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Verified Information • Last Updated Mar 2026
Adobe After Effects for Beginners: Motion Design Essentials
**Enroll in this Guided Project before April 2026, for a free 1-month trial to the Creative Cloud Pro Plan!**
This guided project is for those new to Adobe After Effects looking to learn the basics of a new program and be introduced to Motion Design. From graphic designers hoping to expand their skillset to complete beginners looking for a place to start, this project will give you the confidence to navigate Adobe After Effects and prepare you for further motion design studies.
In this 1-hour long project you will start with a walkthrough of the layout to learn how to make a composition, import files, add shapes and text, apply effects, and add keyframes to parameters. After you’ve been familiarized with the key panels we will jump into animation with a rundown of the timeline and helpful shortcut keys. You’ll animate shape and text parameters and learn how to apply key animation principles like Easy Ease, Anticipation, and Offset.
Lastly you’ll be introduced to precomposing layers and applying track-mattes to create more layered compositions within Adobe After Effects and demonstrate how you can work with video footage.
To guide these lessons you’ll be using Adobe After Effects to create and animate a title card for "Lotus Yoga" a hypothetical client who is launching an online yoga series.
Duration
8 Months
Institution
Coursera
Format
Online
Eligibility Criteria
school
Academic Foundation
A recognized Bachelor’s degree or high school equivalent required for admission into Coursera.
language
Language Proficiency
English proficiency required. IELTS, TOEFL, or standard medium-of-instruction certificates accepted.
Detailed Fees Breakdown
Base Tuition Fee
$228
Total Est. Investment
$228
Scholarships and early-bird waivers may apply. Contact admissions for exact institutional fees.
Academic Trajectory
Program Outcome
Graduates of the Adobe After Effects for Beginners: Motion Design Essentials program at Coursera are equipped with global perspectives, ready to excel in international markets and top-tier career opportunities.