What are the best graphic design courses on Coursera?

Coursera offers a wide range of graphic design courses, from beginner introductions to advanced design tools and principles . Some of the most popular options include the Graphic Design Specialization from CalArts and Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate .

Can I take free graphic design courses on Coursera?

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.

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.

Do I need design experience to start learning graphic design?

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.

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

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.

Top Graphic Design Courses - Learn Graphic Design Online

Find the Best Graphic Design Course for Your Goals

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Status: Free Trial
California Institute of the Arts
Graphic Design
Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Visual Design, Logo Design, Design Software, Digital Design, Creative Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Color Theory, Adobe InDesign, Photo Editing, Photography, Design, Style Guides, Branding, Peer Review, Art History, Design Strategies, Design Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
21K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Adobe
Adobe Graphic Designer
Skills you'll gain: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Visual Design, Graphic Design, Generative AI, Logo Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Productivity Software, Packaging and Labeling, Office Procedures, Digital Design, Content Creation, File Management, Process Design, Design Reviews, Prompt Engineering, Image Analysis, Presentations, Branding, Storytelling
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
California Institute of the Arts
Fundamentals of Graphic Design
Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Visual Design, Design Software, Logo Design, Digital Design, Color Theory, Photo Editing, Adobe Creative Cloud, Creativity
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
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, Figma (Design Software), Design Reviews, Persona (User Experience), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Mobile Development, User Story, Cross Platform Development, Data Ethics, User Centered Design, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
92K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
California Institute of the Arts
The Language of Design: Form and Meaning
Skills you'll gain: Design Reviews, Design, Graphic Design, Design Elements And Principles, Visual Design, Peer Review, Typography, Creative Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
891 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Graphic Design
Skills you'll gain: Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Visual Design, Typography, Adobe InDesign, Design Reviews, Adobe Photoshop, Design Elements And Principles, Peer Review, Color Theory, Editing, Creativity
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Explore topics outside of work

Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Build your business brand using Canva
Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Logo Design, Branding, Brand Strategy, Graphic Design, Target Audience, Social Media Content, Marketing Materials, Social Media, Scheduling, Presentations, Content Creation, Social Media Marketing
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
52 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Adobe
Design Fundamentals with AI
Skills you'll gain: Visual Design, Typography, Graphic Design, Creative Design, Color Theory, Logo Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Content Creation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
806 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Xbox
Xbox Graphic Designer
Skills you'll gain: Color Theory, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Logo Design, Typography, User Interface (UI), Interaction Design, Figma (Design Software), Adobe Illustrator, Design Reviews, Wireframing, Usability, Graphic and Visual Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Adobe Photoshop, User Experience, Graphic Design, User Centered Design, Photo Editing, Game Design, Generative AI
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
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
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
66 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Create a Promotional Video using Canva
Skills you'll gain: Customer Engagement, Canva (Software), Selling Techniques, Video Production, Marketing Materials, Presentations, Promotional Materials, Social Media Campaigns, Promotional Strategies, Multimedia, Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Value Propositions, Content Creation, Animations
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
The University of Sydney
Innovation Through Design: Think, Make, Break, Repeat
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Human Centered Design, Innovation, Service Design, Prototyping, Ideation, User Experience Design, Creativity, Product Development, Design, User Feedback
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months