Design & Digital Skills

Learn desktop publishing from the ground up: page layout, typography, RGB and CMYK colour, print resolution, vector and raster graphics, the core CorelDRAW tools, and a visiting card and poster workflow ending in a print-ready PDF.

• 7 lessons
• About 27 min of reading
• 35 practice questions
• 25 key terms

1. 01What DTP Is and Page Layout Basics5 key points · 3 min read

   • DTP combines text, images and shapes into designs for print and screen.
   • A4 is 210 × 297 mm; folding A3 in half gives A4.
   • Bleed extends edge-to-edge colour past the trim line, commonly by about 3 mm.
   • Keep important text inside the safe area, away from the trim line.
   • Hierarchy, alignment, proximity, white space and contrast make a layout work.
2. 02Typography for DTP5 key points · 4 min read

   • Serif fonts have small strokes at letter ends; sans serif fonts do not.
   • Type is measured in points, and 72 points make one inch.
   • Leading is line spacing, kerning is space between two letters, tracking is overall spacing.
   • Use two or three typefaces at most in one design.
   • Use Unicode fonts such as Nirmala UI or Mangal for Hindi.
3. 03Colour Models and Resolution for Print5 key points · 4 min read

   • RGB mixes light for screens; CMYK mixes inks for print.
   • K in CMYK stands for key, which is black.
   • Set print documents to CMYK and small black text to 100% K only.
   • Print images should be about 300 DPI at their final size.
   • Pixels needed = print size in inches × resolution.
4. 04Vector and Raster Graphics5 key points · 4 min read

   • Raster images are made of pixels and lose quality when enlarged.
   • Vector graphics are made of paths and stay sharp at any size.
   • Use vector for logos and text, raster for photographs.
   • PNG supports transparency; JPG uses lossy compression and has none.
   • PowerTRACE converts a bitmap into editable curves.
5. 05The CorelDRAW Workspace and Basic Tools5 key points · 4 min read

   • CorelDRAW saves files with the .cdr extension.
   • Pick selects and transforms objects; Shape (F10) edits nodes.
   • Rectangle is F6, Ellipse F7 and Text F8; hold Ctrl for a square or circle.
   • Left-click a palette colour for the fill and right-click for the outline.
   • Ctrl+Q converts a shape or text to curves.
6. 06Working with Objects in CorelDRAW5 key points · 4 min read

   • Ctrl+D duplicates, Ctrl+G groups and Ctrl+U ungroups.
   • Combine (Ctrl+L) makes one curve object with a single fill and outline.
   • Shift+Page Up and Shift+Page Down send an object to the front or back of its layer.
   • Weld, Trim and Intersect build new shapes from overlapping objects.
   • PowerClip places an object inside a frame without cutting it.
7. 07Visiting Card and Poster Workflow, and PDF Export for Print5 key points · 4 min read

   • Set up the page size, CMYK colour mode and bleed before designing.
   • Keep text inside the safe area and proof at 100% size.
   • Embed fonts or convert text to curves before sending a job.
   • Export with a print preset such as Prepress or PDF/X.
   • Send the printer a checked PDF, not the .cdr file, unless asked.

Learn the principles of good design, how images and colours work, and how to make posters, social posts and visiting cards in online design tools and photo editors, for screen or print, using images responsibly.

• 8 lessons
• About 31 min of reading
• 40 practice questions
• 25 key terms

1. 01Why Design Matters and How We See4 key points · 3 min read

   • Design exists to communicate a message quickly to a specific audience.
   • Ask who, what, where and which information is essential before starting.
   • White space helps the important parts stand out.
   • Tools change, but design ideas stay the same.
2. 02Alignment, Contrast, Hierarchy and Repetition4 key points · 4 min read

   • Alignment makes a design look tidy and organised.
   • Contrast (in size, colour or weight) makes important things stand out.
   • Hierarchy decides what the eye reads first, second and last.
   • Repetition builds a consistent look; proximity groups related items.
3. 03Colour and Fonts4 key points · 4 min read

   • Screens use RGB light, printers use CMYK ink, so colours can shift in print.
   • A palette of a main, a secondary and an accent colour keeps a design controlled.
   • Saved brand colours and hex codes keep colours identical across designs.
   • Use at most two fonts and check that they support your script.
4. 04Images: Raster, Vector, Resolution and File Formats4 key points · 4 min read

   • Raster images use pixels and blur when enlarged; vector images scale cleanly.
   • Print usually needs about 300 ppi, screens need only enough pixels for the display.
   • JPG suits photos, PNG suits logos and transparency, PDF suits print-ready files.
   • Keep the original and save edits as new files.
5. 05Working in Canva: Templates, Elements and Text4 key points · 4 min read

   • Choose the right size first, then adapt a template instead of copying it unchanged.
   • Use frames, alignment and distribute tools for neat layouts.
   • Keep text readable with plain or darkened backgrounds and few fonts.
   • Save brand colours and fonts for consistent business designs.
6. 06Photoshop Basics: Layers, Selections, Crop and Adjustments4 key points · 4 min read

   • Layers keep parts of a design separate so each can be changed safely.
   • Crop to improve composition; do not enlarge small images.
   • Selections and masks limit edits to chosen areas without destroying the image.
   • Keep the layered original and export a JPG or PNG copy.
7. 07Posters, Social Posts and Visiting Cards4 key points · 4 min read

   • Every format has its own viewing distance and text size needs.
   • Posters need a big headline and key details; social posts need short, bold text.
   • Visiting cards need clean layout, safe margins and correct contact details.
   • Test your design on a phone and with a second person.
8. 08Print versus Screen, Copyright and Using Images Responsibly4 key points · 4 min read

   • Screen designs use RGB and pixel sizes; print needs real size, about 300 ppi, bleed and margins.
   • An A4 page at 300 ppi needs roughly 2480 by 3508 pixels.
   • Being online does not make an image free to use; check the licence and give credit if required.
   • Get permission for photographs of people and never mislead or embarrass anyone.

Learn how video works and how to plan shots, organise clips, cut on the timeline, add titles and sound, correct colour and export a finished video, using ideas that hold in any editor.

• 8 lessons
• About 31 min of reading
• 40 practice questions
• 25 key terms

1. 01How Video Works: Frames, Resolution and Editing Ideas4 key points · 3 min read

   • A video is a series of frames; frame rate is frames per second.
   • Resolution is the frame size in pixels; aspect ratio is its shape.
   • Editing means choosing and arranging clips, and most editors are non-destructive.
   • Follow a workflow from plan to export and always check the final video.
2. 02Shots, Framing and Storyboarding4 key points · 4 min read

   • Use wide, medium, close-up and cut-away shots to build a clear story.
   • Steady hands, good light and the rule of thirds improve footage.
   • A storyboard plans the shot order before recording.
   • Take permission and stay safe while filming.
3. 03Importing, Organising and the Timeline4 key points · 4 min read

   • Keep clips in one organised, backed-up project folder.
   • The main parts are the media bin, preview, timeline and tools.
   • The timeline has tracks, a playhead and snapping to arrange clips.
   • Build a rough cut first; the project file is not the finished video.
4. 04Trimming, Cutting and Transitions4 key points · 4 min read

   • Trim to shorten a clip and split to cut it into parts; the original stays safe.
   • Cut on action and remove dead time.
   • A plain cut is the most useful transition; use effects with a reason.
   • Pacing should suit the mood and audience.
5. 05Titles, Captions and Audio4 key points · 4 min read

   • Titles should be clear, readable and inside the safe area.
   • Captions help many viewers and should match the speech.
   • Keep speech clear, avoid clipping and keep music lower than voice.
   • Record voice-over in a quiet room and respect music copyright.
6. 06Colour Basics and Exporting4 key points · 4 min read

   • Correct exposure, contrast, white balance and saturation so clips match.
   • MP4 with H.264 plays almost everywhere; keep the resolution and frame rate you shot at.
   • File size is roughly bitrate multiplied by duration.
   • Always watch the exported file fully before sharing.
7. 07Common Mistakes, Honest Editing and Sharing Responsibly4 key points · 4 min read

   • Avoid too many effects, bad audio, tiny text and unnecessary long shots.
   • A checklist before export catches most errors.
   • Edit honestly: never twist words, footage or events to mislead.
   • Protect privacy and check platform rules before sharing.
8. 08A Short Project from Start to Finish4 key points · 4 min read

   • Plan a message, storyboard and script before shooting.
   • About two words a second means a 60-second script is around 120 words.
   • Build, refine, export and then test with real viewers.
   • Use a checklist to catch errors before sharing.

Learn how marketing and the customer journey work and how to use websites and SEO, social media, local listings, email and WhatsApp messaging and paid ads honestly, then measure results while respecting privacy and the law.

• 8 lessons
• About 31 min of reading
• 40 practice questions
• 25 key terms

1. 01Marketing Basics and the Customer Journey4 key points · 4 min read

   • Marketing means understanding customers and making it easy for them to choose you; digital marketing uses online channels.
   • Know who the customer is, what problem you solve and where they spend time.
   • The journey runs from awareness to consideration, decision and after-sale.
   • Set measurable goals and promise only what you can deliver.
2. 02Websites and SEO Basics4 key points · 4 min read

   • A website gives the business a home it controls, with clear information and contact options.
   • SEO helps search engines understand a site; organic results are not paid for.
   • Use natural keywords, useful content, clear titles, headings and mobile-friendly pages.
   • Nobody can honestly guarantee a first position.
3. 03Social Media and the Content Calendar4 key points · 4 min read

