Affinity Designer: Solid Foundations Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course provides a hands-on introduction to Affinity Designer, guiding beginners through essential vector design tools and workflows. With over 6 hours of structured content, learners will progress from interface fundamentals to creating a professional icon set. Each module combines theory with practical exercises, ensuring skills are reinforced through real-world projects. Lifetime access allows for self-paced learning, culminating in a certificate of completion.
Module 1: Getting Started & Interface
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Affinity Designer personas (Vector, Pixel, Export)
- Workspace customization
- Panel organization and management
- Importing and managing sample assets
Module 2: Basic Vector Tools & Shapes
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Drawing primitives (rectangles, ellipses, polygons)
- Boolean operations (add, subtract, intersect)
- Snapping and alignment tools
- Editing shape layers to build complex icons
Module 3: Pen Tool & Node Editing
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Pen tool workflows for vector paths
- Adding and removing nodes
- Adjusting curve handles and node types
- Tracing and refining a logo sketch with precision
Module 4: Styling & Effects
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Fill types: solid, gradient, and bitmap fills
- Customizing stroke options
- Applying layer effects (shadow, outer glow)
- Designing a badge with multi-step styling
Module 5: Layers, Groups & Symbols
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Managing layer hierarchy and visibility
- Using masks and grouping objects
- Creating and editing symbols for reuse
- Updating symbols globally for efficiency
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 1.5 hours
- Plan a cohesive icon set for a fictional app
- Create and style a complete asset library
- Package deliverables with a basic style guide
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with basic computer navigation
- No prior design experience required
- Affinity Designer installed (free trial acceptable)
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Navigate and customize the Affinity Designer interface confidently
- Create precise vector artwork using shape and pen tools
- Apply advanced fills, strokes, and visual effects
- Organize designs efficiently with layers, groups, and symbols
- Export production-ready assets for web, print, and UI projects