Glossary of Graphic Design Terms

  1. Overview
  2. Graphic and Print Design
  3. Glossary of Graphic Design Terms

Resolution: The number of dots or pixels per inch in an image or graphic.

Vector: A graphic that is made up of mathematical equations, allowing it to be scaled without losing quality.

Raster: A type of graphic that is made up of pixels and can become pixelated or distorted when scaled.

Leading: The space between lines of text.

Pantone: A standardized color matching system used in the printing industry.

Mockup: A rough or unfinished version of a design used for testing or presentation purposes.

Typography - The art and technique of arranging type in order to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed.

Kerning - The process of adjusting the space between individual letters in a piece of type to improve legibility and create a more visually pleasing effect.

Leading - The vertical space between lines of type, measured from baseline to baseline.

Pantone - A proprietary color matching system used in printing to ensure consistency and accuracy of color reproduction.

RGB - A color model used in digital graphics, television, and other electronic devices, which stands for red, green, and blue.

CMYK - A color model used in printing, which stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

Raster - An image composed of pixels, also known as a bitmap.

Vector - An image composed of mathematical paths, also known as a vector graphic.

Resolution - The number of pixels per inch in an image, which determines the level of detail and sharpness.

Raster - An image composed of pixels, also known as a bitmap.

Vector - An image composed of mathematical paths, also known as a vector graphic.

Resolution - The number of pixels per inch in an image, which determines the level of detail and sharpness.

DPI (dots per inch) - A measure of resolution in printing, which refers to the number of ink dots that can be printed in a linear inch.

Grids - A system of horizontal and vertical lines used to organize and structure the layout of a design.

Composition - The arrangement of elements within a design, including the use of negative space and the balance of visual weight.

Contrast - The difference in visual properties that makes an object (or its representation in an image) distinguishable from other objects and the background.

Hierarchy - The arrangement of elements in a design to indicate importance, with the most important elements given the most visual weight.

Alignment - The positioning of elements within a design in relation to one another and to the overall layout.

Balance - The distribution of visual weight within a design, which can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial.

Emphasis - The use of visual elements to draw attention to a specific area or element within a design.

Movement - The use of visual elements to create the illusion of motion or direction within a design.

Proximity - The placement of elements in close proximity to one another to indicate a relationship or grouping.

Repetition - The use of repeated elements to create a sense of consistency and unity within a design.

White Space - The empty or negative space within a design, which can be used to add visual interest and balance.

Color theory - The study of how colors interact and how they can be used effectively in design.

Gradient - A gradual transition from one color to another.

Opacity - The degree to which an object or layer is transparent, with 100% being completely opaque and 0% being completely transparent.

Drop shadow - A visual effect that simulates a shadow behind an object.

Bevel - A three-dimensional effect that makes an object appear to be raised or indented.

Emboss - A three-dimensional effect that makes an object appear to be raised or indented.

Outer glow - A visual effect that simulates a halo of light around an object.

Inner glow - A visual effect that simulates a halo of light within an object.


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