Where to learn website design? 15 Incredible Platforms

Have you ever dreamt of designing eye-catching, immersive websites that leave a lasting impression? Maybe you're a seasoned professional aiming to stay updated with the latest trends.

In this guide, I am going to explore 15 top-notch platforms that can help you conquer the world of website design, regardless of your current skills or experience level. 

From comprehensive courses to practical projects, these platforms offer a wide variety of resources to help you become a pro web designer in no time. So, get ready to embark on a learning journey like no other. Let's dive in.

Where to learn website design

1. Coursera: The Powerhouse of Knowledge

Coursera is a pioneering online learning platform founded by two Stanford professors. Its courses are designed in collaboration with renowned universities and organizations worldwide.

Features:

• Extensive Course Catalog: From HTML basics to advanced JavaScript, Coursera offers a comprehensive set of courses for all skill levels.

• high-quality content: The courses are created by experts from leading universities and companies.

• Peer Assessments: You can learn from and interact with fellow learners through peer-reviewed assignments.

• Flexible Learning: Learn at your own pace with fully flexible course schedules.

• Interactive Quizzes: The platform includes interactive quizzes that reinforce learning.

• Course Certificates: Earn shareable course certificates upon completion.

• Learning Paths: Structured learning paths help you progress in a systematic manner.

• Subtitles: The platform supports subtitles in over 30 languages for enhanced accessibility.

• Mobile Learning: Coursera provides a mobile app for learning on the go.

• Financial Aid: The platform offers financial aid to learners who can't afford the fee.

Best for:

It's perfect for beginners and intermediate learners looking for structured learning in website design.

Pros:

• A wide variety of website design courses to choose from

• Opportunities to earn certificates from recognized institutions

• Self-paced learning and interactive quizzes enhance the learning experience

Cons:

• Some courses may be expensive

• The time commitment for some comprehensive courses can be significant

Coursera boasted a user base of over 77 million learners globally.

Coursera offers both free and paid courses. While you can audit most courses for free, getting a certificate usually requires a fee.

2. Udemy: A Universe of Learning

Udemy, founded in 2010, is a global learning and teaching marketplace that connects students with instructors. It boasts an expansive library of courses, including website design and development.

Features:

• Wide Course Selection: Udemy offers courses on a broad range of website design topics.

• Lifetime Access: Once you purchase a course, you can access it at any time.

• Real-World Learning: Udemy focuses on practical skills that can be applied immediately.

• Student Reviews: Learners can rate and review courses, providing valuable insights.

• Instructor Interaction: Communicate directly with instructors for questions and clarifications.

• Downloadable Resources: Many courses come with supplemental resources for offline learning.

• Subtitles: Subtitles are available in various languages for an inclusive learning experience.

• Mobile Learning: Udemy offers a mobile app for learning on the go.

• Regular Promotions: Udemy frequently provides discounts, making learning more affordable.

• Personalized Recommendations: Udemy suggests courses based on your interests and past courses.

Best for:

Udemy suits both beginners and advanced learners, offering a host of courses ranging from basic HTML to advanced JavaScript and CSS.

Udemy provides both free and paid courses, making it accessible for different budgets.

Pros:

• Variety of courses on Web Design offering practical knowledge

• Lifetime access to purchased courses allows learners to revisit content anytime

• Regular discounts make premium courses affordable

Cons:

• The quality of courses can vary significantly, making it necessary to check reviews and ratings

• Not all courses offer certificates

Over 40 million students were learning from Udemy.

3. LinkedIn Learning: Professional Development at Your Fingertips

Formerly Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning is a professional development platform that provides video courses taught by industry experts. Its content spans various disciplines, including software, creative, and business skills.

Features:

• Industry Expert Instructors: Courses are taught by professionals with real-world experience.

• Integrated Learning: Seamlessly integrates with your LinkedIn profile, allowing you to display completed courses.

• Learning Paths: Curated series of courses guide learners in mastering a specific topic.

• Quiz Assessments: Quizzes throughout the courses reinforce learning.

• Certificates of Completion: Earn a certificate upon completing a course that you can add to your LinkedIn profile.

• Bookmarking: You can bookmark interesting courses for later.

• Interactive Transcripts: Courses include interactive transcripts for easy reference.

