Teach on Udemy

Turn what you know into an opportunity and reach millions around the world.

Learn More

Your cart is empty.

Keep shopping

Fundamentals of Computer Graphics

Principles of Color, Typography, Layout, Graphic Parameters, and File Formats

Created byPeter Berking

Last updated 6/2025

English

What you'll learn

Use best practice principles to create and edit computer graphics, including synthetic images, drawn artwork, and photographs.
Expand your capabilities and improve your existing skills as a graphic artist and user of graphics software.
Apply knowledge of graphics fundamentals while using software to create and edit graphics.
Communicate effectively with others regarding technical requirements and options in graphics software.
Leverage your investment in graphics software by being able to do more with it.

Course content

8 sections • 94 lectures • 4h 59m total length

Background4:03
This lecture explains how and why the course was created.
Course Goals3:33
This lecture describes the goals for the course, both in a learning and practical outcome sense.
Intended Audience2:35
This lecture describes the intended audience. This facilitates you being able to determine the applicability of the course to your situation or demographic.
Course Sections1:42
This lecture names the course sections and provides a high-level sample of what you will learn in each section.

Welcome to the Intro to the Field of Computer Graphics section of the course0:21
This lecture introduces the subject matter of this section.
The Impact of Computer Graphics2:55
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the impact of computer graphics on the field of visual arts.
Uses & Forms of Computer Graphics0:52
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
List important uses of computer graphics and the different forms graphics can take.
The Advent of AI3:03
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe how AI has transformed the field of computer graphics.
Identify current AI implementations for image and video generation

Welcome to the Color section of the course0:25
This lecture introduces the subject matter of this section.
Components of Color5:00
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the fundamental components of color.
Identify how the components of color are defined and expressed in graphics software.
Color Categories & Relationships4:21
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe categories of color.
Describe how individual colors can be related to each other, both in a technical and visual sense.
Terms to Describe Color3:58
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define key terms used to describe color
Describe the parameters associated with them, including how they are expressed with numbers.
Emotions Associated with Specific Colors1:13
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
List the archetypal emotional responses to particular colors (in predominant Western cultures).
Monochrome & Grayscale Color Models1:18
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the features of the monochrome and grayscale color models.
RGB Color Model4:40
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the basic concepts underlying the RGB color model.
Describe the key parameters of RGB and how they are expressed numerically.
Hexadecimal Specification Method for RGB2:51
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain the basis of the hexadecimal number system.
Describe how RGB colors are described using hexadecimal numbers.
HSB Color Model6:12
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the conceptual basis for the HSB color model.
Describe the advantages of using this color model.
Describe the HSB parameters and how they are expressed numerically.
CMYK Color Model7:10
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the basic concepts underlying the CMYK color model.
Describe the key parameters of CMYK and how they are expressed numerically.
Process Colors1:14
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define the term process colors and give examples of them.
Spot Colors3:15
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define the term spot colors and describe how and when they are used in print production.
Ensuring Consistent Color3:56
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the importance and consequences of ensuring consistent color across devices.
Identify the software elements needed to ensure consistent color.
Bit Depth10:44
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define the term bit depth.
Describe how bit depth is applied to creating and editing graphics.
Section 3: Color

Welcome to the Typography section of the course0:25
This lecture introduces the subject matter of this section.
Key Terms2:48
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define key terms in typography
Explain the implementations of these terms in the practice of graphic design.
Serif Typefaces6:08
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Identify key aspects of the appearance of serif typefaces.
Describe uses of serif typefaces.
Sans Serif Typefaces1:56
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Identify key aspects of the appearance of sans serif typefaces.
Describe uses of sans serif typefaces.
Special Typefaces2:55
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Identify different types of special typefaces.
Identify key aspects of the appearance of these typefaces.
Describe uses of these typefaces.
Functional Type Elements in Page Layouts0:54
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Identify functional type elements.
Explain how and when they are used in layouts to help convey information.
Decorative Type Elements in Page Layouts0:55
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Identify decorative type elements.
Explain how and when they are used to enhance the appearance of layouts.
Legacy Font File Formats1:15
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Identify font file formats that have been or are being phased out but that you may encounter in legacy files.
OpenType Font Format2:06
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the innovative features of the OpenType font format.
Describe the uses of OpenType
Unicode Fonts1:25
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the capabilities of Unicode fonts in representing characters in different languages.
Describe Unicode implementation in font files.
Perceptual Type Attributes1:18
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the attributes of type that qualify as perceptual (vs physical).
Physical Type Attributes1:15
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the attributes of type that qualify as physical (vs perceptual).
Type Direction0:33
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Identify the 3 types of type direction, and how and when to use them.
Type Color1:19
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define the concept of type color.
Describe its 2 types.
Counters1:32
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define the term counters
Describe its implications for designing with type.
Leading2:36
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define the concept of leading.
Describe how and when to use it.
Tracking1:35
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define the concept of tracking.
Describe how and when to use it.
Kerning2:15
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define the concept of kerning.
Describe how and when to use it.
Baseline Shift1:03
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define the concept of baseline shift.
Describe how and when to use it.
Built-in Character Spacing1:56
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain how built-in character spacing differs from monospacing.
Special Capital Letters1:24
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Identify the special types of capital letters.
Describe how and when to use them.
ASCII Type2:23
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain the concept of ASCII type.
Explain what it means for using type in graphic designs.
Type Embedded into Graphics1:06
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the pros and cons of embedding type into a graphic vs keeping it as ASCII text.
Font Embedding in Documents1:54
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe how and when to embed fonts into documents.
Display-optimized Typefaces1:01
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain the concept of display-optimized typefaces
Identify examples.
Non-standard Typefaces0:39
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe how and when to use non-standard typefaces.
Identify examples.
General Typographic Principles9:59
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe typographic principles for both web and print design that enable you create professional-looking products.
Typographic Principles for Web8:07
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe typographic principles specific to web design that enable you create professional-looking products.
Using Type as a Design Element5:42
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe principles related to the visual aesthetics of designing with type.
Section 4: Typography

