How to Use Skillshare for Free: Features, Classes, Benefits and Pricing

Learning something new is much easier when you have the right course and a clear idea of where to begin. If you have been looking for an online platform to learn creative skills, you have probably come across Skillshare.

Skillshare is an online learning platform built around creative and practical skills. You can find classes covering graphic design, illustration, photography, video editing, writing, freelancing, marketing, productivity, animation, and many other subjects.

What makes Skillshare different from some traditional online learning websites is its focus on learning by doing. Classes generally include a project, so you can actually practice what you have learned instead of simply watching hours of videos.

Skillshare uses a membership model, but you can try the platform through an official free trial before deciding whether you want to continue with a paid subscription.

What Is Skillshare?

Skillshare is an online learning community where people can take classes taught by creators, professionals, and experienced teachers.

The platform focuses particularly on creative and entrepreneurial skills. Its current class categories include Art & Illustration, Design, Photography, Film & Video, Writing & Publishing, Marketing & Business, Development, Music & Audio, Productivity, AI & Innovation, and Personal Development. ([Skillshare](https://www.skillshare.com/en/browse))

Rather than following a traditional classroom model, Skillshare lets you learn at your own pace. You can watch lessons when you have time, work on the class project, and share your work with other members.

This makes the platform particularly appealing to people who want to learn a practical skill that they can use in their personal projects, studies, freelance work, or career.

How to Use Skillshare for Free?

If you want to try Skillshare without immediately committing to a paid membership, the official free trial is the easiest option.

1. Visit the official Skillshare website.
2. Create a Skillshare account.
3. Select the available membership and start the free trial.
4. Browse the classes you are interested in.
5. Complete lessons and work on class projects.
6. Cancel before the trial ends if you do not want the membership to continue.

Skillshare currently offers free trials that provide access to its class library before the paid subscription begins. The exact trial length can vary depending on the offer and region. Skillshare's current help documentation explains that payment details may be required and that the subscription automatically starts after the trial unless you cancel beforehand. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/204526768-What-does-Skillshare-cost))

It is worth checking the offer shown on the official signup page because Skillshare sometimes runs different promotions, including longer trial periods. ([Skillshare](https://www.skillshare.com/en/join))

Does Skillshare Have a Completely Free Plan?

This is something that often causes confusion.

Skillshare previously had a free class experience where users could access a limited selection of classes without a membership. However, the company moved away from that model in 2021. Today, students generally need an active free trial or paid membership to access the full Skillshare learning experience. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/4406903370381-Skillshare-Transitioning-Away-From-Offering-a-Free-Class-Experience-August-2021))

So, if you see websites claiming that Skillshare has a permanent free Premium account, be careful. The legitimate way to get full access for free is through an official trial or an authorized promotional offer.

What Can You Learn on Skillshare?

Skillshare is especially strong when it comes to creative and practical subjects.

Some of the popular areas include:

• Graphic design
• Illustration
• Photography
• Video editing
• Animation
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Procreate
• Writing
• Freelancing
• Marketing
• Social media
• Productivity
• Entrepreneurship
• Web development
• AI and innovation
• Music and audio

Skillshare's current class directory includes all of these areas and more, making it useful for both beginners and people who already have some experience. ([Skillshare](https://www.skillshare.com/en/browse))

Main Features of Skillshare

There are several things that make Skillshare different from a simple video-learning website.

1. Thousands of Online Classes

The biggest attraction is the size of the class library.

A Skillshare membership gives you unlimited access to thousands of classes covering creative, business, and practical skills. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/205221237-What-does-a-Skillshare-membership-include))

You can jump between different subjects depending on what you are interested in learning, rather than having to purchase every course individually.

2. Project-Based Learning

This is probably one of Skillshare's most useful features.

Classes include projects that allow you to put the lesson into practice. For example, a graphic design class might ask you to create a poster, while a photography class may involve completing a specific photo assignment.

This approach makes learning feel more practical because you finish with something you have actually created.

Skillshare states that every class includes a project where students can practice what they have learned. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/205221237-What-does-a-Skillshare-membership-include))

3. Learning Paths

If you have ever opened an online learning website and had no idea which course to choose first, Learning Paths can help.

Skillshare's Learning Paths group classes together around a particular skill or learning goal. This gives you a more structured way to progress instead of randomly choosing courses.

4. Community and Feedback

Skillshare isn't entirely about watching videos on your own.

You can share projects in the Project Gallery and receive feedback from teachers and other members. You can also interact with the community, follow creators, and discover what other people are making. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/205221237-What-does-a-Skillshare-membership-include))

For creative subjects, this can be particularly useful because feedback can help you spot things you might not notice yourself.

5. Certificates and Badges

Skillshare provides class certificates and achievement badges to recognize progress.

To receive a class certificate, you need to watch all the lessons in the class and submit a project for that class. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/205221427-Does-Skillshare-provide-certification-upon-completion-of-a-class))

These certificates are useful as proof that you completed a Skillshare class, although they should not be confused with professional certifications issued by universities or industry certification bodies.

6. Offline Learning

You don't have to stay connected to the internet every time you want to learn.

