Q: What’s the difference between a graphic design course, Specialization, and Professional Certificate?

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.

Q: What tools or skills will I learn in a graphic design course?

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.

Question 1

What are the best graphic design courses online?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

Which graphic design course should I start with as a beginner?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Graphic Design Specialization vs Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate: What are the key differences?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

How do I choose the right graphic design course for my goals?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What’s the difference between a graphic design course, Specialization, and Professional Certificate?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Need help choosing a graphic design course?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Can I take free graphic design courses on Coursera?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What tools or skills will I learn in a graphic design course?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Do I need design experience to start learning graphic design?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Is learning graphic design on Coursera helpful for getting a job?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is color theory?

Accepted Answer

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.

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

Skills you can learn in Business Essentials

Frequently Asked Questions about Graphic Design

What are the best graphic design courses online?‎

Which graphic design course should I start with as a beginner?‎

Graphic Design Specialization vs Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate: What are the key differences?‎

How do I choose the right graphic design course for my goals?‎

What’s the difference between a graphic design course, Specialization, and Professional Certificate?‎

Need help choosing a graphic design course?‎

Can I take free graphic design courses on Coursera?‎

What tools or skills will I learn in a graphic design course?‎

Do I need design experience to start learning graphic design?‎

Is learning graphic design on Coursera helpful for getting a job?‎

What is color theory?‎

Other topics to explore