• Offline Learning: The platform supports downloading of courses for offline viewing.

• Course Files: Instructors provide files to practice the skills taught in the course.

• Personalized Recommendations: The platform suggests courses based on your LinkedIn profile.

Best for:

LinkedIn Learning is ideal for professionals looking to learn new skills, earn certificates, and make connections in the industry.

This platform requires a monthly subscription but offers a one-month free trial.

Pros:

• A broad range of website design and development courses

• Seamless integration with LinkedIn profile allows showcasing of learned skills

• Certificates of completion can enhance your professional credibility

Cons:

• The subscription model might not be ideal for everyone, especially those who prefer a one-time payment structure

• Content depth can vary from course to course

4. Codecademy: Code Your Way to Success

Launched in 2011, Codecademy has made coding accessible to the masses, offering interactive learning in various programming languages, including those essential for Web Design.

Features:

• Interactive Learning: Codecademy provides an online interactive platform for hands-on learning.

• Path Learning: Learners can follow structured 'Paths' that combine specific courses to master a discipline.

• Portfolio Projects: Codecademy offers real-world projects that let you build your portfolio.

• Code Foundations: The platform helps you understand basic programming principles before moving to complex topics.

• Quiz Assessments: Regular quizzes help reinforce your learning.

• Community Support: A vibrant community forum offers peer support and knowledge sharing.

• Progress Tracker: You can track your learning progress in real-time.

• Peer Stories: Learn from other learners' experiences shared on the platform.

• Career Paths: Codecademy provides specific learning paths to help you prepare for a career in web development.

• Mobile App: Their mobile app allows learners to continue learning on the go.

Best for:

Codecademy is great for beginners who want to learn coding from scratch, and for those who prefer an interactive, project-based approach.

Codecademy offers free and Pro paid options. The Pro version provides additional projects, quizzes, and tailored paths.

Pros:

• Interactive, hands-on coding exercises

• Structured learning paths tailored for specific careers

• A strong community of learners for support

Cons:

• Most valuable content is behind the Pro paywall

• Limited availability of certificates

Codecademy had a community of over 45 million users.

5. Treehouse: A Forest of Coding Knowledge

Treehouse, established in 2011, is an online learning platform that aims to make technology education accessible to people worldwide, offering a host of Web Design and development courses.

Features:

• In-Depth Courses: Treehouse offers comprehensive, in-depth courses in Web Design.

• Learning Tracks: The platform provides guided learning paths to help you master a topic.

• Interactive Coding: You can code directly in the Treehouse app.

• Expert Instructors: Courses are taught by experienced professionals.

• Workspaces: Treehouse offers an online code editor for hands-on practice.

• Members' Forum: The platform has a community forum for peer-to-peer learning.

• Techdegree Program: A paid program that offers in-depth training, projects, quizzes, and a final proctored exam.

• Self-Paced Learning: You can learn at your own pace and set your schedule.

• Video Lessons: Treehouse uses video-based learning to explain complex topics.

• Progress Tracker: You can track your progress and achievements on the platform.

Best for:

Treehouse is ideal for beginners to advanced learners who prefer a structured, in-depth learning program.

Treehouse operates on a subscription model, with a seven-day free trial available.

Pros:

• Comprehensive, in-depth courses

• Guided learning paths for systematic progression

• Techdegree program for professional-grade learning

Cons:

• No option to purchase individual courses

• Techdegree program can be costly for some learners

Treehouse had over 50,000 students.

6. Pluralsight: Learning at Light Speed

Founded in 2004, Pluralsight is a technology skills platform that provides a variety of video training courses for software developers, IT administrators, and creative professionals.

Features:

• Expert-Led Courses: Courses are designed and led by industry experts.

• Paths: Learning paths are available to guide learners through a sequence of courses.

• Skill Assessment: Pluralsight offers a tool to assess and measure your skills.

• Channels: You can curate your own learning channels by bundling relevant courses together.

• Hands-On Learning: Some courses offer interactive labs for practical learning.

• Course Discussions: Each course has a discussion section for questions and clarifications.

• Mobile and Offline Viewing: You can learn on the go with the mobile app and even offline.

• Certificates of Completion: You can earn certificates upon course completion.

• Course Learning Checks: Quizzes are available to reinforce your learning.

• Notes: The platform lets you take notes while you learn.

Best for:

Pluralsight is ideal for intermediate to advanced learners who want to enhance their technical skills in Web Design and development.

Pluralsight operates on a subscription model and offers a 10-day free trial.

Pros:

• Variety of courses led by industry professionals

• Skill assessment tools help gauge your learning progress

• Offers interactive labs for hands-on learning

Cons:

• The platform can be expensive compared to others

• Content might be too technical for absolute beginners

Pluralsight had over 1.4 million users.

7. freeCodeCamp: Your Free Coding Camp

Launched in 2014, freeCodeCamp is a nonprofit community that helps learners code by building projects. It offers self-paced courses in various aspects of web development.

Features:

• Self-Paced Learning: You learn at your own speed.

• Hands-On Coding Experience: You code in-browser and build projects.

• Community Support: freeCodeCamp has an active community forum and local study groups.

• Certifications: After completing the courses and projects, you can earn free verified certifications.

• Interview Prep: The platform offers interview preparation resources.

• Coding Challenges: Solve challenges to reinforce your learning.

• Real-World Projects: You build projects to gain practical experience.

• Accessible Learning: The platform is designed for people with disabilities.

• Open Source: freeCodeCamp is open source and free for all.

• Weekly Newsletter: Stay updated with the latest news, articles, and coding resources.

Best for:

freeCodeCamp is best for beginners who want to learn by doing, particularly if they're interested in working on real-world projects.

freeCodeCamp is entirely free.

Pros:

• In-browser coding experience with real-world projects

• Active community forum for support

• Free verified certifications

Cons:

• The platform may lack depth compared to paid platforms

• Limited instructor support

freeCodeCamp had over 40,000 graduates with job placements.

8. Coursera: Broaden Your Knowledge Horizon

Coursera, launched in 2012, partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer online courses, specializations, and degrees in various fields, including Web Design.

Features:

• University-Level Courses: Courses are created in partnership with universities and institutions.

• Specializations and Professional Certificates: Specializations and Professional Certificates allow you to master a specific career skill.

• Quizzes and Assignments: Regular quizzes and assignments reinforce your learning.

• Discussion Forums: Peer-to-peer learning is facilitated through discussion forums.

• Mobile Learning: Courses are accessible on a mobile app for learning on the go.

• Course Certificates: Earn a certificate upon course completion.

• Subtitles: Courses offer subtitles in various languages.

• Flexible Deadlines: You can set and reset deadlines according to your schedule.

• Degrees: Coursera offers fully online Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

• Financial Aid: Financial aid is available to learners who cannot afford the fee.

Best for:

Coursera is suitable for learners seeking comprehensive, university-level courses in Web Design.

Coursera provides both free and paid courses. Specializations, Professional Certificates, and degrees are paid.

Pros:

• Partnership with universities ensures high-quality content

• Offers degrees and professional certificates in Web Design

• Flexible deadlines allow you to learn at your own pace

Cons:

• Not all courses are available for free

• Fee for certification might be high for some learners

Coursera had 77 million learners.

9. edX: Revolutionizing Online Education

Founded by Harvard and MIT in 2012, edX is a massive open online course provider hosting university-level courses in a wide range of disciplines, including Web Design.

Features:

• University-Level Courses: Courses are created by top-ranking universities and institutions worldwide.

• Audit for Free: You can audit most courses for free.

• Verified Certificates: Earn a verified certificate for course completion.

• Self-Paced Learning: Learn at your own pace within a given course duration.

• Interactive Learning: Courses include video lectures, quizzes, and discussion forums.

• MicroMasters Programs: These graduate-level programs provide deep learning in a specific career field.

• Professional Certificate Programs: Learn essential skills to excel in a specific career.

• Global Community: Join a global community of learners.

• Subtitles: Video lectures offer subtitles in various languages.

• Mobile Learning: Access courses on a mobile app for learning on the go.

Best for:

edX is ideal for learners who want university-level, in-depth courses in Web Design.

edX offers both free and paid courses. Certificates, MicroMasters, and Professional Certificates are paid.

Pros:

• Courses are developed by top universities

• Provides deep learning through MicroMasters programs

• Most courses can be audited for free

Cons:

• Certification cost might be high for some learners

• The platform may lack practical, hands-on coding exercises

10. LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda): Connect with Learning

Acquired by LinkedIn in 2015, LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda, offers a myriad of video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills, including Web Design.

Features:

• Expert-Led Courses: The courses are designed and taught by recognized industry experts.

• Learning Paths: LinkedIn Learning provides Learning Paths, which are a series of courses to master a specific career skill.

• Certificates of Completion: Earn a certificate upon course completion that can be shared on your LinkedIn profile.

• Interactive Video Learning: Courses include quizzes and practical exercises.

• Weekly New Releases: New courses are added every week.

• Offline Learning: You can download courses on mobile devices for offline learning.

• Customized Learning Experience: The platform suggests courses based on your interests and learning history.

• Notes: LinkedIn Learning allows you to take notes within the platform while learning.

• Course Discussions: Each course has a Q&A section for learners to interact.

• Instructors' Files: You can access files used by instructors during lessons.

Best for:

LinkedIn Learning is suitable for professionals who want to improve their Web Design skills while also building their professional online presence.

LinkedIn Learning operates on a subscription model and offers a 1-month free trial.

Pros:

• Wide range of professional courses

• Learning Paths help you systematically master a skill

• Certificates of completion can be directly added to your LinkedIn profile

Cons:

• Requires LinkedIn subscription for full access

• Lacks a community forum for learners

LinkedIn Learning had over 16,000 courses available in 7 languages.

11. MDN Web Docs: Master Web Technologies

Launched by Mozilla, the organization behind Firefox, MDN Web Docs is a comprehensive resource for developers, offering documents, tutorials, and learning paths in web development and design.

Features:

• Comprehensive Documentation: MDN Web Docs provides extensive documentation on all aspects of Web Design and development.

• Learning Area: This section offers tutorials from HTML basics to advanced web development.

• Interactive Examples: Many documents include interactive examples for hands-on learning.

• Community Contributions: You can contribute to the MDN content, making it a collective knowledge resource.

• Translated Content: Content is available in various languages thanks to community contributions.

• Browser Compatibility Data: Get reliable, up-to-date browser compatibility data for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript features.

• Developer Tools: Learn to use Firefox’s built-in developer tools.

• Web APIs: Understand how to use various web APIs with extensive documentation.

• Learning Pathways: Specific learning paths guide your journey in web development.

• Assessments: Test your skills with end-of-module assessments.

Best for:

MDN Web Docs is best for developers who want to deep-dive into specific web technologies and appreciate comprehensive, detailed documentation.

MDN Web Docs is entirely free.

Pros:

• Extensive, reliable documentation on web technologies

• Offers interactive examples for hands-on learning

• Content is contributed and maintained by the community

Cons:

• Might be overwhelming for absolute beginners

• Lacks structured courses and certifications

MDN Web Docs has millions of developers accessing its content monthly.

12. General Assembly: Pursue a Future in Tech

General Assembly, founded in 2011, is an educational institution that offers full-time, part-time, and online courses in web development, UX design, data science, and more.

Features:

• In-Person and Online Classes: Provides both on-campus and online learning options.

• Expert Instruction: Courses are taught by industry professionals.

• Career Services: GA offers career coaching, portfolio reviews, and job placement assistance.

• Network Building: Engage with GA's network of more than 70,000 alumni.

• Immersive Courses: Intensive, full-time courses for those wanting to quickly gain skills.

• Flexible Learning: Evening and weekend classes for those with busy schedules.

• Real-World Projects: Assignments mimic real-life scenarios to provide practical experience.

• Skill Assessment: Regular assessments to measure your progress.

• Workshops and Events: Access to community events and workshops.

• Alumni Access: Lifetime access to the GA alumni network.

Best for:

General Assembly is perfect for individuals serious about making a career transition and willing to invest in intensive, immersive programs.

Type:

General Assembly provides both free and paid courses. The immersive programs are paid.

Pros:

• Provides career services, including job placement assistance

• Offers immersive, intensive courses for serious learners

• Allows networking with a large alumni community

Cons:

• Immersive programs can be expensive

• Requires significant time commitment

General Assembly has over 70,000 alumni worldwide.

13. Udacity: Tech Skills for the Future

Founded in 2011, Udacity offers "nanodegree" programs and free courses in web development, AI, data science, and other tech-focused areas.

