Did NOT like it. For now (just for the sake of taking the Illustrator course), I downloaded the 30 day trial. This will give me some time to find the alternative I am looking for. I do, however, need the basic foundation and practical application in illustration using layers, vectors, etc..

Thank you all for your input, it truly appreciated.

Agree with you on Gimp...didn't like it at all.

Well with new programs coming out, you should try Affinity Designer or Affinity Photo. Affinity Designer is a new alternative for Illustrator AND Photoshop, it could be a alternative to Sketch too (prototyping tool). Affinity Photo if you need photo editing.