Graphic design skills are in high demand, but formal education can be costly. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of free online courses available for aspiring designers and those looking to sharpen their skills. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an intermediate designer seeking to expand your toolkit, our curated list of the best free graphic design courses will help you unlock your creative potential without spending a penny.
Udemy
Udemy offers a vast array of graphic design courses, catering to beginners and seasoned professionals alike. The platform’s user-friendly interface allows learners to filter courses based on skill level, topic, and user ratings. Udemy’s free graphic design courses cover essential topics such as colour theory, typography, and software tutorials for popular design tools.
These courses are often created by industry professionals, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge. While the free offerings may not be as extensive as the paid courses, they still provide a solid foundation for those looking to dip their toes into the world of graphic design.
Key Features
- Wide range of graphic design topics
- Self-paced learning
- Courses created by industry professionals
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Mobile app for on-the-go learning
Udemy offers both free and paid courses. Free courses provide full access to video lectures and course materials without any time limit. Paid courses typically range from £10 to £200, often with significant discounts available.
Coursera
Coursera partners with top universities and organisations worldwide to offer high-quality online courses, including several in graphic design. The platform’s free graphic design courses are part of their ‘audit’ option, allowing learners to access course materials without receiving a certificate. These courses often include video lectures, readings, and quizzes, providing a structured learning experience.
Coursera’s graphic design offerings cover topics such as visual elements and principles, graphic design history, and digital imaging. The platform’s collaborative approach with educational institutions ensures that the content is academically rigorous and up-to-date with industry standards.
Key Features
- Courses from renowned universities and institutions
- Structured learning paths
- Peer-reviewed assignments in some courses
- Discussion forums for student interaction
- Optional certificates for completed courses
Coursera offers free access to course materials through the ‘audit’ option. For full features, including graded assignments and certificates, courses typically cost between £35 to £70. Some specialisations or professional certificates may have higher fees.
edX
edX, founded by Harvard and MIT, provides a platform for high-quality online education, including several graphic design courses. The free courses on edX allow learners to access course materials, including video lectures, readings, and some interactive elements. These courses cover a range of graphic design topics, from fundamentals to more advanced concepts like user experience design and digital illustration.
edX’s partnership with prestigious institutions ensures that the content is academically rigorous and aligned with current industry practices. The platform’s course structure often mimics that of university courses, providing a more formal learning experience.
Key Features
- Courses from top universities and institutions
- Self-paced learning options
- Interactive course elements
- Professional certificate programs available
- Verified certificates for completed courses (paid option)
edX offers free access to course materials in audit mode. For full features, including graded assignments and certificates, courses typically cost between £40 to £250, depending on the course length and complexity.
Alison
Alison is a free online education platform that offers a variety of graphic design courses. The platform’s courses are entirely free, making it an excellent resource for those on a tight budget. Alison’s graphic design offerings cover topics such as Adobe software tutorials, logo design, and web design principles.
The courses are typically shorter and more focused compared to those on other platforms, making them ideal for quick skill acquisition. While the production quality may not always match that of paid platforms, Alison’s courses provide valuable knowledge and practical skills that can be immediately applied to real-world projects.
Key Features
- Completely free courses
- Short, focused learning modules
- Self-paced learning
- Certificates available (for a fee)
- Wide range of graphic design topics
All courses on Alison are free to access and complete. Certificates of completion are available for a small fee, typically around £20 to £30.
Skillshare
Skillshare is a popular online learning platform that offers a wide range of creative courses, including numerous graphic design classes. While Skillshare is primarily a subscription-based service, they offer a generous 30-day free trial that gives full access to their entire course library. This trial period allows learners to explore various graphic design courses taught by industry professionals and experienced designers.
Skillshare’s courses often focus on practical, project-based learning, encouraging students to apply their new skills immediately. The platform’s graphic design offerings cover everything from software tutorials to design theory and creative techniques.
Key Features
- Project-based learning approach
- Courses taught by industry professionals
- Community features for sharing work and getting feedback
- New courses added regularly
- Offline viewing option for mobile app users
Skillshare offers a 30-day free trial with full access to all courses. After the trial, the subscription costs approximately £12 per month when billed annually, or £28 per month on a monthly plan.
Canva Design School
Canva Design School is a free educational resource provided by the popular graphic design tool Canva. It offers a comprehensive set of tutorials, articles, and interactive lessons covering various aspects of graphic design. The courses are entirely free and don’t require a subscription to Canva’s paid services.