   • Organic posts are unpaid; start with one or two platforms where customers are.
   • Mix useful, behind-the-scenes, proof, offer and interactive posts.
   • A content calendar keeps posting steady and planned.
   • Reply politely, and do not buy fake followers.
4. 04Local Listings and Online Reviews4 key points · 3 min read

   • A local listing shows name, address, hours, phone, photos and reviews on search and maps.
   • Keep the name, address and phone number identical everywhere.
   • Ask for honest reviews; never buy or fake them.
   • Reply to reviews politely and keep the listing up to date.
5. 05Email and WhatsApp Messaging, Responsibly4 key points · 4 min read

   • Always get clear consent before sending marketing messages.
   • Do not buy lists; make opting out easy and honour it.
   • Check current laws and the app's business rules before promotional messaging.
   • Keep messages short, honest and sent at sensible times.
6. 06Paid Ads Basics: Budget, Audience, Clicks and Conversions4 key points · 4 min read

   • Plan the goal, audience, message, landing place and budget before paying.
   • CTR is clicks divided by impressions; CPC is spend divided by clicks.
   • Conversion rate is conversions divided by clicks.
   • Test one change at a time and never trust guaranteed results.
7. 07Analytics and Measuring Results4 key points · 4 min read

   • Analytics shows what works so you can improve and stop waste.
   • Link measures to your goal; likes and followers alone may not bring customers.
   • Calculate return using real profit compared with the cost.
   • Review regularly and change one thing at a time.
8. 08Honest Advertising, Privacy and Where to Go Next4 key points · 4 min read

   • Advertising must be truthful, show real prices and use genuine proof.
   • Collect only the personal data you need, keep it safe and never sell it.
   • Protect business accounts with strong passwords and two-step sign-in, and beware scams.
   • Skills help, but no one can honestly promise a job or income.

Learn to take and improve photographs with a phone or camera: how a camera sees, light, exposure, focus, composition, portraits and product shots, editing with free tools, honest retouching, file formats, backups, copyright and building a small portfolio.

• 10 lessons
• About 44 min of reading
• 40 practice questions
• 28 key terms

1. 01How a camera sees4 key points · 4 min read

   • A camera collects light through a lens and records it on a sensor made of pixels.
   • Phones are convenient; larger cameras have bigger sensors and more control, but technique matters more than price.
   • Optical zoom keeps detail; digital zoom only crops, so walk closer instead.
   • Hold steady with both hands, lean on something and keep the lens clean.
2. 02Light: the real subject of every photo4 key points · 4 min read

   • Look at the direction of light: front, side, back and top each give a different look.
   • Soft light from a cloudy sky or window is kind to faces; hard noon light makes sharp shadows.
   • The golden hour after sunrise and before sunset gives warm, low, flattering light.
   • Use window light with a simple reflector at home; avoid the phone flash when you can.
3. 03Exposure: aperture, shutter and ISO4 key points · 5 min read

   • Exposure is controlled by aperture, shutter speed and ISO, together called the exposure triangle.
   • A small f-number means a wide aperture, more light and a blurry background.
   • Fast shutter speeds freeze motion; slow speeds need a tripod and blur movement.
   • Keep ISO low for clean pictures; use exposure compensation when the camera is fooled.
4. 04Focus, depth and sharpness4 key points · 4 min read

   • Focus is the one distance that is sharpest; depth of field is the zone that looks sharp.
   • Wider apertures, moving closer and longer lenses make the background blurrier.
   • Tap or half-press on the subject's nearer eye; autofocus struggles with plain surfaces and dim light.
   • Learn to tell focus blur, motion blur and camera shake apart so you can fix the right thing.
5. 05Composition: arranging the picture4 key points · 5 min read

   • Place subjects on the thirds lines or crossings and keep the horizon off centre, unless symmetry is the point.
   • Use leading lines and frames within the frame to guide the eye and add depth.
   • Check the background and simplify; move your feet rather than zooming.
   • Change your height and angle: low for grandeur, high for patterns, eye level for honesty.
6. 06Portraits, products and events4 key points · 5 min read

   • In portraits the eyes must be sharp; use soft light, step back and talk to the person.
   • Product photos need a plain background, window light, consistent angles and a clean item with a sense of scale.
   • At events, prepare the phone, raise ISO to keep the shutter fast, use bursts and cover the whole story.
   • Deliver a small edited selection rather than every frame.
7. 07Editing basics with free tools4 key points · 5 min read

   • Edit in order: crop and straighten, exposure, highlights and shadows, contrast, white balance, colour, sharpen.
   • Snapseed, Lightroom mobile and GIMP are capable free tools; learn what each slider does rather than where it sits.
   • Vibrance is gentler than saturation; keep skin tones natural.
   • Always keep the original and save edited versions as copies.
8. 08Retouching honestly4 key points · 4 min read