Welcome to the Layout section of the course0:27
This lecture introduces the subject matter of this section.
Screen Real Estate5:40
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain how screen real estate affects design of layouts.
Explain how to create designs that taken into account screen real estate.
Describe the concept of screen pixel dimensions.
Design Aids1:46
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Identify key items that support the graphic design production process.
Design Elements2:33
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Identify key items that support creating professional-looking layouts.
Separation of Content & Appearance2:33
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain how separation of content and appearance saves you production time.
Explain how this concept is implemented in styles, including CSS.
Dynamically-generated Content1:32
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain the concept of dynamically-generated content.
Give examples of ways to implement it.
Screen Layout Best Practices4:26
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe screen layout best practices, including responsive design and content visibility.
Color Contrasts in Layouts1:57
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain why color contrast is important in layouts.
Identify best practices for implementing it.
Section 5: Layout

Welcome to the Graphic Characteristics section of the course0:43
This lecture introduces the subject matter of this section.
Raster vs Vector Graphics26:45
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain the fundamental differences between raster and vector graphics.
Explain why these differences matter.
Identify any given graphic as one type or the other.
Key Elements of Image Resolution3:37
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain the concept of image resolution and its three elements.
Explain how the elements interact with each other.
The Importance of Image Pixel Dimensions3:42
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain why image pixel dimensions is such an important parameter within the concept of resolution.
The Influence of Image Pixel Density2:02
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain why image pixel density is such an important parameter within the concept of resolution.
Image Resolution Scenarios8:21
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the dynamics of the interrelationships of the three elements.
Calculate the values of any one of the three elements of image resolution upon being given the other two values.
Applying Image Resolution Parameters11:54
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe how to change resolution parameters in image editing software like Photoshop.
Identify how changes to these parameters affect each other.
Display Pixel Dimensions7:09
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the two types of display pixel dimensions.
Describe how it differs from image pixel dimensions.
Describe how a display takes into the account the three resolution elements.
Display Pixel Density7:09
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe the concept of display pixel density.
Identify examples of pixel density used in modern displays.
Printer Dot Density1:46
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain the difference between display pixels and printer dots.
Identify common printer dot densities among printers.
Printer Image Rendering3:02
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define halftone cells, halftone dots, and screen frequency.
Describe how a printer creates the appearance of a tones of color.
Printer Color Rendering1:27
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe how a printer simulates color using CMYK inks.
Describe best practices for parameters that define color on printers.
Optimizing Image File Size5:03
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe factors influencing file size.
Describe compression types.
Describe best practices for optimizing image file size.
Anti-aliasing2:34
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Explain the concept of anti-aliasing.
Identify best practices for anti-aliasing.
Gradients1:47
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define the concept of gradients.
Describe best practices for using them.
Alpha Channels3:34
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define the concept of alpha channels.
Describe how they are used.
Relevance-enhanced Image Reduction2:36
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Define the concept of relevance-enhanced image reduction.
Describe methods for achieving it.
Accessibility2:22
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Give examples of accessibility guidelines.
Explain what Section 508 is.
Define "alt tags".
Section 6: Graphic Characteristics