Canva Design School is particularly useful for beginners and those looking to create designs using Canva’s platform. The lessons cover topics such as design basics, branding, social media graphics, and presentation design. While the content is closely tied to Canva’s tools, the design principles taught are applicable across different design software and projects.
Key Features
- Free, accessible design education
- Interactive tutorials and lessons
- Practical, tool-specific guidance
- Regularly updated content
- Integration with Canva’s design platform
Canva Design School is completely free to access. While it’s part of Canva’s ecosystem, a paid Canva subscription is not required to access the educational content.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com, offers a vast library of professional courses, including numerous graphic design options. The platform provides a 30-day free trial, giving users full access to its course catalogue. LinkedIn Learning’s graphic design courses are known for their high production quality and expert instructors. The courses cover a wide range of topics, from software tutorials for Adobe Creative Suite to design theory and principles.
One unique aspect of LinkedIn Learning is its integration with LinkedIn profiles, allowing users to showcase completed courses and skills on their professional profiles. This feature can be particularly beneficial for those looking to enhance their career prospects in the graphic design field.
Key Features
- High-quality video tutorials
- Courses taught by industry experts
- Integration with LinkedIn profiles
- Downloadable exercise files
- Mobile app for on-the-go learning
LinkedIn Learning offers a 30-day free trial. After the trial period, the subscription costs approximately £25 per month, with discounts available for annual subscriptions.
YouTube Graphic Design Channels
YouTube hosts a wealth of free graphic design tutorials and courses through various channels dedicated to design education. These channels offer a diverse range of content, from quick tips and tricks to full-length courses on specific design topics. The quality and depth of content can vary, but many channels are run by experienced designers and educators who provide valuable insights and practical knowledge.
Popular graphic design channels cover software tutorials, design theory, industry trends, and career advice. The platform’s accessibility and the ability to learn at one’s own pace make it an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced designers looking to expand their skills.
Key Features
- Completely free content
- Wide variety of topics and teaching styles
- Regular updates with new content
- Community interaction through comments
- Ability to create playlists for organised learning
All content on YouTube is free to access. Some channels may offer additional paid resources or courses off-platform, but these are optional.
Domestika
Domestika is an online learning platform that focuses on creative courses, including numerous graphic design offerings. While Domestika primarily offers paid courses, they occasionally provide free courses as promotions or special events. These free courses, when available, offer the same high-quality content as their paid counterparts.
Domestika’s courses are known for their excellent production quality and are often taught by renowned professionals in the creative industry. The platform’s graphic design courses cover a wide range of topics, from digital illustration and typography to branding and packaging design. Domestika’s courses are typically in Spanish with English subtitles, providing a unique perspective on global design trends and techniques.
Key Features
- High-quality video production
- Courses taught by industry professionals
- Project-based learning approach
- Community features for sharing work
- Lifetime access to course materials
While most Domestika courses are paid, free courses are occasionally available. Paid courses typically range from £10 to £50, often with significant discounts available.
CreativeLive
CreativeLive is an online education platform that offers a unique approach to learning with its free live classes. While the platform primarily offers paid courses, they regularly broadcast free live classes on various creative topics, including graphic design. These live classes provide real-time learning experiences with industry professionals and allow for interaction through chat features.
CreativeLive’s graphic design offerings cover a wide range of subjects, from software tutorials to design theory and business practices for designers. The platform’s free live classes are an excellent way to get a taste of their high-quality content and teaching style before committing to paid courses.
Key Features
- Free live classes on various design topics
- Real-time interaction with instructors
- High-quality video production
- Courses taught by industry leaders
- Access to a supportive creative community
CreativeLive offers free live classes regularly. Recorded courses are available for purchase, typically ranging from £20 to £200, with bundle options available for additional savings.
How to choose the best free graphic design course for you
Assess your current skill level and goals
Before diving into a free graphic design course, take stock of your existing abilities and what you hope to achieve. Are you a complete beginner looking to grasp the basics, or do you have some experience and want to refine specific skills? Identifying your starting point and objectives will help you select a course that aligns with your needs, ensuring you don’t waste time on material that’s too basic or advanced for your current level.
Consider the course content and structure
Examine the syllabus and learning format of potential courses. Look for comprehensive curricula that cover essential design principles, popular software, and practical projects. Consider whether you prefer self-paced learning or structured lessons with deadlines. Some courses offer a mix of video tutorials, written content, and interactive exercises, while others might focus on a single format. Choose a course structure that matches your learning style and schedule to maximise your chances of completing the course successfully.