Skillshare members can download classes through the mobile app and watch lessons offline. This is handy if you want to learn while travelling or have limited internet access. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/205221237-What-does-a-Skillshare-membership-include))

7. Mobile App

Skillshare has mobile applications for both iOS and Android.

You can browse classes, manage your learning, watch lessons, and access downloaded content from your mobile device. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/205221127-What-features-are-available-on-the-app))

This makes it possible to learn in short sessions instead of having to sit at a computer for every lesson.

8. Personalized Recommendations

Skillshare can recommend classes based on your interests and the skills you want to explore.

This can be useful when you have finished one class and want to find something related without spending a lot of time searching through the entire library.

9. Skillshare Shop

Skillshare has also expanded beyond its traditional class library with the Skillshare Shop.

The Shop includes 1-on-1 sessions with teachers, digital products, and live creative events. Digital products can include resources such as templates, ebooks, creative tools, and other downloadable material. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/290117009016?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Some Shop offerings can be purchased without an active Skillshare membership.

How Can Skillshare Help Students?

Skillshare can be a useful supplement to traditional education, particularly for students who want to develop practical skills outside their regular syllabus.

For example, a student studying IT might take a class on graphic design, video editing, freelancing, web development, or productivity.

Someone studying business could explore marketing, branding, entrepreneurship, social media, or presentation skills.

The project-based format is also helpful because students can finish classes with something they have actually created.

How Can Skillshare Help Freelancers?

Freelancers need more than technical knowledge. They also need to know how to find clients, present their work, manage projects, and market themselves.

Skillshare has classes covering areas such as freelancing, creative business, marketing, branding, productivity, and portfolio development.

For someone trying to turn a creative skill into an income source, these classes can be more useful than learning the technical skill alone.

How Can Skillshare Help Content Creators?

Content creation involves a lot of different skills.

You might need photography for Instagram, video editing for YouTube, graphic design for thumbnails, copywriting for captions, and marketing to actually get your content in front of people.

Skillshare covers many of these areas, which makes it convenient for creators who want to develop several complementary skills from one platform.

How Can Skillshare Help Designers?

Design is one of the areas where Skillshare really stands out.

You can find classes covering illustration, typography, branding, graphic design, UI design, Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, animation, and other creative tools.

Because many classes include projects, you can use what you learn to build pieces for your portfolio instead of simply collecting completed courses.

Advantages of Skillshare

Large Creative Class Library

Skillshare has thousands of classes, giving members plenty of options when exploring new creative and professional skills.

Learn by Doing

The project-based approach is one of Skillshare's biggest advantages. You don't just watch a lesson and move on; you get an opportunity to apply what you learned.

Learn at Your Own Pace

You can pause lessons, return later, and learn whenever your schedule allows. This makes Skillshare convenient for students and working professionals.

Community Feedback

Sharing projects with other members can give you another perspective on your work and help you improve.

Multiple Skills Under One Subscription

You don't have to purchase every class separately. An active membership gives you access to the full class catalog while your subscription remains active. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/205221237-What-does-a-Skillshare-membership-include))

Good for Creative Careers

Skillshare is particularly useful for people interested in design, photography, illustration, video, writing, freelancing, marketing, and other creative fields.

Disadvantages of Skillshare

Skillshare isn't the perfect learning platform for everyone.

Its biggest strength is also its limitation: the platform is heavily focused on creative and practical skills. If your main goal is highly specialized academic learning, advanced technical certification, or university-level education, another platform may be more suitable.

Another thing to remember is that the quality of online classes can vary. Some teachers may explain a topic exceptionally well, while others may not match your preferred learning style.

Finally, having access to thousands of classes can become overwhelming. It is easy to keep adding courses to your list without actually finishing them.

Skillshare Free Trial vs Paid Membership

Feature	Free Trial	Paid Membership
Access to classes	Full access during trial	Unlimited access
Class projects	Yes	Yes
Community features	Yes	Yes
Certificates	Yes, for completed eligible classes	Yes
Offline viewing	Available during membership/trial	Yes
Mobile app	Yes	Yes
Learning Paths	Available	Available
Access after trial	Ends unless membership continues	Continues while subscription is active

Skillshare's current membership documentation states that subscribers receive unlimited access to thousands of classes, projects, certificates, community features, Learning Paths, personalized recommendations, and offline access. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/205221237-What-does-a-Skillshare-membership-include))

How Much Does Skillshare Cost?

Skillshare pricing depends on your location and the subscription offer available when you sign up.

Unlike some services that publish one fixed worldwide price, Skillshare states that its subscription costs can vary by region. Monthly subscriptions are also available through the Skillshare mobile app, with billing handled through the relevant app store. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/204526768-What-does-Skillshare-cost))

The platform currently provides a free trial before the paid subscription begins. Payment details may be required, and the membership automatically becomes paid after the trial unless you cancel beforehand. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/4402806767117-How-do-Skillshare-subscriptions-pricing-and-refunds-work))

Because Skillshare can show different prices and promotions depending on your location and signup method, the safest option is to check the current price displayed on the official website before subscribing.

