• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Online Degrees
  • Careers
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Graphic Design

    Graphic Design Courses

    Graphic design courses can help you learn how to create visual content using layout, typography, and imagery to communicate ideas and tell stories.

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

    The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.
    Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
    Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.
    Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Find the Best Graphic Design Course for Your Goals

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Graphic Design

      Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Photography, Design, Visual Design, Logo Design, Design Software, Photo Editing, Digital Design, Creative Design, Color Theory, Adobe InDesign, Graphic and Visual Design, Image Quality, Style Guides, Branding, Art History, Design Research

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      22K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      Status: AI skills
      AI skills
      A

      Adobe

      Adobe Graphic Designer

      Skills you'll gain: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Responsible AI, Logo Design, Digital Design, Generative AI, Graphic Design, Graphics Software, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Visual Design, File Management, Process Design, Design Reviews, Image Quality, Prompt Engineering, Image Analysis, Presentations, Client Services, Branding, Storytelling

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Fundamentals of Graphic Design

      Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Visual Design, Photography, Design Software, Digital Design, Creative Design, Color Theory, Image Quality, Photo Editing, Creativity

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      18K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Graphic Design

      Skills you'll gain: Infographics, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Visual Design, Graphics Software, Typography, Design Software, Design Reviews, Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Photoshop, Design Elements And Principles, Peer Review, Color Theory, Creativity

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • C

      Coursera Project Network

      Graphic design: pop your Linkedin with 3D effect using Canva

      Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), LinkedIn, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Computer Graphic Techniques, Social Media Content, Professional Networking, Design Elements And Principles

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      84 reviews

      Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      S

      Skillshare

      Graphic Design Theory - Web & Digital Design

      Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Motion Graphics, Information Architecture, Digital Design, Digital Publishing, Web Design, Multimedia, User Experience Design, Adobe XD, Animations, Wireframing, Graphic Design, Style Guides, No-Code Development, Augmented Reality

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    What brings you to Coursera today?

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      Status: AI skills
      AI skills
      G

      Google

      Google UX Design

      Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Storyboarding, Wireframing, User Experience Design, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Information Architecture, Presentations, User Research, Figma (Design Software), Design Reviews, Persona (User Experience), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Mobile Development, User Story, Data Ethics, Usability, User Centered Design, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      94K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      X

      Xbox

      Xbox Graphic Designer

      Skills you'll gain: Color Theory, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Logo Design, Typography, User Interface (UI), Interaction Design, Figma (Design Software), Adobe Illustrator, Design Reviews, Wireframing, Usability, Graphic and Visual Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Adobe Photoshop, User Experience, Graphic Design, User Centered Design, Photo Editing, Peer Review, Game Design

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      59 reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Graphic Design Elements for Non-Designers

      Skills you'll gain: Logo Design, Color Theory, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Design, Typography, Graphic and Visual Design, User Experience Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Digital Design, Image Quality, Adobe InDesign, Creative Design, Design Software, Content Creation, Design Research, Information Architecture, Adobe Photoshop, Web Design and Development, File Management

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.6K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • C

      Coursera Project Network

      Build your business brand using Canva

      Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Logo Design, Branding, Brand Strategy, Graphic Design, Target Audience, Social Media Content, Marketing Materials, Social Media, Scheduling, Presentations, Content Creation, Social Media Marketing

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      72 reviews

      Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      A

      Adobe

      Design Fundamentals with AI

      Skills you'll gain: Typography, Logo Design, Responsible AI, Digital Design, Creative Design, Visual Design, Graphic Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Color Theory, Content Creation, Generative AI Agents

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      C

      California Institute of the Arts

      The Language of Design: Form and Meaning

      Skills you'll gain: Design Reviews, Design, Graphic Design, Design Elements And Principles, Visual Design, Peer Review, Typography, Creative Design

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      895 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Searches related to graphic design

    graphic design specialization
    graphic design free
    graphic designing
    graphic designer
    graphic design: pop your linkedin with 3d effect using canva
    graphic design elements for non-designers
    graphic design theory - print design
    graphic design theory - space
    1234…252

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular graphic design courses

    • Graphic Design: California Institute of the Arts
    • Adobe Graphic Designer: Adobe
    • Fundamentals of Graphic Design: California Institute of the Arts
    • Graphic Design: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Graphic design: pop your Linkedin with 3D effect using Canva: Coursera Project Network
    • Graphic Design Theory - Web & Digital Design: Skillshare
    • Google UX Design: Google
    • Xbox Graphic Designer: Xbox
    • Graphic Design Elements for Non-Designers: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Build your business brand using Canva: Coursera Project Network

    Why Learn Graphic Design?

    Graphic design is the art of visual communication—using images, typography, and layout to convey ideas and tell stories. It’s essential in marketing, branding, and digital content, shaping how people engage with information every day. Whether you’re building creative skills or expanding career options, graphic design supports versatile, impactful work across industries.

    Skills you can learn in Business Essentials

    Analytics (37)
    Presentation (33)
    Modeling (29)
    Business Analytics (27)
    Language (26)
    Microsoft Excel (26)
    Writing (26)
    Speech (18)
    Plan (17)
    Business Communication (16)
    Decision-making (16)
    Leadership (15)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Graphic Design

    Consider whether you're starting from scratch, building a portfolio, or learning tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Figma.

    • For a comprehensive design foundation, explore the Graphic Design Specialization by CalArts—it covers design principles, typography, and branding.
    • If you're focused on tools and technical skills, try Adobe Illustrator for Beginners or Getting Started with Figma.
    • For branding and real-world application, consider Brand New Brand from CalArts. ‎

    If you're new to graphic design, these beginner-friendly options offer foundational skills and hands-on experience:

    • Fundamentals of Graphic Design by CalArts – A strong entry point that introduces core design principles and visual literacy.
    • Graphic Design Elements for Non-Designers by the University of Colorado – Great for learning layout, color, and typography basics.
    • Create a Business Marketing Brand Kit Using Canva – A quick Guided Project to build a design portfolio piece with beginner-friendly tools.‎
    • A course focuses on a single skill such as Fundamentals of Graphic Design.
    • A Specialization builds creative and technical depth across multiple areas—like the Graphic Design Specialization from CalArts.
    • A Professional Certificate prepares you for creative roles through hands-on work and career-focused content—such as Adobe Graphic Designer Certificate or the Xbox Graphic Designer Certificate, which includes UI and visual design skills relevant to graphic designers.‎

    Take a quick quiz to discover which graphic design course best aligns with your interests—whether you’re learning the basics, building a portfolio, or diving into tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Take the quiz to find your ideal starting point.

    Want to compare top options first? Use ChatGPT to explore and compare courses before you dive in.‎

    Yes. You can start learning graphic design on Coursera for free in two ways:

    • Preview the first module of many graphic design courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
    • Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

    If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in graphic design, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

    You can learn design basics like color, typography, layout, and composition, as well as how to use tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva. Some courses also cover portfolio design, branding, and working with real-world client briefs.‎

    No experience is needed to get started. Many Coursera courses are made for beginners and walk you through the core principles and tools at your own pace.‎

    Yes. Graphic design is a skill used in many creative and marketing roles. Taking a course on Coursera can help you learn how to design professional visuals, build a portfolio, and show employers that you’ve developed real, practical skills.‎

    Color theory is the study of how colors interact and the visual effects they create when combined. It includes principles like the color wheel, complementary colors, and color harmony, and is essential in art, design, and branding. Courses like Fundamentals of Graphic Design from CalArts on Coursera cover color theory as part of visual communication skills.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Manage Cookie Preferences
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok