In the realm of design, understanding color theory is paramount. It is the key to creating harmonious, aesthetically pleasing designs and effectively conveying the intended message to the audience.
Grasping the intricate language of colors can set a designer apart, allowing them to utilize color to its full potential.
For those who aspire to master the art and science of color, various online platforms offer comprehensive, yet cost-free courses on color theory.
These courses delve into the fundamental concepts, exploring the roles, relationships, and psychology of colors, equipping learners with the knowledge to make informed design choices.
Here is a curated list of the “9 Best Free Color Theory Courses” that offer valuable insights and practical skills to help you elevate your design projects, without the burden of financial investment.
Best Free Color Theory Courses
A group of highly knowledgeable individuals have collaborated to select the top color theory classes, tutorials, and online training options.
These contain free as well as paid resources, and they are appropriate for novices, intermediate students, and seasoned professionals alike. We really hope that you will be able to locate a program that works well for you.
You might also be interested in reviewing our compiled list of design courses that we have available.
List of Best Color Theory Courses
- Top Color Theory Courses (Includes Free Courses) from Udemy
- The Beginner’s Guide to Color Theory for Digital Artists from Udemy
- Free Course Trial – Understanding Color Theory by the University of Colorado Boulder from Coursera
- Color Theory Courses (CreativeLive)
- FREE Color Theory Course for Artists and Designers from Alison
- Free Color Theory Courses from LinkedIn Learning
- Color Theory for Illustrators: A Fun Beginner’s Guide to Creative Color from Skillshare
- Color Theory: Get Inspired by Color! from Skillshare
- Color Theory Basics for Graphic Designers – Creating Color Palettes from Skillshare
Best Color Theory Courses
Here are the best color theory courses we have compiled for you. We have looked around for the best color theory courses that suit anyone interested in this field.
1. Top Color Theory Courses (Includes Free Courses) (Udemy)
The Color Theory Courses offered by Udemy encompass a range of educational programs that cover topics such as color mixing, the selection of color schemes, and the incorporation of graphic design aspects.
This study explores the application of color psychology in several domains, such as game development, UI design, and interior decoration.
Acquire proficiency in generating color palettes with software applications and making informed decisions regarding color schemes. This article aims to explore the comprehension of painting techniques and the utilization of color as a means of effective communication with others.
Students have the option to select a course that aligns with their individual requirements and academic proficiency. Customers have the option to utilize a 30-day money-back guarantee in the event that they are dissatisfied with the content provided in the programs.
Highlights:
- Students will receive a certificate after completing the programs.
- Students have lifetime access to the study material in the modules.
- Learners can view others’ work and use it as inspiration for their art.
- Students can understand the color wheel, color harmonies, the use of color in brand assets, and read color guides.
- Know concepts like the application of color and light together, hue, and saturation.
- Students have the option of previewing some video lectures before purchasing a program.
- The modules are compatible with both a mobile phone and a television screen.
Duration of Course: This course is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace.
Overall Rating by Students: The rating provided by the user is 4.5 out of 5.
2. The Beginner’s Guide to Color Theory for Digital Artists (Udemy)
The curriculum titled “The Beginner’s Guide to Color Theory for Digital Artists” focuses on the practical application of color theory principles within the context of digital art. An understanding of color schemes, the distinction between passive and active colors, as well as the significance of value and contrast, can be achieved.
Acquire proficiency in utilizing colors as an integral component of the narrative process. Familiarize oneself with palette assistance tools, and masks employed for the purpose of creating light and shadow effects, and gain a comprehensive understanding of color blending modes.
The program offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to students who express dissatisfaction with the content provided by the program. Prior to embarking on the program, it is imperative for students to possess the necessary access to a digital art application.
It is advisable to have access to a digital drawing tablet. Please take a moment to review our curated selection of the top Affinity Designer courses.
Highlights
- Learners have lifetime access to the study material in the modules.
- The modules are compatible with both a mobile phone and a television screen.
- Students will receive a certificate after completing the course.
- Learners will receive line drawings to practice their art and layered PSD files.
- View projects by other artists and use them as inspiration for your art.
- Know how to balance colors so that they fit well together.
Duration of Course: This course is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace.
Overall Rating by Students: The rating provided by the user is 4.7 out of 5.
3. Free Course Trial – Understanding Color Theory by the University of Colorado Boulder (Coursera)
The Colour Theory Course aims to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge pertaining to graphic aspects. Comprehend the distinctions among colour models such as CMYK, Pantone, and RGB.
Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the optimal methodologies to adhere to when integrating visual elements and textual content into a design.
This educational discourse aims to provide insights into the fundamental concepts of raster and vector images, elucidate the process of converting image colours, and offer guidance on locating images through web platforms.
The modules are suitable for students at a basic level who possess no prior expertise. Students have the opportunity to register for the course without incurring any fees.
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants have the option to obtain a certificate by paying an extra charge. Students who are unable to afford the programme cost have the option to access financial aid.
Highlights
- Learners can view different logo designs and understand what makes them unique.
- Learn through quizzes, worksheets, and a list of reading material.
- Peer discussions enable students to discuss topics in the program with others.
- Test your knowledge of the concepts in the program through assignments.
- The course deadlines are flexible and can be adjusted according to the learners’ convenience.
- Students can create study notes after viewing the video lectures and read video transcripts.
Duration of Course: Approximately 12 hours
Overall Rating by Students: The rating provided by the user is 4.7 out of 5.
4. Color Theory Courses (CreativeLive)
The curriculum offered by CreativeLive encompasses a range of colour theory classes, such as those focused on colour approaches in sketching, poster design, and screen printing.
This educational module provides an overview of colour nomenclature, contrast grids, and colour illusions. Understanding the process of creating a colour palette and recognising the significance of trial and error in colour selection.
This educational module aims to provide an understanding of primary and secondary colours, as well as complementary colours.
Additionally, it will explore the principles behind determining colour combinations that harmonise effectively. This academic text aims to explore the comprehension of colour schemes, the use of colour in advertising, and the application of colour theory in floral arrangements.
The programme caters to individuals with a background in design and those employed in the media industry. Students have the option to either acquire a monthly paid pass in order to gain access to the programme, or alternatively, they may choose to purchase the programme outright.
Highlights
- Learners will have lifetime access to the study material in the modules.
- The modules are compatible with iPhone and iPad applications, desktop, and mobile phones.
- The program includes free study experiments that can help learners test their knowledge of the concepts.
- Perform hands-on activities using objects like leaves and cut paper to create artwork.
- Learners can download course materials like templates and wallpapers.
Duration of Course: This course is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace.
Overall Rating by Students: The rating provided by the user is 4.5 out of 5.
5. FREE Color Theory Course for Artists and Designers (Alison)
The Color Theory Course for Artists and Designers encompasses various subjects, such as color dimensions, hue, color mixing, brightness, and saturation.
Acquire knowledge pertaining to the field of color psychology and develop a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics that govern color connections. Individuals have the opportunity to register for the programme without incurring any costs.
Individuals have the option to obtain a certificate and attain the status of an Alison Graduate by remitting an extra cost. Individuals have the option to obtain both digital and physical certificates, as well as certificates that are presented in a framed format.
Students have the option to acquire a Premium Monthly programme, which offers the advantage of engaging in a learning experience devoid of advertisements. The modules are designed for learners at the Academic-Secondary-Level 1.
Highlights
- Assessments can help learners test their knowledge of the concepts in the modules.
- Students can create study notes within the study material.
- Learners can access the program through both a desktop and a mobile phone.
- Students can view their progress on the programs through the progress bar.
- Learners can read their study reports that show their study time and the average score on assessments.
Duration of Course: 3-4 hours (Self-Paced)
Overall Rating by Students: The rating provided by the user is 3.9 out of 5.
6. Free Color Theory Courses (LinkedIn Learning)
LinkedIn Learning offers a comprehensive selection of Color Theory Courses that encompass all aspects of graphic design, including foundational principles, emerging color trends, and effective color management techniques.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of subjects such as digital painting, the color wheel, color harmonies, and the process of producing compositions.
Acquire knowledge pertaining to design applications such as Adobe Photoshop CC and InDesign. Understanding the significance of color is crucial in various aspects, such as typography and symbolism. Acquire knowledge pertaining to subjects such as color, shape, texture, and context.
Students has the ability to acquire knowledge pertaining to basic and secondary colors, glazes, layers, as well as color vision deficiency.
The classes are categorized into different levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Highlights
- Learners will receive a certificate after completing the courses.
- Exercise files and chapter quizzes can help students test their knowledge of the concepts in the program.
- Question-and-answer forums help learners interact with peers and experts.
- Students can create study notes within the modules of the program.
- There are challenges in the training program that can make students’ learning interactive.
Duration of Course: Variable
Overall Rating by Students: The rating provided by the user is 4.4 out of 5.
7. Color Theory for Illustrators: A Fun Beginner’s Guide to Creative Color (Skillshare)
The Color Theory for Illustrators course aims to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills pertaining to the exploration and manipulation of colors in order to elevate artistic expression.
Acquire proficiency in the art of color shading, rectify color discrepancies, and comprehend the principles governing harmonious color combinations.
Understanding the process of selecting colors based on one’s mood and effectively navigating challenges related to color choices is crucial.
This paper aims to explore the subjective nature of color perception and examine several color schemes. The programme is appropriate for individuals at various proficiency levels.
Highlights
- Learn about the building blocks of color like hue, value, and saturation.
- Understand the color wheel and the difference between warm and cold colors.
- Know how to create a color palette and highlight using colors.
- Learn the aspects of color you need to keep in mind during printing or scanning.
- Projects help students test the knowledge of the concepts in the modules.
- View the work of your classmates and take inspiration for your work from them.
- The modules include exercises that can help learners enhance their knowledge of colors.
Duration of Course: This course is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace.
Overall Rating by Students: The rating provided by the user is 4.7 out of 5.
8. Color Theory: Get Inspired by Color! (Skillshare)
This course aims to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge pertaining to colour systems utilised within the realm of design and technology.
This text explores the concepts of RCB, CMYK, and Pantone colour. Gain proficiency in utilising colour inside software applications such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Colour.
The programme is well-suited for individuals at the introductory level of learning, lacking any previous experience.
In order to gain access to the modules, students are required to complete the registration process on the Skillshare platform and thereafter select the option to participate in a complimentary trial period.
If individuals desire to enrol in further programmes, they have the option to acquire a premium plan on Skillshare.
Highlights
- Learn from resources like color theory and psychology of color worksheets.
- Understand the appropriate color schemes that you should use in your color projects.
- Know the importance of understanding the psychology of color when it comes to branding.
- View the projects of other students and use them as inspiration for your work.
- Learn about warm and cool colors and how to combine colors to create artwork.
Duration of Course: This course is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace.
Overall Rating by Students: The rating provided by the user is 4.6 out of 5.
9. Color Theory Basics for Graphic Designers – Creating Color Palettes (Skillshare)
The course titled “Fundamentals of Colour Theory for Graphic Designers” aims to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge pertaining to colour harmony, colours, tones, saturation, and shades.
Gain an understanding of the manner in which colours have the potential to influence one’s emotional state. This educational discourse aims to elucidate the concepts of basic and secondary colours, as well as the process of generating colour palettes.
Acquire proficiency in the process of making colour selections through the utilisation of design software. The programme is well-suited for individuals at the novice level who possess no prior expertise.
Students have the opportunity to gain access to the course by selecting the option of a complimentary trial session lasting for a duration of seven days.
If individuals desire to engage in many programmes, they have the option to acquire premium plans on Skillshare.
Highlights
- View other students’ art and use it as inspiration for your project.
- Resources like color theory guides can help learners enhance their knowledge of the concepts.
- Learners can discuss the concepts in the modules with others through the discussion forum.
Duration of Course: This course is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace.
Overall Rating by Students: The rating provided by the user is 4.5 out of 5.
Wrapping up
Mastering the intricacies of color theory is a valuable investment for anyone involved in the creative and design fields.
The “9 Best Free Color Theory Courses” provide a substantial foundation and a deeper understanding of color, empowering you to make informed, effective, and aesthetically pleasing design choices.
These free courses offer a wealth of knowledge, equipping you with the practical skills and insights needed to harness the power of color in your projects.
Seize this opportunity to enhance your design skills, elevate your projects, and make a powerful visual impact, all without the financial strain.
Embark on your journey to becoming a color theory maestro with these exceptional free courses, and let your designs tell compelling stories through the language of color.
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