weaver
03-21-2011, 09:21 AM
Graphic Design Dictionary
Terms and phrases explained
Note: This is an ongoing work in progress.
If you have a term to add that isn't already there,
feel free to PM
and I'll get it added as soon as I can.
Press Ctrl + F to search for a term.
KEY
Abr: = Abbreviated to
Abr, = Abbreviation of
AKA = Also Known As
An Underline denotes a word/phrase that is defined elsewhere in the dictionary.
A
Abstract - A piece within which exists a degree of independence from real-life objects or beings.
Aliasing [AKA Jagged Edges] - "The jagged edges on curves and diagonal lines in a bitmap image." (About (http://desktoppub.about.com/od/glossary/g/aliasing.htm))
Anti-aliasing - Process of blurring the edges of a bitmap image to reduce aliasing and give them a smoother appearance.
Avatar - Small image used to represent someone/something online. Usually less complex in design than a signature.
B
Background [Abr: BG] - Part of the image located behind the foreground/main focal.
Bitmap [AKA Raster] - An image made up pixels.
Blending - Process of blending a focal into a background.
Black and White [Abr: B&W] - See Grayscale.
Blur - Decreases focus of part or all of an image.
Bokeh - "The blur, or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh))
Border [AKA Frame] - Lines of varying sizes, shapes and colours running along the outline of an image.
Brightness - How bright or dull a piece is.
C
Canvas - The blank image from which you build your design. Defines the shape and size of your image.
Cinema 4D - Modelling, Animation and Rendering software best know to graphic designers as the program used to create C4Ds.
CMYK - "Refers to the four inks used in some colour printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key black." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMYK_color_model))
Comments & Criticism [Abr: C&C; CnC] - Comments made towards an artist detailing the good and bad points of a piece.
Contrast - 1) Difference in colour and brightness of an image. 2) Distinction between two or more pieces or elements within a piece.
C4D - An abstract render created in Cinema 4D, usually used to add effects to a piece.
D
Depth - The extent to which a piece successfully portrays distance between focal/foreground and background.
Depth of Field [Abr: DoF] - Distance between focal/foreground and background.
Desaturate - To reduce colour intensity in an image.
E
F
Fill - To fill a part or whole of a canvas with a single colour/pattern/gradient.
Filter - Applies effects, distorts, cleans or gives an image an artistic (e.g. Sketch) look.
Flow - Overall direction of a pieces' focal, lighting and effects.
Focal - The part of a piece which an artist wants his/her audience to focus on.
Font [AKA Typeface] - A design for a set of characters (A-Z, 1-9 etc.).
Foreground [Abr: FG] - Part of the image that is nearest to the observer.
FR [Abr, Full Rights] - Gives a user full permissions to do anything with a piece except claim it as their own.
Fractal - Similar effect to C4D's, but images are less bulky and somewhat made up of much thinner & a-lot more detailed lines. What I mean is, a fractal is an image created from a mathematical algorithm that never terminates, meaning you can zoom in an infinite amount of times and see the pattern repeated - see here > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractal
G
GIF - File-type used primarily to save GIF animations.
GIMP - Free alternative to Photoshop.
Gradient - A transition of shades from light to dark or from one colour to another.
Gradient Map [Abr: GMap] - Used to configure the colour scheme of an image.
Grayscale [AKA Black and White] - An image that is made up exclusively of shades of gray.
H
HQ [Abr - High Quailty]
I
Illustrator Shape - A render made in Illustrator that resembles a shape or vector appearance. Unique way for blending.
Icon - Similar to Avatar, but Images are restricted to 100 by 100 Canvas size and it can be complex as Signature.
J
JPEG - Standard file-type used to save image files.
K
Kerning - Process of adjusting the amount of space between characters in a block of text.
L
LQ [Abr - Low Quality]
Layer - Images stacked on top of one another to form a whole, allowing for easy editing later on if necessary.
Layer Mask - Enables you to hide part of a layer so that you can see though to the layer below.
Layer Mode [AKA Blending Mode] - Several options each giving a different effect to an image based on the layer below it.
Lighting - "The deliberate application of light to achieve some aesthetic or practical effect." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighting))
LRO [Abr, Learning Rights Only] - Gives permission for a user to use a particular piece to learn from only, no manipulation or re-posting allowed.
M
Monotone [AKA Monochromatic] - An image consisting of only one colour or different shades of one colour.
N
O
Opacity - Degree to which a previous layer can be seen through the layer above.
P
Photo-manipulation [Abr: Photo-manip; Pmanip] - "The application of image editing techniques to photographs in order to create an illusion or deception (in contrast to mere enhancement or correction)." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photo_manipulation))
Photoshop - Market leader in graphics editing software, developed by Adobe Systems.
Pixel [Abr: PX; PXL] - Single smallest addressable point on a bitmap image/canvas.