Welcome to the File Format section of the course0:24
This lecture introduces the subject matter of this section.
BMP File Format0:57
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe key features of BMP format and their limitations.
Identify bit depths supported by it.
Identify color models supported by it.
GIF File Format4:12
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe key features of GIF format.
Identify bit depths supported by it.
Identify color models supported by it.
Describe best practices for using it.
JPEG File Format2:19
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe key features of JPEG format.
Identify bit depths supported by it.
Identify color models supported by it.
Describe best practices for using it.
PNG File Format4:00
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe key features of PNG format.
Identify bit depths supported by it.
Identify color models supported by it.
Describe best practices for using it.
TIFF File Format2:36
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe key features of TIFF format.
Identify bit depths supported by it.
Identify color models supported by it.
Describe best practices for using it.
EPS File Format0:41
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe key features of EPS format.
Identify bit depths supported by it.
Identify color models supported by it.
Describe best practices for using it.
SVG File Format4:05
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe key features of SVG format.
Identify unique and advanced features supported by it.
Describe best practices for using it.
Native Image Editor File Formats2:20
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe key features of native image editor file formats.
Describe opportunities for distributing files in these formats.
Describe best practices for using them.
WebP File Format2:56
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe key features of WebP format.
Identify bit depths supported by it.
Identify color models supported by it.
Describe best practices for using it.
HEIC File Format1:25
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe key features of HEIC format.
Identify limitations of using the format.
PDF File Format3:18
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe key features of PDF format.
Describe best practices for using it.
HDR Technology1:05
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe key features of HDR technology.
Describe best practices for using it.
Section 6: File Formats

Welcome to the Graphics Production Workflows section of the course0:34
This lecture introduces the subject matter of this section.
General Production Steps5:53
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Describe high-level, general steps in the graphics production process.
Web Graphics Production Workflow1:27
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Diagram the workflow for producing web graphics, to include tools used, inputs, and outputs for each step.
Print Graphics Production Workflow0:38
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
Diagram the workflow for producing print graphics, to include tools used, inputs, and outputs for each step.
Section 8: Graphics Production Workflows

Requirements

None, though owning or having access to graphics software is highly recommended.

Description

This is a 7 hour course. That includes 5 hours of video lectures plus about 2 hours to do optional supplemental activities. The course is divided into 8 sections:

1. Course Information

2. Introduction to Computer Graphics

3. Color

4. Typography

5. Layout

6. Graphic Characteristics

7. File Formats

8. Graphics Production Workflow

There is a multiple choice quiz after each section to help you check your understanding. The quizzes have a total of 98 questions, covering most of the topics in the course.

The course subject matter covers the fundamental aspects of all digital images. That includes drawn line art, photographs, and synthetic graphics - in other words, any visual that can be displayed on a computer or printed. Individual graphics as well as layouts consisting of multiple graphics are covered.

This is not a course in the mechanics of how to use any specific software programs. Instead, this course is meant to prepare you to learn and use graphics software features knowledgeably and efficiently, through understanding the underlying principles involved in working with these features.

Shortly after I started teaching Adobe Illustrator, I decided that my students really needed a basis for understanding the options presented within the Illustrator interface. That is why I developed this course and made it a prerequisite for my Illustrator class. I decided that my students couldn’t be effective in learning to use Illustrator without understanding things like file formats and color models. These are concepts that Illustrator and other graphics software presumes you know already. During the process of using the software to create and edit graphics you are presented with a lot of choices. If you are not sure what these choices really mean and make the wrong ones, you could be creating something that may look good but is not compatible with its intended digital environment. That could be a web page, a printed document, or a software application.

This course is comprehensive in that it covers not only information that is specific to computer graphics, but general background information that sets the stage for learning about computer graphics. This background information has been around since way before the advent of computers. For instance, the properties and dimensions of color. I am including some of this information in the course, but only to the degree that you need to know it in order to create graphics on a computer.

You may know some of the things presented in the course already, and you can always skip over this information by fast forwarding the video. However, I recommend that you not do this. Your knowledge may be more fragmentary than you think. You may not know what you don’t know. I designed this course to help you put all of your fragments of knowledge into a comprehensive framework.

Who this course is for:

Novices who are completely new to using computer software to create graphics and/or edit photos
Casual or occasional graphics creators who have some experience
Experienced professionals who want to fill gaps in their knowledge
Project managers, clients, and stakeholders in graphics-related industries

Fundamentals of Computer Graphics

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Course Information4 lectures • 12min

Introduction to the Field of Computer Graphics4 lectures • 7min

Color14 lectures • 56min

Typography29 lectures • 1hr 8min

Layout8 lectures • 21min

Graphic Characteristics18 lectures • 1hr 36min

File Formats13 lectures • 30min

Graphics Production Workflows4 lectures • 9min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: