• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Log In
Join for Free
  • Browse
  • Graphic Design

Graphic Design Courses

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.


Popular Graphic Design Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    Adobe

    Graphic Design

    Skills you'll gain: Adobe Illustrator, Color Theory, Typography, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic Design, Design, Adobe Creative Cloud, Design Elements And Principles, Digital Design, Generative AI, Creativity

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    191 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • 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, Design Thinking, Figma (Design Software), Design Reviews, Persona (User Experience), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, User Story, Data Ethics, User Centered Design, Usability, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    96K reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    Adobe

    Image Editing

    Skills you'll gain: Photo Editing, Adobe Photoshop, Photography, Generative AI, File Management, Graphic and Visual Design, Creative Design, Graphic Design, Editing, Creativity

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    166 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • C

    Coursera

    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

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    110 reviews

    Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    G

    Google

    Create High-Fidelity Designs and Prototypes in Figma

    Skills you'll gain: Figma (Design Software), User Experience Design, Mockups, Usability Testing, User Interface (UI) Design, Design Elements And Principles, Design Reviews, Prototyping, Technical Communication, Typography, Design Research, Animations, Color Theory

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

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

    Skillshare

    Graphic Design Theory - Web & Digital Design

    Skills you'll gain: User Interface (UI), Responsive Web Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Digital Design, Web Design, User Experience, Motion Graphics, Adobe XD, Animations, Prototyping, Graphic Design, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Style Guides

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

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

    Skillshare

    Logo Design: From Concept to Client-Approved Work

    Skills you'll gain: Logo Design, Adobe Illustrator, Presentations, Typography, Graphic Design, Animations, Adobe After Effects, Motion Graphics, Adobe Creative Cloud, Design, Branding, Brand Strategy, Marketing Design, System Configuration, Brainstorming, Intellectual Property, Graphic and Visual Design, Strategic Thinking, Legal Risk, Adobe Photoshop

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    7 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    IBM

    IBM UI/UX Designer

    Skills you'll gain: Information Architecture, UI/UX Research, User Research, Agile Software Development, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Design Thinking, User Experience, User Centered Design, Usability, Usability Testing, Responsive Web Design, Agile Methodology, Kanban Principles, User Flows, User Interface (UI), Figma (Design Software), Wireframing, Design Research, Prototyping, Persona (User Experience)

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.7K reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    E

    Epic Games

    Epic Games Game Design

    Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Game Design, Video Game Development, Animation and Game Design, Ideation, 3D Modeling, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Software Documentation, Software Design Documents, 3D Assets, User Experience Design, Computer Graphics, Usability, User Interface (UI), User Experience, User Interface (UI) Design, Interactive Design, Virtual Environment, Version Control, Prototyping

    4.3
    Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
    ·
    541 reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Status: AI skills
    AI skills
    M

    Microsoft

    Microsoft UX Design

    Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, User Research, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, Prototyping, Usability Testing, User Experience, Persona (User Experience), Wireframing, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Interaction Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Human Centered Design, Figma (Design Software), Usability, User Interface (UI) Design, User Centered Design, Design, Artificial Intelligence

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    557 reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    T

    The University of Tokyo

    Interactive Computer Graphics

    Skills you'll gain: Visualization (Computer Graphics), Interactive Design, Computer Graphics, Computer Graphic Techniques, Human Computer Interaction, Animations, User Interface (UI), Design, 3D Assets, Technical Design, Algorithms, Simulations

    4
    Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    315 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    Adobe

    Document Design

    Skills you'll gain: Adobe Acrobat, Document Management, Workflow Management, Productivity Software, Collaborative Software, Process Design, Design Reviews, File Management, Presentations, Client Services, Graphic Design, Marketing Design, Digital Design, Version Control, Creative Design, Branding, Constructive Feedback

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    133 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Searches related to graphic design

graphic designing
graphic design specialization
graphic design free
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 - web & digital design
1234…196

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

  • Graphic Design: Adobe
  • Google UX Design: Google
  • Image Editing: Adobe
  • Graphic design: pop your Linkedin with 3D effect using Canva: Coursera
  • Create High-Fidelity Designs and Prototypes in Figma: Google
  • Graphic Design Theory - Web & Digital Design: Skillshare
  • Logo Design: From Concept to Client-Approved Work: Skillshare
  • IBM UI/UX Designer: IBM
  • Epic Games Game Design: Epic Games
  • Microsoft UX Design: Microsoft

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

Browse the graphic design courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.

  • Graphic Design: Adobe
  • Fundamentals of Graphic Design: California Institute of the Arts
  • Graphic Design: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Graphic Design Theory - Web & Digital Design: Skillshare‎

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.‎

The Graphic Design Specialization from California Institute of the Arts takes 2 months, focusing on:

  • Color theory
  • Design research
  • Creative design

It uses tools like Adobe InDesign and photo editing software.

Conversely, the Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate lasts 4 months and emphasizes:

  • Image analysis
  • UI/UX design
  • Content creation

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:

  • A shorter course with a strong emphasis on foundational design principles
  • A longer program with a focus on practical design applications and marketing.‎

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. ‎
  • 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

Skills

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • English Speaking
  • Generative AI (GenAI)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Project Management
  • Python

Certificates & Programs

  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM Data Analyst Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Machine Learning Certificate
  • Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Certificate
  • UI / UX Design Certificate

Industries & Careers

  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Education & Teaching
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Marketing

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
  • How to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Preparing for the PMP Certification
  • Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview
  • What Is Artificial Intelligence?

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
  • Share your Coursera learning story

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
  • Do Not Sell/Share
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