Founded in 1956, GDC is the Canadian national organization for professional graphic designers and represents more than 1300 of Canada's leading practitioners. It has nine regional chapters including Vancouver Island, BC Mainland, Alberta North, Alberta South, Saskatchewan North, Saskatchewan South, Manitoba, Arctic and Atlantic Chapters. It is also affiliated with the Societe des designers graphiques du Quebec (SDGQ) and University and College Designers Association (UCDA). The Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario), the first accredited body of graphic designers in North America, was created by the GDC in 1996 and was a Member Association of the GDC until 2003.

As a part of its mandate, GDC provides certification, professional development and networking opportunities and helps educate students and the public at large about the work done by graphic designers and the value of graphic design.