Features:

• Nanodegree Programs: Career-focused curriculum with a series of courses and projects.

• Real-World Projects: Each Nanodegree includes practical projects.

• Mentor Support: Learners are supported by mentors throughout the Nanodegree.

• Career Services: Access to resume services, LinkedIn profile review, and GitHub portfolio review.

• Flexible Learning: Self-paced learning with monthly subscription.

• Industry Partners: Courses are co-created with industry partners, ensuring relevant skills.

• Free Courses: A variety of free courses are available alongside the Nanodegrees.

• Community Support: Access to a community of fellow learners and alumni.

• Expert Instructors: Courses are taught by industry professionals.

• Certificates of Completion: Earn a certificate upon Nanodegree completion.

Best for:

Udacity is best for career-focused learners seeking tech skills in Web Design and development.

Udacity offers both free courses and paid Nanodegree programs.

Pros:

• Provides practical, project-based learning with mentor support

• Offers career services like resume reviews and LinkedIn profile optimization

• Nanodegrees are co-created with industry partners

Cons:

• Nanodegrees can be expensive

• Does not offer many beginner-friendly courses

Udacity had more than 100,000 Nanodegree graduates.

14. The Odin Project: Your Career in Web Development Starts Here

The Odin Project is a free online coding bootcamp created in 2013. It offers a comprehensive path to learn web development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Ruby.

Features:

• Structured Curriculum: Learning paths are designed to make you job-ready.

• Real-World Projects: Hands-on projects are integrated into the curriculum.

• Community Support: Connect with other learners through the Odin community.

• Self-Paced Learning: Learn at your own pace, in your own time.

• Open Source: The Odin Project is entirely open-source and community-driven.

• Career Advice: Get tips and resources to prepare for a tech job.

• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: Core web technologies are thoroughly covered.

• Ruby and Ruby on Rails: Learn to build back-end with Ruby and Ruby on Rails.

• Git and GitHub: Learn version control using Git and GitHub.

• Practical Focus: Emphasis on building projects and portfolio.

Best for:

The Odin Project is suitable for self-learners who want a thorough, project-based curriculum in web development.

The Odin Project is completely free.

Pros:

• Provides a comprehensive, job-focused curriculum

• Offers practical, project-based learning

• Being open-source, it continuously improves with community contributions

Cons:

• Lacks personalized mentor support

• Does not provide certificates upon completion

The Odin Project has helped thousands of learners transition to web development careers.

15. Codecademy Pro: Learn to Code with Interactive Lessons

Codecademy Pro is the premium version of Codecademy, a popular online learning platform. Codecademy Pro offers structured learning paths, real-world projects, and additional resources to enhance your learning journey.

Features:

• Interactive Lessons: Learn by doing with interactive coding exercises.

• Career Paths: Choose a career path and master the skills needed for a specific tech role.

• Projects: Apply your knowledge with hands-on projects.

• Quizzes: Test your understanding with quizzes.

• Peer Support: Access an exclusive community of learners.

• Progress Tracker: Keep track of your learning progress.

• Expert Review: Get feedback on your projects from Codecademy experts.

• Step-by-Step Guidance: Each concept is broken down into easy-to-understand steps.

• Weekly Office Hours: Attend weekly office hours to get your questions answered.

• Certificates of Completion: Earn a certificate upon completing a Career Path.

Best for:

Codecademy Pro is best for learners who appreciate interactive, hands-on learning and want a structured path to follow.

Codecademy Pro is a paid service, although Codecademy offers some free courses.

Pros:

• Offers interactive, hands-on learning

• Provides structured Career Paths for focused learning

• Certificates of completion can showcase your learning achievements

Cons:

• Requires subscription for full access

• Does not offer degrees or university-recognized certificates

Codecademy has over 50 million users.

Conclusion

Deciding where to learn Web Design depends greatly on your personal learning style, goals, and budget. 

While some may benefit from a structured, university-like environment, others might prefer self-paced, project-based learning. The good news is, with the range of resources available today, you're sure to find a platform that fits your needs. 

Remember, the most important thing is to stay curious and keep learning. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are worth it. 

So go ahead, explore these platforms and take the first step towards your Web Design career today.