Best Graphic Design Course to Learn Creative Skills Online

If you want a practical, verifiable path into design, the best graphic design courses online combine fundamentals with real projects and certificates.

Every pick links to a credible provider and includes what you’ll learn, who it’s for, time/price, and any certificate details.

What Best Graphic Design Courses Must Have?

Foundations: typography, color theory, composition, grids, hierarchy, and visual communication.

Tools: hands-on with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign (or solid equivalents like Affinity). Clear software requirements up front.

Design for formats: print basics (bleed, CMYK, file prep) and digital basics (RGB, responsive assets, export specs).

Branding & systems: logo building, brand guidelines, layout systems, and real identity applications.

CalArts “Graphic Design” Specialization (Coursera)

This Coursera course is the gold-standard beginner track that covers type, image-making, history, and a brand identity capstone.

It’s explicitly beginner level with no prior experience required, and includes a shareable certificate on completion.

Best for graphic design courses for beginners seeking a university-backed curriculum and a strong portfolio project.

What you’ll learn

fundamentals of graphic design; communication through image-making and typography; portfolio-ready capstone (“Brand New Brand”).

Estimated 2 months at ~10 hours/week, self-paced.

Requirements

Access to a computer; beginner-level knowledge and access to Adobe Creative Suite apps for some assignments; occasionally basic art materials.

Price & certificate

Included in Coursera Plus ($59/month or $399/year) with unlimited certificates. You can also subscribe to just this Specialization.

Coursera often runs promos (e.g., annual discounts).

LinkedIn Learning – Graphic Design Foundations (platform pick)

LinkedIn Learning curates dozens of short, project-oriented courses (e.g., layout & composition, typography, color, logo design) led by industry pros

They are ideal if you prefer modular learning or you’re building skills around work. (Use the 1-month free trial, then monthly/annual plans.)

While the compare-plans page is aimed at organizations, it confirms the product tiers; reliable third-party trackers list $39.99/month with annual discounts.

Best for designers who want buffet-style access to many graphic design courses online, or to fill specific gaps (type, grids, color, layout) quickly.

Requirements

A computer and course-specific software (often Adobe apps), depending on the class.

Udemy “Graphic Design Masterclass – Learn GREAT Design”

A single, popular masterclass that spans fundamentals, Adobe tools, and practical projects.

Udemy lists current prices per course and runs frequent sales; prices vary by region and date.

On the live listing, the current price displays (example at the time of writing: US$174.99, other comparable masterclasses show lower promotions).

Best for self-paced learners who want a single course purchase with lots of content and lifetime access, and who can wait for a sale.

Canva Design School – Free Courses with Certificate

If you’re brand-new and want a graphic design course free with a certificate option, Canva offers free modules (e.g., Graphic Design Essentials).

It’s focused on design principles and Canva workflows rather than deep Adobe skills, but it’s credible, quick, and free.

Best for absolute beginners who want a gentle start, an immediate free certificate, and applied practice for social/marketing graphics.

OpenLearn (The Open University) – Free Design Courses with Free Statement

OpenLearn from The Open University provides free courses in design (e.g., “Design” and “Design thinking”).

Also, a free Statement of Participation you can download when you complete a course.

While not all are strictly “graphic design,” they reinforce design thinking and process, which improves your work.

Best for learners who need graphic design courses free with certificate and want reputable university-backed material on design fundamentals and process.

Requirements

Just a web browser and an OpenLearn account.

Software: What You’ll Likely Need (and how much it costs)

Most structured graphic design course requirements include access to Adobe apps (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign).

Adobe Creative Cloud (Individual) recently shifted to Creative Cloud Pro in North America, with official pricing.

Adobe also references a Creative Cloud Standard at US$54.99/month for individuals, with differences in AI features and app access.

If you prefer one-time purchases, Affinity tools (Designer, Photo, Publisher) have historically offered a V2 Universal License (no subscription).

Choosing The Right Path (quick guide)

You will get the best graphic design course by looking for the right characteristics according to your needs.

You want a university-backed foundation + portfolio: Pick CalArts on Coursera. It fits graphic design courses for beginners, has a capstone, and a shareable certificate. Budget with Coursera Plus ($59/month or $399/year) if you’ll take multiple courses.
You want flexible, bite-size skill building: Choose LinkedIn Learning for modular classes on type, layout, branding, logo design, and more; typical $39.99/month with annual discounts.
You want a single mega-course you own forever: Try a Udemy masterclass and watch for sale pricing; the course page shows the current price in your region.
You need truly free options with proof: Start with Canva Design School (free course + certificate after test) and OpenLearn (free Statement of Participation).

Typical Graphic Design Course Requirements

Across platforms, expect a computer + reliable internet connection. Courses are fully online and self-paced.

Many beginner tracks suggest Adobe Creative Cloud; CalArts explicitly notes needing InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop at a basic level for some assignments.

Basic art materials in a few modules (sketching, image-making).

FAQs

Are there credible graphic design courses free with certificate?

Yes. Canva Design School issues a certificate after a short test, and OpenLearn awards a free Statement of Participation for many design courses. These aren’t academic credit, but they’re useful for portfolios and LinkedIn.

Can I start with free tools and upgrade later?

Yes. You can learn principles with Canva/OpenLearn and move to Adobe CC once you start portfolio projects that require Illustrator/InDesign/Photoshop. CalArts lists Adobe access as needed for some assignments.

Do I need a degree?

No. For entry-level roles and freelancing, a portfolio matters most. The CalArts capstone is designed to produce portfolio work, and LinkedIn/Udemy courses also include projects.