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.
Textual Elements of Design: Fonts, Typography, and Spacing
New year. Big goals. Bigger savings. Unlock a year of unlimited access to learning with Coursera Plus for $199. Save now.
Textual Elements of Design: Fonts, Typography, and Spacing
This course is part of Graphic Design Elements for Non-Designers Specialization
Instructor: Lori Poole
20,179 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(270 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
Flexible schedule
Approx. 12 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Appreciate the history and future of typography as an artform.
Compare and contrast the similarities and nuances between the concepts of typography, fonts and text.
Work with the various aspects of spacing type, includingleading, kerning and tracking.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
2 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Graphic Design Elements for Non-Designers Specialization
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
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
This module will cover the history of typography, baseline basics and the anatomy of a typeface.
What's included
4 videos2 readings1 assignment1 plugin
This module will cover the two main types of fonts and font pairings and hierarchy.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 discussion prompt
This module will cover typographical spacing and sizing, as well as the concepts of alignment, leading, tracking and kerning.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt1 plugin
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
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.6 (67 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in History
University of Colorado Boulder
California Institute of the Arts
California Institute of the Arts
University of Minnesota
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"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
270 reviews
- 5 stars
78.88%
- 4 stars
17.77%
- 3 stars
1.48%
- 2 stars
1.48%
- 1 star
0.37%
Showing 3 of 270
ME
5
Reviewed on Jan 12, 2021
Great course by all standards which opens you up to typography and how to go about it in designing
AG
5
Reviewed on Sep 30, 2020
This course opened my mind in the Graphic Design World.
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.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. 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.
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. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.