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Graphic Design Principles Textbook

A free, self-paced textbook in 7 chapters. Read a chapter, then drill it with the 100 companion flashcards using spaced repetition.

7 chapters · 100 cards · Updated

Chapters

  1. 1The Elements of Design

    Every visual composition, from a simple logo to a complex magazine spread, is built from a shared vocabulary of seven fundamental elements. These building blocks are line, shape, f...

  2. 2Principles of Design

    The principles of design describe how the elements are organized and combined within a composition. While the elements are the ingredients, the principles are the recipes — the rul...

  3. 3Composition, Layout, and Spatial Design

    Composition is the art of arranging elements on a page or screen so they communicate clearly and feel intentional. While the principles of design describe the goals, composition pr...

  4. 4Typography

    Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and visually appealing. It is one of the most powerful tools in graphic design, sh...

  5. 5Color, Branding, and Identity

    Color and branding work hand in hand to give a product, company, or campaign its recognizable identity. Beyond pure decoration, color carries emotional and cultural associations, s...

  6. 6Digital File Formats, Resolution, and Vectors

    Choosing the right file format is essential to delivering a design that looks correct across media. Formats determine whether an image scales smoothly or falls apart, whether color...

  7. 7Design Process, Tools, and User Experience

    Behind every finished design is a process — research, sketching, iteration, and refinement — supported by specialized tools that translate ideas into deliverables. Whether working...

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