Check the latest Skillshare membership offer

Does Skillshare Offer a Free Trial?

Yes. Skillshare currently offers free trials to eligible users.

The exact length can vary depending on the promotion. Skillshare's official pages currently show promotional offers that can include a month of free access, while its help documentation explains that trial availability and duration can vary. ([Skillshare](https://www.skillshare.com/en/join))

Remember that a free trial can automatically turn into a paid subscription if you do not cancel before the trial ends.

Is Skillshare Worth It?

Whether Skillshare is worth the money depends on what you want to learn.

If you're interested in creative skills such as graphic design, photography, illustration, video editing, writing, animation, or freelancing, Skillshare can provide a lot of value because you get access to a large number of classes under one membership.

It becomes even more useful if you actually complete the projects instead of simply watching videos.

However, if you only want to learn one small topic and don't plan to use the platform regularly, a subscription may not be the best value. In that situation, taking advantage of the free trial and deciding afterward makes more sense.

Is Skillshare Good for Beginners?

Yes. Skillshare has classes for different experience levels, including beginner-friendly courses.

One of the advantages for beginners is that many classes focus on a specific skill or project instead of trying to teach an enormous subject all at once.

For example, rather than taking a massive course covering every aspect of graphic design, you could start with a smaller class focused on typography, logo design, Photoshop, or another specific skill.

Is Skillshare Good for Freelancing?

Skillshare can be useful for aspiring freelancers because it covers both creative skills and the business side of freelancing.

You can learn skills such as graphic design, photography, video editing, writing, and illustration while also exploring classes related to freelancing, marketing, branding, and productivity.

The combination can be more useful than learning a technical skill without understanding how to turn it into a service.

Does Skillshare Give Certificates?

Yes. Skillshare provides class certificates.

To earn a certificate, you need to watch all the lessons in a class and submit a project for that class. The certificate records information such as your name, class title, teacher, completion date, and certificate ID. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/205221427-Does-Skillshare-provide-certification-upon-completion-of-a-class))

These certificates can demonstrate that you completed a Skillshare class, but they should not be treated as equivalent to an accredited university qualification or professional industry certification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skillshare

Is Skillshare free?

Skillshare does not currently operate a permanent free class plan for students. Instead, users can access the platform through a free trial or paid membership. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/4406903370381-Skillshare-Transitioning-Away-From-Offering-a-Free-Class-Experience-August-2021))

How can I use Skillshare for free?

You can use Skillshare through an official free trial or an authorized promotional offer. The trial length and availability can vary depending on the offer and region.

Does Skillshare have a free trial?

Yes. Skillshare offers free trials to eligible users, although the exact duration can vary. Some current promotional signup pages show one-month offers. ([Skillshare](https://www.skillshare.com/en/join))

How much does Skillshare cost?

Skillshare says subscription pricing varies by region. The current price for your account is shown during signup and in the Membership & Payments section. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/204526768-What-does-Skillshare-cost))

Does Skillshare have a monthly plan?

Yes. Skillshare offers monthly subscriptions through its mobile app, with billing managed by the relevant app store. Availability can depend on location. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/204526768-What-does-Skillshare-cost))

Does Skillshare provide certificates?

Yes. You can earn a class certificate by completing all lessons and submitting the required project for the class. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/205221427-Does-Skillshare-provide-certification-upon-completion-of-a-class))

Can I download Skillshare classes?

Yes. Skillshare members can download classes through the mobile app for offline viewing. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/205221237-What-does-a-Skillshare-membership-include))

Is Skillshare good for graphic design?

Yes. Graphic design is one of Skillshare's major learning categories, with classes covering areas such as typography, branding, illustration, Photoshop, Illustrator, and other design skills.

Is Skillshare good for photography?

Yes. Skillshare has photography classes covering different techniques, tools, and creative approaches, making it useful for both beginners and more experienced photographers.

Can I learn video editing on Skillshare?

Yes. Skillshare includes video and film classes covering editing, storytelling, production, and software-related skills.

Is Skillshare good for freelancing?

Yes. Skillshare has classes covering freelancing, marketing, creative business, productivity, and other skills that can help someone build a freelance career.

Can I cancel Skillshare anytime?

Yes. You can cancel your membership to prevent future charges. Your access generally continues through the period you have already paid for. ([Skillshare Help Center](https://help.skillshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/204526768-What-does-Skillshare-cost))

Final Thoughts

Skillshare is a good option if you want to learn practical and creative skills without following a traditional classroom schedule.

Its biggest strength is the combination of thousands of classes, project-based learning, community feedback, Learning Paths, certificates, and offline access. You can learn something new, put it into practice, and have an actual project to show for it.

The platform is particularly useful for people interested in design, photography, illustration, video editing, writing, freelancing, marketing, productivity, and other creative skills.

If you're unsure whether Skillshare is right for you, the free trial is a sensible place to start. Pick two or three classes that genuinely interest you, complete their projects, and see whether the learning experience fits the way you like to study.

Just remember to check the trial terms before signing up. If you don't want to continue with the paid membership, cancel before the trial ends so you aren't automatically charged.