Lynda Premiere Pro 2020 Essential Training Better

Premiere Pro is the industry workhorse for video editors, but learning it efficiently depends on the right course. Lynda’s Premiere Pro 2020 Essential Training is a popular starting point — but there are various updated/“better” edits floating around. Which should you take? This post breaks down what each delivers, who benefits most, and how to get the most from either course.

If “better” means most up-to-date and comprehensive in 2026, consider:

For absolute beginners in 2026: The 2020 course is still 85% relevant, but a 2023 or 2025 version is “better” for efficiency.

The 2020 version of the course is comprehensive. It covers everything from ingesting footage to color correction. Trying to memorize it all in one go is overwhelming.

The Better Approach: Use the Ketchup Method:

If you open the 2024 version of Premiere Pro, you are greeted by AI that attempts to color grade for you and sequence suggestions that interrupt your flow. While helpful for speed, these features often act as a crutch for beginners.

The Essential Training (2020) by Lynda (now LinkedIn Learning) forces you to learn the hard way—which is actually the right way. lynda premiere pro 2020 essential training better

The Verdict: Using 2020 for training is like learning to drive on a manual transmission car. Once you master it, driving an automatic (2024 AI features) is trivial.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (for 2026 context)

Premiere Pro 2020 Essential Training is no longer the best way to learn Premiere Pro, but it is arguably the best taught course for the fundamentals. Ashley Kennedy is a master educator. The problem is the software has evolved faster than the curriculum.

My advice: Take this course for Chapters 1–6 (Organization, Editing, Audio). Then, skip the Graphics and Export chapters and watch a free 20-minute YouTube video on "What's New in Premiere Pro 2024/2025."

Think of it as learning to drive on a 2020 Toyota Camry. The steering wheel and pedals are the same as a 2026 Tesla, but don't look for the touchscreen autopilot. It isn't there. But you will still learn how to parallel park like a pro.

Have you taken this course recently? Do you think "Essential Training" courses should be updated yearly? Let me know in the comments. Premiere Pro is the industry workhorse for video

Adobe Premiere Pro remains the industry standard for video editing, but its deep feature set can be intimidating for beginners. For years, the Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning) Essential Training series has been the gold standard for mastering this software. If you are looking to take the Lynda Premiere Pro 2020 Essential Training and want to know how to make the experience even better, this guide covers everything from course optimization to advanced workflow integration.

The 2020 edition of this course, led by veteran editor Ashley Kennedy, is specifically designed to take users from zero to a professional rough cut. However, simply watching the videos isn’t enough to achieve mastery. To truly get the most out of your learning, you need a strategy that moves beyond passive observation. Why the 2020 Essential Training Still Matters

While Adobe updates Premiere Pro annually, the 2020 version introduced several foundational changes that remain relevant today. This version solidified the "Productions" workflow, improved the Essential Graphics panel, and streamlined the Auto Reframe tool. Mastering these specific updates through the Lynda curriculum ensures you understand the core mechanics that modern versions are built upon. How to Make Your Training Experience Better

To turn a standard online course into a high-end educational experience, follow these practical steps:

1. Use the Exercise Files CorrectlyOne of the best features of Lynda training is the inclusion of professional-grade exercise files. To learn better, don’t just watch Ashley perform a cut—pause the video and replicate it exactly. Once you have followed her instructions, try to achieve the same result using a different tool or shortcut. This builds "muscle memory" rather than just "mental memory."

2. Focus on the 'Three-Point Editing' MethodMany beginners skip the section on three-point editing because it feels technical. However, this is the secret to editing speed. Pay extra attention to the chapters on marking In and Out points in the Source Monitor. Mastering this will make your editing process significantly faster than the "drag and drop" method used by amateurs. For absolute beginners in 2026: The 2020 course

3. Optimize Your WorkspaceThe 2020 Essential Training covers workspace layouts. To make your learning better, customize your layout immediately. If you have a dual-monitor setup, move your Project panel and Scopes to the second screen. Creating a comfortable environment reduces friction and allows you to focus on the creative aspects of the software. Key Modules to Prioritize

If you are short on time, focus on these high-impact sections of the course:

Organizing Assets: Learn the difference between bins and search bins. A clean project is a fast project.

The Art of the Cut: Focus on the "Trim" tool (Shortcut: T). It is the most powerful tool in the Premiere Pro arsenal.

Essential Graphics: Stop using the old Legacy Titler. The 2020 training emphasizes the Essential Graphics panel, which is much more versatile for modern social media video.

Audio Fundamentals: Great video with bad audio is unwatchable. Master the Essential Sound panel to automate ducking and noise reduction. Beyond the Course: Leveling Up

Once you complete the Lynda Premiere Pro 2020 Essential Training, the best way to get better is to start a real-world project. Pick a hobby, a family event, or a volunteer project and edit it from start to finish. You will inevitably run into problems not covered in the course—this is where true learning happens.

Additionally, keep a "Shortcut Cheat Sheet" next to your keyboard. The course mentions many, but writing down the ones you use most (like 'C' for Razor, 'V' for Selection, and 'Q/W' for Ripple Trim) will shave hours off your workflow. Audio Mixing and repairing low-quality dialogue? Export Settings for YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok?