{"id":72100,"date":"2023-02-06T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-05T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elements.blog-cms.envato.net\/?p=26405"},"modified":"2025-11-11T17:31:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T06:31:46","slug":"free-graphic-design-courses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/free-graphic-design-courses","title":{"rendered":"Getting Started with Graphic Design: Top 10 Free Graphic Design Courses on Tuts+\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Looking to brush up on your graphic design skills? From beginner lessons to advanced courses, boost your freelance design career with these free graphic design courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Graphic Design?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Graphic Design Trends 2025\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NkQlmPCQfgY?start=2&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Broadly, graphic design refers to the skill of using visual elements and <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">creative digital assets<\/a>\u2014 like text, color, graphics, and effects \u2014to create artwork for advertisement or brand purposes. It can include digital design, like websites and animation, traditional printed design, and even product design. As a graphic designer, your job is to create and execute <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/branding-tips\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/branding-tips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">visual concepts<\/a>. You should aim to inspire, educate, and\u2014 most importantly \u2014catch the eye of your audience.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Become a Graphic Designer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your end goal is to be an in-house graphic designer, you might be looking for formal training. But before taking the plunge, free graphic design courses\u2014 like those available on Envato Tuts+ \u2014are a great place to start trying your hand and learning some basic skills.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s so much you can learn with tutorials \u2013 learning and building skills, trying out&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/graphic-design-trends\" target=\"_blank\">new graphic design trends<\/a>, and taking brand design into your own hands. They can essentially help you become a graphic designer without a degree.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you&#8217;re already a graphic designer and simply looking to upskill or challenge yourself, tutorials can be the perfect resource (you can&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/freelance-graphic-design-guide\" target=\"_blank\">read our guide<\/a>&nbsp;on doing just that).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to brush up on graphic design? Check out these 10 free graphic design courses to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Top 10 Free Graphic Design Courses on Tuts+&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The Principles of Design <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"The Principles of Design | FREE COURSE\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9EPTM91TBDU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes it&#8217;s worth going right back to basics. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/design.tutsplus.com\/articles\/the-principles-of-design--cms-33962\" target=\"_blank\">This course<\/a>&nbsp;uses design principles as a framework to deliver your message and apply visual tools to bring it to life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. 65 Design Terms You Should Know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"65 Design Terms You Should Know | FREE COURSE\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PIa17rsNSEE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting the terminology down is half the battle in most jobs, and graphic design is no exception.&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/design.tutsplus.com\/articles\/60-design-terms-you-should-know--cms-34238\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This course<\/a>&nbsp;will introduce you to 65 terms that will serve you well in explaining your visual work in words.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Adobe Illustrator for Beginners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Adobe Illustrator for Beginners | FREE COURSE\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ib8UBwu3yGA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To add Adobe Illustrator to your repertoire,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/design.tutsplus.com\/articles\/adobe-illustrator-for-beginners--cms-93489\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this course for absolute beginners<\/a>&nbsp;is the perfect place to start. Learn to draw, make patterns, use effects, and make the most of type and fonts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. InDesign for Beginners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"InDesign for Beginners | FREE COURSE\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RXRT3dHu6_o?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you looking for a sign to try InDesign?&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/design.tutsplus.com\/articles\/indesign-for-beginners-course-landing-page--cms-93493\" target=\"_blank\">This course<\/a>&nbsp;is beginner-friendly, so it&#8217;s excellent for those new to the program and those looking to brush up on forgotten skills.&nbsp;On the other hand, a great alternative to Indesign is <a href=\"https:\/\/design.tutsplus.com\/articles\/affinity-publisher-vs-indesign-which-is-better--cms-108799\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/design.tutsplus.com\/articles\/affinity-publisher-vs-indesign-which-is-better--cms-108799\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Affinity Publisher<\/a>, be sure to check it out and decide which works best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Photoshop for Beginners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Photoshop for Beginners | FREE COURSE\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IyR_uYsRdPs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Adobe Photoshop is an absolute staple of the Adobe design suite; with it, you can do much more than you may think. In&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/design.tutsplus.com\/articles\/photoshop-for-beginners--cms-93368\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this course<\/a>, you&#8217;ll learn the essential tools and techniques, including layer styles, colors, text, and more advanced skills like smart objects and retouching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Sketch for Beginners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Sketch for Beginners | FREE COURSE\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pvpRGUYvbCw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re not familiar with the program Sketch, it&#8217;s a great option for Mac users.&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/webdesign.tutsplus.com\/articles\/sketch-for-beginners-free-course--cms-93205\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This course<\/a>&nbsp;starts with an overview of Sketch, covering everything you need to know as a beginner.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Advanced Adobe Illustrator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Advanced Adobe Illustrator Tutorial | FREE COURSE\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4xYHloidI8M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Even for the pros, there&#8217;s always something new to learn in Adobe Illustrator. With&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/design.tutsplus.com\/articles\/advanced-adobe-illustrator-tutorial-free-course--cms-93036\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this course<\/a>, delve deeper into Illustrator&#8217;s 3D features, custom lettering, using compound paths, and alternative ways to execute basic functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. The Ultimate Guide to Typography<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"The Ultimate Guide to Typography | FREE COURSE\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yAuUDyUC-GM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Typography is often the lynchpin in product advertising, so you must get a handle on it to communicate it convincingly to your clients. After&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=yAuUDyUC-GM\" target=\"_blank\">this course<\/a>, you&#8217;ll be able to wax lyrical about the difference between a typeface and a font and understand readability and typesetting best practices by heart.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Figma Components: From Zero to Hero<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Figma Components: From Zero to Hero | FREE COURSE\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FfeuWbZSRj4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Figma is a program specifically for UI design. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=FfeuWbZSRj4\" target=\"_blank\">This course<\/a>&nbsp;will take you through using components and the kinds of elements that you can reuse throughout the design process. Learn to create, change, swap, name, organize, and more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Mastering Logo Design in Adobe Illustrator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Mastering Logo Design in Adobe Illustrator\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YycxaAK2MZ4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, we already mentioned there&#8217;s always more to learn in Adobe Illustrator, and one thing worth mastering is logo design.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YycxaAK2MZ4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This course<\/a>\u00a0will have you creating professional logos like a seasoned freelancer (on that note, read our <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/how-to-become-freelance-graphic-designer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">top tips to boost your freelance graphic design career<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s a wrap on the top free graphic design courses for beginners! But your learning journey doesn&#8217;t stop here.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/tutsplus.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Envato Tuts+<\/a>\u00a0is a learning hub full of free resources for every step in the graphic design journey. And for all the image, audio, video, and other creative assets you&#8217;ll need to execute all your big ideas, a subscription with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/pricing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Envato<\/a>\u00a0gives you access to a library with thousands of options.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Brush up on graphic design with these free graphic design courses.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":82953,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[157,170,171,169,173,163],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-72100","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-design","category-illustrator","category-indesign","category-photoshop","category-sketch","category-typography"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72100","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72100"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72100\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/82953"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72100"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72100"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72100"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}