When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 4 modules in this course
Graphic design is telling a story by using both images and text. With that definition in mind, this course will focus on the textual elements of graphic design. From the history of typography, the difference between type, fonts and text as well as exposure to typography spacing, students will learn the value of selecting the best kind of type and combinations of fonts to get their message across in a visually pleasing manner.
This module will cover the history of typography, baseline basics and the anatomy of a typeface.
What's included
4 videos3 readings1 assignment1 plugin
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 20 minutes
Course Introduction•1 minute
Hieroglyphics to Printing Press to Digital Design•6 minutes
Baseline Basics•6 minutes
Anatomy of a Typeface•6 minutes
3 readings•Total 66 minutes
Course Updates and Accessibility Support•1 minute
Course Expectations•5 minutes
Typographic and Printing Museums•60 minutes
1 assignment•Total 60 minutes
Module 1 Quiz•60 minutes
1 plugin•Total 30 minutes
Module 1 Review•30 minutes
Typography, Fonts and Text
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
This module will cover the two main types of fonts and font pairings and hierarchy.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 20 minutes
Elements of Typography•8 minutes
Font Pairings and Hierarchy•12 minutes
1 reading•Total 60 minutes
Typographic Readings•60 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 60 minutes
Font Discussion•60 minutes
Typography Spacing & Sizing
Module 3•4 hours to complete
Module details
This module will cover typographical spacing and sizing, as well as the concepts of alignment, leading, tracking and kerning.
This module will review using type in various computer design programs. You will also get a chance to practice your skills in designing a brochure or postcard, focusing on the use of type in your design.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 peer review
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 33 minutes
Manipulating Text•16 minutes
Google Fonts•9 minutes
Canva and Typefaces•8 minutes
1 reading•Total 60 minutes
Design Process Worksheet•60 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Design Your Own Brochure or Postcard•120 minutes
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Instructor ratings
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
CU Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.7
291 reviews
5 stars
78.69%
4 stars
18.21%
3 stars
1.37%
2 stars
1.37%
1 star
0.34%
Showing 3 of 291
D
DH
5·
Reviewed on May 24, 2025
amazing course i had learn a lot about the history of typography, with an excellent dr.
M
MA
5·
Reviewed on Mar 15, 2020
It was a great learning. I have to design quite a lot of posters, brochures as per my college assignment now that I’ve completed this course it has become pretty easy now.
V
VR
5·
Reviewed on Aug 3, 2020
A lot of fun! Learned the anatomy of typography, as well as the optimal combination of different fonts according to the purpose of my design.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.