Graphic design courses can help you learn typography, color theory, layout design, and branding strategies. You can build skills in creating visual content for both print and digital platforms, as well as developing a keen eye for aesthetics and composition. Many courses introduce tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, that support executing design projects and bringing your creative ideas to life.

Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Design, Digital Design, Product Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Creative Design, Color Theory, Graphic Design, Intellectual Property, E-Commerce, Direct Selling, Digital Content, Digital Assets, Marketing, Marketing Materials
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Color Theory, Developing Training Materials, Digital Design, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Creative Design, Marketing, Social Media
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Skills you'll gain: Marketing Collateral, Marketing Materials, Canva (Software), Promotional Materials, Business Marketing, Marketing Design, Marketing, Creative Design, Business, Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic Design, Design Elements And Principles
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Design, Process Mapping, Brochures, Marketing Collateral, Graphic Design, Presentations, Content Creation, Marketing Materials, Color Theory, Portfolio Management, Brand Awareness
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Browse the graphic design courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
If you're new to graphic design, these beginner-friendly options offer foundational skills and hands-on experience:
The Graphic Design Specialization from California Institute of the Arts takes 2 months, focusing on:
It uses tools like Adobe InDesign and photo editing software.
Conversely, the Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate lasts 4 months and emphasizes:
It uses tools like Adobe Photoshop.
Both courses are beginner-friendly and target essentials of graphic design but differ in duration and specific areas of focus. Choose based on whether you prefer:
Consider whether you're starting from scratch, building a portfolio, or learning tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Figma.
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:
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.‎