PNG - File-type used to save images. Preserves transparency. Mostly used for pop-outs.
Pop-Out - Signature in which part of the design "pops out" of the defined area.
PRO [Abr, Posting Rights Only] - Gives permission for others to post a piece of art/resources in alternative places.
PSD - Editable image file for Photoshop. Preserves layers and their contents for later edits.
Q
R
Raster - See Bitmap.
1. Render [AKA Cut-out] - An image that has had it's background cut out, leaving only the focal point.
2. Render [3D] - Final image projection of 3D artwork.
RGB - "Colour model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colours." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rgb))
Ripping [AKA Plagiarism] - The act of claiming a piece as your own even though someone else created it. Greatly looked down upon in the design world.
Rule of Thirds [Abr: RoT] - "Compositional rule of thumb. States that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds))
S
Sans-serif - A typeface that does not feature Serifs.
Saturation [AKA Colourfulness] - Intensity levels of colours in a piece.
Serif - "Semi-structural details on the ends of some of the strokes that make up letters and symbols." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serif))
Signature [AKA Tag] - A small piece of art, usually containing an altered stock or render. Popular with new designers for their small workspace and relatively short design period.
Smudging - Gives the effect of paint being smeared over a canvas. +plus check this Guide to Smudging > http://www.animea.net/forums/showthread.php?t=53050
Sprite - Render extracted directly from a video game game-play screen.
Stock - An image, usually manipulated to form a piece of art such as a signature.
Stroke - A solid line of colour running over the edges of an image or block of text.
T
Text - A block of words, letters or numbers.
Topaz - A set of downloadable filters for Photoshop, giving various effects.
Typeface - See Font.
Typography [Abr: Typo] - Art form in which text is the main focal point.
U
Using Right or User Right [Abr: UR] - Rights to wearing/displaying it in your Signature space.
V
Vector - Designs made up solely of geometrical "primitives" such as points, lines and curves. Can be scaled without losing quality (i.e. without developing Aliasing).
Vexel - A Bitmap image designed to imitate the appearance of a Vector image.
W
WIP [Abr, Work in Progress] - An ongoing project that is likely to be edited before it is finished.
WRO [Abr, Wearing Rights Only] - Gives user permission to use a certain piece as a signature/avatar. Usually given as a gift.
X
XCF - Editable image file for GIMP. Preserves layers and their contents for later edits.
Y
Z
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m193/SuDUkU/EMT/chibichocobo825.gif Hope this helps you to understand some the Jargon's that comes with GFX territory..
Terms and phrases explained
Note: This is an ongoing work in progress.
If you have a term to add that isn't already there,
feel free to PM
and I'll get it added as soon as I can.
Press Ctrl + F to search for a term.
KEY
Abr: = Abbreviated to
Abr, = Abbreviation of
AKA = Also Known As
An Underline denotes a word/phrase that is defined elsewhere in the dictionary.
A
Abstract - A piece within which exists a degree of independence from real-life objects or beings.
Aliasing [AKA Jagged Edges] - "The jagged edges on curves and diagonal lines in a bitmap image." (About (http://desktoppub.about.com/od/glossary/g/aliasing.htm))
Anti-aliasing - Process of blurring the edges of a bitmap image to reduce aliasing and give them a smoother appearance.
Avatar - Small image used to represent someone/something online. Usually less complex in design than a signature.
B
Background [Abr: BG] - Part of the image located behind the foreground/main focal.
Bitmap [AKA Raster] - An image made up pixels.
Blending - Process of blending a focal into a background.
Black and White [Abr: B&W] - See Grayscale.
Blur - Decreases focus of part or all of an image.
Bokeh - "The blur, or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh))
Border [AKA Frame] - Lines of varying sizes, shapes and colours running along the outline of an image.
Brightness - How bright or dull a piece is.
C
Canvas - The blank image from which you build your design. Defines the shape and size of your image.
Cinema 4D - Modelling, Animation and Rendering software best know to graphic designers as the program used to create C4Ds.
CMYK - "Refers to the four inks used in some colour printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key black." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMYK_color_model))
Comments & Criticism [Abr: C&C; CnC] - Comments made towards an artist detailing the good and bad points of a piece.
Contrast - 1) Difference in colour and brightness of an image. 2) Distinction between two or more pieces or elements within a piece.
C4D - An abstract render created in Cinema 4D, usually used to add effects to a piece.
D
Depth - The extent to which a piece successfully portrays distance between focal/foreground and background.
Depth of Field [Abr: DoF] - Distance between focal/foreground and background.
Desaturate - To reduce colour intensity in an image.
E
F
Fill - To fill a part or whole of a canvas with a single colour/pattern/gradient.
Filter - Applies effects, distorts, cleans or gives an image an artistic (e.g. Sketch) look.
Flow - Overall direction of a pieces' focal, lighting and effects.
Focal - The part of a piece which an artist wants his/her audience to focus on.
