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⇱ Graphic Design Theory - Print Design | Coursera


Graphic Design Theory - Print Design

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Graphic Design Theory - Print Design

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

7 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer
Taught in English

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Design Theory Principles for Print and Digital Applications 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

There are 7 modules in this course

From instructor Martin Perhiniak, this course is an in-depth guide on printing techniques, products, workflows and terminology.

If you are like so many of us, amazed by a beautifully designed poster or magazine cover, buying a chocolate just because of its cool packaging, if you love design in print form, then you’ve come to the right place. Print design focuses on producing designs printed onto tangible surfaces and products, and we can say that it is the oldest, classic field of Graphic Design, as old as the profession itself. With this rich history, we have a long way to look back, and even more to look forward to as new trends arise and more and more industries modernize their look and appeal, and professional printing and packaging services become more accessible to small brands. Because of this, learning the key terms, best practices and industry standards of printing is very important for any professional designer. The greatest benefits of completing this course: By the end of this course, you will be equipped with all the knowledge you need to accept print design projects (given that you have the skills in the software). You will be able to confidently interact with printer services and clients, knowing how to prepare your work professionally, from adjusting your colors to setting your bleeds. What will we cover: In this course we will be covering everything you need to know about printing techniques and processes, including: * All the essential print terminology like bleed, color separation, RIP, spot colors etc. * All the most common printing methods (offset, digital, screen, 3D printing) and the differences between them * Special printing techniques (foil stamp, varnish, lamination, coating, emboss) * Color management, calibration and proofing * Binding methods (stiching, thread sewn, spiral, EVA, PUR, tape bond etc.) * Checklist for a successful print job (overprinting, trapping, flattening, knockout etc.) * Paper types, sizes with resolution settings and so much more. We will also dive deep into all the specialized areas within this field, like: * Logo design, * Packaging design, * Editorial design, * Environmental design, * Posters, * Brochures, * Business Cards, * Stationery and Books * Mastering by visual examples We will analyze hundreds of print design projects to give you a solid understanding of the important rules and terms you need to be familiar with as a print designer. Who is this course for? * Anyone planning to get into the creative industry * Creative professionals aiming to improve their compositions * Marketing managers working with agencies & printing services Practical advice with invaluable industry insight: This is not an abstract theory course at all, but a very practical one. As a professional freelance designer myself, I will give you all my 20+ years of experience in managing 100s of high-paying projects from simple to complex, from small shops to global brands like Disney and Lego. In fact, I was working in a special consultant role for Adobe for more than a year, teaching design workflow and process practices to their most esteemed clients. And I can promise you with confidence, this part of the Graphic Design Theory Series, will literally elevate you to the next level as a designer, giving you a huge advantage whether you're just starting out, or already working as a designer for years. Come, join me, Martin Perhiniak, on this exciting journey, let’s explore the amazing world of Graphic Design together! Instructor bio: Martin Perhiniak is a Certified Adobe Design Master and instructor with extensive experience working for top companies including Disney, Warner Brothers, Cartoon Network, Sony Pictures, Mattel, and DC Comics. Based in London, he teaches design and provides live online training and consultancy services to students and professionals worldwide. Martin’s teaching emphasizes hands-on learning and personal growth, guided by his motto: “Do not compare yourself to your role models. Work hard and wait for the moment when others will compare themselves to you.”

Start with the core foundations every print designer must know. In this module, you'll explore key terms, foundational image settings like resolution and aliasing, and gain insight into traditional offset printing processes that still dominate the professional print world.

What's included

7 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

7 videosTotal 39 minutes
  • Introduction1 minute
  • Basic terms8 minutes
  • Basic terms in action8 minutes
  • Resolution5 minutes
  • Image size feature5 minutes
  • Aliasing4 minutes
  • Offset printing8 minutes
1 readingTotal 10 minutes
  • Project Instructions10 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes
  • Module 1 Quiz30 minutes
1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes
  • New Discussion Prompt10 minutes

Explore how different printing methods and material finishes impact your final product. You'll get to know advanced surface treatments and ink technologies that elevate design for packaging, posters, and more.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt

7 videosTotal 27 minutes
  • Digital printing4 minutes
  • Screen printing5 minutes
  • 3D printing2 minutes
  • Spot colors4 minutes
  • Metallic materials5 minutes
  • Foil stamping3 minutes
  • Coatings4 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes
  • Module 2 Quiz30 minutes
1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes
  • New Discussion Prompt10 minutes

Take your designs to press with confidence. This module walks you through the technical aspects of prepping print files, using special finishes like embossing, and selecting the right paper and bindery options to bring your concepts to life.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt

7 videosTotal 31 minutes
  • Embossing4 minutes
  • Setting up files for print7 minutes
  • Preparing artwork for special printing techniques4 minutes
  • Bindery5 minutes
  • Paper size5 minutes
  • Paper sheen3 minutes
  • Paper weight3 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes
  • Module 3 Quiz30 minutes
1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes
  • New Discussion Prompt10 minutes

Discover how digital file types, color accuracy, and printing standards intersect. This module equips you to make informed choices on color spaces, proofing workflows, and critical prepress techniques like trapping and overprinting.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt

7 videosTotal 36 minutes
  • Commonly used file formats4 minutes
  • Additional file types and their benefits5 minutes
  • Commonly used Color Spaces5 minutes
  • LAB color space and synchronizing Color Settings6 minutes
  • Calibration and proofing5 minutes
  • Overprinting4 minutes
  • Trapping6 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes
  • Module 4 Quiz30 minutes
1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes
  • New Discussion Prompt10 minutes

Before hitting print, you’ll want to double-check everything. This module covers the critical preflight stage, how to make smart design decisions (like text color contrast), and practical applications of branding through real-world identity pieces.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt

7 videosTotal 43 minutes
  • Text color6 minutes
  • Preflight8 minutes
  • Additional things to check before printing5 minutes
  • Types of logos5 minutes
  • Logo design techniques7 minutes
  • Business cards8 minutes
  • Brochure design4 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes
  • Module 5 Quiz30 minutes
1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes
  • New Discussion Prompt10 minutes

This module shifts into editorial territory—magazines, stationery, and spreads. You’ll explore both the visual and structural elements that shape professional layouts, and how to maintain design consistency across multiple outputs.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 31 minutes
  • Stationery design2 minutes
  • Magazine cover design terms6 minutes
  • Editorial design terms5 minutes
  • Elements of a magazine spread7 minutes
  • Images in magazine spreads6 minutes
  • Additional Editorial Design details and terms5 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes
  • Module 6 Quiz30 minutes
1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes
  • New Discussion Prompt10 minutes

Wrap up your print design journey by looking at advanced formats—from book covers to environmental graphics. This module emphasizes how print design can expand into physical and spatial domains, integrating form and function in unique ways.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 27 minutes
  • Book design - Cover terms5 minutes
  • Book design - Additional terms5 minutes
  • Poster design6 minutes
  • Packaging design6 minutes
  • Environmental design5 minutes
  • Conclusion1 minute
1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes
  • Module 7 Quiz30 minutes
1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes
  • Course Project60 minutes
1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes
  • New Discussion Prompt10 minutes

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Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. 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.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

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¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.