Check for industry relevance and instructor credentials
While free courses can offer excellent value, it’s important to ensure they provide up-to-date, industry-relevant knowledge. Research the course providers and instructors to verify their credentials and experience in the graphic design field. Look for courses that teach current design trends and software versions used by professionals. Additionally, consider whether the course offers any form of certification or portfolio-building opportunities, as these can be valuable for showcasing your newly acquired skills to potential employers or clients.
Which Free Graphic Design Course Is Best?
Coursera is great for those seeking a structured learning experience with its university-backed courses. These programmes offer a thorough introduction to graphic design principles, often with the option to earn certificates. The platform’s partnership with leading institutions ensures high-quality content, making it an excellent choice if you’re a beginner looking for a solid foundation. We recommend Coursera if you prefer a more academic approach to learning graphic design.
If you’re after a more flexible, project-based approach, Canva Design School is worth exploring. It provides practical tutorials that directly apply to real-world design scenarios. The platform’s integration with Canva’s design tools allows for immediate practice, making it ideal if you learn best by doing. We suggest Canva Design School for small business owners or entrepreneurs who need to create designs quickly.
Visual learners will find YouTube Graphic Design Channels offer a wealth of free, easily digestible content. Channels like Gareth David Studio and The Futur provide everything from quick tips to in-depth tutorials on various aspects of graphic design. This option is particularly suitable if you want to focus on specific skills or stay updated with the latest design trends and techniques. We recommend YouTube channels if you’re a freelancer or hobbyist looking to expand your skillset at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Graphic Design Courses
Are free graphic design courses as valuable as paid ones?
Free graphic design courses can be incredibly valuable, offering quality content from reputable platforms. While paid courses might offer more in-depth content or certification, many free courses provide excellent foundational knowledge and skills. The value you get depends on your commitment and how you apply what you learn.
How long does it typically take to complete a free graphic design course?
The duration varies widely depending on the course and platform. Some courses can be completed in a few hours, while others might span several weeks. Self-paced options like those on Udemy or Canva Design School allow you to learn at your own speed, while structured courses on Coursera or edX might have set timelines.
Do I need any special software to take these free courses?
Requirements vary by course. Many introductory courses focus on design principles and might not require specific software. Others may use free tools like Canva. For more advanced courses, you might need access to professional software like Adobe Creative Suite. Always check the course requirements before enrolling.
Can I get a certificate from these free graphic design courses?
Some platforms offer certificates for free courses, while others require payment for certification. Coursera and edX, for instance, often provide free access to course materials but charge for certificates. Platforms like Alison typically offer free digital certificates upon course completion.
Which platform is best for beginners in graphic design?
For absolute beginners, Canva Design School and YouTube channels offer user-friendly introductions. Coursera and edX provide more structured learning experiences. Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning offer a mix of beginner to advanced content. The best choice depends on your learning style and specific interests within graphic design.
How up-to-date are these free graphic design courses?
Most platforms regularly update their content to keep pace with industry trends. Coursera and edX partner with universities and institutions, ensuring current content. Platforms like Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning feature courses from industry professionals who often update their material. YouTube channels can be particularly current, with new content added frequently.
Can I interact with instructors or other students in these free courses?
Interaction levels vary. Platforms like Coursera and edX often include discussion forums. Skillshare encourages student projects and community feedback. Live classes on CreativeLive offer real-time interaction. YouTube allows comments, but direct instructor interaction is limited. Paid versions of courses generally offer more interactive features.
Are there any hidden costs in these “free” graphic design courses?
While the courses listed are genuinely free or offer free trials, be aware of potential additional costs. Some platforms may limit features for free users or require payment for certificates. Trials on Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning convert to paid subscriptions if not cancelled. Always read the terms carefully before signing up.
How do free trial courses on platforms like Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning work?
These platforms offer full access to their course libraries during the trial period (typically 30 days). You can take as many courses as you like during this time. Remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to continue with a paid subscription.
Can these free courses help me start a career in graphic design?
Free courses can provide a solid foundation and help you develop a portfolio, which are crucial first steps in a graphic design career. However, building a career typically requires ongoing learning, practice, and possibly some investment in paid courses or tools as you advance. Use these free resources to explore the field and determine if it’s the right career path for you.