Font [AKA Typeface] - A design for a set of characters (A-Z, 1-9 etc.).
Foreground [Abr: FG] - Part of the image that is nearest to the observer.
FR [Abr, Full Rights] - Gives a user full permissions to do anything with a piece except claim it as their own.
Fractal - Similar effect to C4D's, but images are less bulky and somewhat made up of much thinner & a-lot more detailed lines. What I mean is, a fractal is an image created from a mathematical algorithm that never terminates, meaning you can zoom in an infinite amount of times and see the pattern repeated - see here > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractal
G
GIF - File-type used primarily to save GIF animations.
GIMP - Free alternative to Photoshop.
Gradient - A transition of shades from light to dark or from one colour to another.
Gradient Map [Abr: GMap] - Used to configure the colour scheme of an image.
Grayscale [AKA Black and White] - An image that is made up exclusively of shades of gray.
H
HQ [Abr - High Quailty]
I
Illustrator Shape - A render made in Illustrator that resembles a shape or vector appearance. Unique way for blending.
Icon - Similar to Avatar, but Images are restricted to 100 by 100 Canvas size and it can be complex as Signature.
J
JPEG - Standard file-type used to save image files.
K
Kerning - Process of adjusting the amount of space between characters in a block of text.
L
LQ [Abr - Low Quality]
Layer - Images stacked on top of one another to form a whole, allowing for easy editing later on if necessary.
Layer Mask - Enables you to hide part of a layer so that you can see though to the layer below.
Layer Mode [AKA Blending Mode] - Several options each giving a different effect to an image based on the layer below it.
Lighting - "The deliberate application of light to achieve some aesthetic or practical effect." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighting))
LRO [Abr, Learning Rights Only] - Gives permission for a user to use a particular piece to learn from only, no manipulation or re-posting allowed.
M
Monotone [AKA Monochromatic] - An image consisting of only one colour or different shades of one colour.
N
O
Opacity - Degree to which a previous layer can be seen through the layer above.
P
Photo-manipulation [Abr: Photo-manip; Pmanip] - "The application of image editing techniques to photographs in order to create an illusion or deception (in contrast to mere enhancement or correction)." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photo_manipulation))
Photoshop - Market leader in graphics editing software, developed by Adobe Systems.
Pixel [Abr: PX; PXL] - Single smallest addressable point on a bitmap image/canvas.
PNG - File-type used to save images. Preserves transparency. Mostly used for pop-outs.
Pop-Out - Signature in which part of the design "pops out" of the defined area.
PRO [Abr, Posting Rights Only] - Gives permission for others to post a piece of art/resources in alternative places.
PSD - Editable image file for Photoshop. Preserves layers and their contents for later edits.
Q
R
Raster - See Bitmap.
1. Render [AKA Cut-out] - An image that has had it's background cut out, leaving only the focal point.
2. Render [3D] - Final image projection of 3D artwork.
RGB - "Colour model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colours." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rgb))
Ripping [AKA Plagiarism] - The act of claiming a piece as your own even though someone else created it. Greatly looked down upon in the design world.
Rule of Thirds [Abr: RoT] - "Compositional rule of thumb. States that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds))
S
Sans-serif - A typeface that does not feature Serifs.
Saturation [AKA Colourfulness] - Intensity levels of colours in a piece.
Serif - "Semi-structural details on the ends of some of the strokes that make up letters and symbols." (Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serif))
Signature [AKA Tag] - A small piece of art, usually containing an altered stock or render. Popular with new designers for their small workspace and relatively short design period.
Smudging - Gives the effect of paint being smeared over a canvas. +plus check this Guide to Smudging > http://www.animea.net/forums/showthread.php?t=53050
Sprite - Render extracted directly from a video game game-play screen.
Stock - An image, usually manipulated to form a piece of art such as a signature.
Stroke - A solid line of colour running over the edges of an image or block of text.
T
Text - A block of words, letters or numbers.
Topaz - A set of downloadable filters for Photoshop, giving various effects.
Typeface - See Font.
Typography [Abr: Typo] - Art form in which text is the main focal point.
U
Using Right or User Right [Abr: UR] - Rights to wearing/displaying it in your Signature space.
V
Vector - Designs made up solely of geometrical "primitives" such as points, lines and curves. Can be scaled without losing quality (i.e. without developing Aliasing).
Vexel - A Bitmap image designed to imitate the appearance of a Vector image.
W
WIP [Abr, Work in Progress] - An ongoing project that is likely to be edited before it is finished.
WRO [Abr, Wearing Rights Only] - Gives user permission to use a certain piece as a signature/avatar. Usually given as a gift.
X
XCF - Editable image file for GIMP. Preserves layers and their contents for later edits.
Y
Z
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m193/SuDUkU/EMT/chibichocobo825.gif Hope this helps you to understand some the Jargon's that comes with GFX territory..