What Is a GUI?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Explore what a GUI (graphical user interface) is, how it differs from CLI (command-line interface), and what elements make up a GUI.

[Featured image] A person in a polka-dot shirt stands in front of a wood-paneled wall and taps the screen of their tablet.

A GUI (graphical user interface) is an interface between a user and a computer or website that employs a series of visual elements such as windows, icons, menus, cursors, and buttons to make computing commands. GUIs are intuitive, allowing users to navigate an operating system (OS) or software without extensive technical knowledge. 

GUIs differ from command-line interfaces (CLI), which require users to type commands. A GUI allows users to interact with a computer without the programming knowledge that CLI requires. This makes GUIs accessible to a wide range of users, allowing users to easily navigate a program or website and customize certain elements like font size and color. An example of a CLI is MS-DOS, and an example of a GUI is Microsoft Windows. Let’s take a closer look at what makes up a GUI.

Placeholder

professional certificate

Meta Front-End Developer

Launch your career as a front-end developer. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career and earn a credential from Meta. No degree or prior experience required to get started.

4.7

(18,488 ratings)

349,397 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 7 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

HTML, UI/UX design, JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), React, Version Control, Github, Bash (Unix Shell), Web Development, Linux, Web Development Tools, HTML and CSS, Responsive Web Design, Front-End Web Development, User Interface, React (Web Framework), Application development, Web Application, Web Design, Accessibility, User Experience (UX), Data Structure, Computer Science, Algorithms, Communication, Pseudocode, Test-Driven Development, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Unit Testing, Debugging

Elements that make up graphical user interfaces (GUIs)

When using a GUI to make commands, users rely on WIMPS (windows, icons, menus, pointers, and scroll bars). This is the user interface toolkit and allows for the creation of the GUI. GUIs have various elements, including input controls, navigational components, informational components, and containers. Here is a list of some elements that make up a GUI:

  • Button: A button shows an action that can occur when pressed through an icon or text.

  • Dropdown list: A dropdown list gives a user a series of mutually exclusive options that drop down from one button.

  • Window: A window is a rectangular display of the current program being used.

  • Icon: An icon is a hyperlinked, intuitive symbol to allow easy user navigation through programs, videos, files, and more.

  • Search field: A search field gives users a place to type in a word or phrase that will give back useful results.

  • Toolbar: A toolbar contains buttons, widgets, icons, search fields, and more in a row, often found at the bottom or top of a GUI.

  • Date and time pickers: Date and time pickers give users a pop-up or drop-down menu to select a specific date and time and input into the program or software they are using.

  • Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs show a user where they are in a system by showing a series of folders or pages they have navigated at the top of a page. 

  • Pop-up window: A pop-up or modal window forces a user to input information into the window’s text box before it allows them to access the rest of the GUI.

  • Accordion: An accordion is a container that vertically stacks items in a manner so that, when clicked on, they display more information underneath. Items become visible or hidden when the user clicks on the label of the stack. 

What is the difference between GUI and UI?

A GUI is a specific type of user interface (UI) where you use a keyboard and mouse or touch screen to interact with a computer through graphical elements. However, a UI can extend beyond graphical representation and include speakers, microphones, fingerprint scanners, cameras, electronic pens, and printers. 

Placeholder

Related terms

Learn more about UX with Coursera

On Coursera, you can continue exploring the world of user experience with the Google UX Design Professional Certificate. This course provides you with the tools needed to understand UX research, apply foundational concepts, and create prototypes to test and improve upon. 

Placeholder

professional certificate

Google UX Design

Get on the fast track to a career in UX design. In this certificate program, you’ll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.

4.8

(81,274 ratings)

1,145,161 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

User Experience (UX), Prototype, Wireframe, User Experience Design (UXD), UX Research, mockup, Figma, Usability Testing, UX design jobs

Updated on
Written by:
Coursera Staff

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.