   • Retouching changes parts of a photo; keep it to temporary blemishes, dust, wires and local brightness.
   • Heavy skin smoothing and body reshaping mislead; keep people recognisable and real.
   • Product photos must show the true colour and condition of the item.
   • Record and news photos allow only crop, exposure and colour; declare AI-generated changes and respect consent.
9. 09Formats, organising and backing up4 key points · 4 min read

   • JPEG is small and universal, RAW keeps everything for editing, PNG is for graphics and screenshots.
   • About 2000 pixels on the long side is enough for the web; prints need around 300 pixels per inch.
   • Use date-first folder names and meaningful file names; cull soon after shooting.
   • Follow the 3-2-1 rule: three copies, two kinds of storage, one elsewhere.
10. 10Sharing, copyright and a small portfolio4 key points · 4 min read

    • The person who takes a photo is normally its first copyright owner, automatically; using others' photos needs permission.
    • Check licences such as Creative Commons, and be considerate with people and restricted places.
    • A portfolio is 15 to 25 of your best photos with a clear theme, consistent editing and a sensible order.
    • Ask for honest feedback and agree deliverables in writing when photographing for others.

Learn 3D design in the free Tinkercad browser tool: the workspace, basic shapes, moving, scaling and rotating, align and group, hole shapes, small projects such as a keychain, a pencil holder and a house, text, measuring in millimetres, import and export of STL, 3D printing concepts and fixing mistakes.

• 10 lessons
• About 51 min of reading
• 40 practice questions
• 36 key terms

1. 01The Tinkercad workspace and navigation4 key points · 4 min read

   • Tinkercad is a free, browser-based 3D design tool made of simple shapes.
   • The workplane is the blue grid; the shapes panel is on the right.
   • The ViewCube and the mouse orbit, pan and zoom the view without changing the design.
   • Always check a model from more than one side.
2. 02Basic shapes: the building blocks4 key points · 4 min read

   • Models are built from primitives such as Box, Cylinder, Sphere, Roof and Wedge.
   • The shape inspector controls radius, sides, steps and bevel.
   • Break an object into simple shapes before building (decomposition).
   • On-screen colour does not decide the printed colour.
3. 03Moving, scaling and rotating4 key points · 5 min read

   • The black arrow lifts a shape; the Drop command puts it back on the workplane.
   • White square handles scale; Shift keeps the proportions.
   • Curved arrows rotate, with default steps of 22.5 degrees.
   • Typing values and changing the snap grid give precise placement.
4. 04Align, group, duplicate and mirror4 key points · 5 min read

   • Align lines shapes up exactly; click the middle circle to centre.
   • Group (Ctrl+G) joins shapes into one; Ungroup returns the parts.
   • Duplicate (Ctrl+D) repeats the last move, which builds rows quickly.
   • Mirror (flip) makes a mirror image for symmetrical objects.
5. 05Hole shapes and subtracting4 key points · 5 min read

   • Setting a shape to Hole and grouping it with a solid removes that volume.
   • Make a hole longer than the solid so it cuts all the way through.
   • Any shape can be a hole, including text.
   • If a cut fails, ungroup and check overlap and the Hole setting.
6. 06Project: a keychain and a pencil holder4 key points · 6 min read

   • A keychain is a thin box with a hole cylinder and text, grouped together.
   • Leave enough material around the keyring hole so it does not snap.
   • A pencil holder is a big cylinder minus a smaller hole cylinder raised above the floor.
   • Very thin walls do not print well; plan wall thickness on purpose.
7. 07A simple house and gear-free mechanisms4 key points · 6 min read

   • A house is walls (box), roof (roof shape), and door and windows (holes).
   • Roofs should overhang and sit on the top face of the walls.
   • Pins, sliders, snap lids and chain links make motion without gears.
   • Moving parts need a clearance gap; test it on a small print.
8. 08Text, numbers and measuring in millimetres4 key points · 5 min read

   • Text can be raised (solid) or engraved (hole); keep the details simple.
   • Tinkercad uses millimetres by default.
   • The Ruler tool measures and places shapes at exact positions.
   • Measure the real object and add a tolerance before designing.
9. 09Import, export and preparing for 3D printing4 key points · 6 min read

   • Import accepts files such as STL, OBJ and SVG; export gives STL for printing.
   • An STL is a triangle mesh without colour or stored units.
   • A slicer turns the STL into layers for the printer.
   • Plan a flat base, limited overhangs, enough wall thickness and clearance.
10. 10Design thinking and fixing mistakes4 key points · 5 min read

    • Design thinking: empathise, define, ideate, prototype, test, then repeat.
    • Sketch with sizes in millimetres before building.
    • Undo, ungroup, Drop, overlap and exact numbers fix most problems.
    • Save a copy before big changes and review the result honestly.