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University of Colorado Boulder — Lori Poole

Textual Elements of Design: Fonts, Typography, and Spacing

Explore Colorado Boulder’s typography course on type history, fonts, text, leading, kerning and tracking, with a focus on communicating through design.

PaidBeginner10+ hoursEnglishCertificateGraphic Design
Go to course

Opens on the provider’s site. Check current access and certificate terms there.

Course overview

Colorado Boulder concentrates on the textual side of graphic design. A history of type leads into choosing fonts and managing spacing and sizing. It suits learners who can identify an attractive layout but want a more precise vocabulary for explaining why its text is readable and appropriate.

What you will learn

  • Distinguish typography, fonts and text.
  • Adjust leading, kerning and tracking.
  • Choose type combinations that support a message.

Who this suits

Professionals and learners who want to understand typography within visual communication; review the exercises and available design tools before starting.

Before you enroll

Check the software and resource requirements before enrolling; design applications are not necessarily included. Separate the communication problem from the visual treatment, and review readability and asset licenses before publishing your work. Leave time to revise projects after feedback.

Coursera offers paid enrollment or subscription access. Check the enrollment screen for assessment and certificate terms, trials and any financial-aid options. Provider access terms can change; review them before paying.

Put it into practice

Set a fictional event announcement in two type combinations and compare its hierarchy, spacing and readability at the intended print size.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on . It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

View the curriculum and current access options at Coursera.

How YellowCourse describes and checks learning resources.

At a glance

Provider
Coursera
Learning format
Course
Price
Paid
Level
Beginner
Study time (approx.)
10+ hours
Language
English
Certificate
Available; check provider terms
Created by
University of Colorado Boulder — Lori Poole
Subject
Design
Page updated
12 Oct 2026