TASC Computer Graphics and Design flashcards
TASC Computer Graphics and Design · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Raster image
- An image made of a grid of pixels, where each pixel holds color data. Enlarging a raster image beyond its native resolution reveals individual pixels, causing a jagged or blurry appearance.
- Vector image
- An image defined by mathematical paths and anchor points rather than pixels. It can be scaled infinitely without loss of quality and is ideal for logos, icons, and typography.
- Resolution
- The amount of detail an image holds, often expressed as pixel dimensions (width × height) or pixels per inch (PPI). Higher resolution means more pixels and finer detail.
- RGB color model
- An additive color model using red, green, and blue light. Combining all three at full intensity produces white; it is the standard for digital screens and web design.
- CMYK color model
- A subtractive color model using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. It is used in printing, where overlapping inks absorb light to create colors on paper.
- Color wheel
- A circular diagram of hues used to understand color relationships. Complementary colors sit opposite each other, analogous colors are adjacent, and triadic colors are evenly spaced.
- Complementary colors
- Two colors located opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green or blue and orange. They create strong contrast and vibrant visual impact when paired.
- Analogous colors
- Colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, such as blue, blue-green, and green. They produce harmonious and cohesive color schemes with low contrast.
- Aspect ratio
- The proportional relationship between an image's width and height, written as width:height (e.g., 16:9). Changing it without cropping or letterboxing distorts the image.
- DPI
- Dots per inch, a measure of print resolution indicating how many ink dots a printer places in one linear inch. Higher DPI generally yields sharper printed output.
- PPI
- Pixels per inch, a measure of pixel density on a screen or in an image file. It affects how large an image appears when displayed or printed at a given size.
- Lossy compression
- A data reduction method that permanently discards some image information to shrink file size. JPEG is a common lossy format; repeated saving degrades quality.
- Lossless compression
- A data reduction method that preserves all original image data, allowing exact reconstruction. PNG and GIF use lossless compression, making them suitable for graphics with sharp edges.
- Alpha channel
- An extra channel in an image file that stores transparency information for each pixel. It allows parts of an image to be fully or partially see-through, as in PNG files.
- Bitmap
- A digital image composed of a rectangular grid of pixels, each with a specific color value. Bitmap images are resolution-dependent and can lose quality when scaled up.
- Vector path
- A series of connected anchor points and line segments or curves that define a shape in vector graphics. Paths can be stroked, filled, and edited without affecting image quality.
- Bezier curve
- A smooth mathematical curve defined by anchor points and control handles. It is widely used in vector design software to create scalable, precise curved shapes.
- Anchor point
- A point on a vector path that defines the start or end of a line segment or curve. Dragging an anchor point reshapes the path without altering its resolution.
- Typography
- The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible and visually appealing. It involves font selection, size, spacing, and alignment.
- Kerning
- The adjustment of space between individual pairs of characters to improve visual spacing. It is often applied to specific letter combinations like 'AV' or 'To'.
- Leading
- The vertical space between lines of text, measured from baseline to baseline. Proper leading improves readability and prevents lines from appearing cramped or too loose.
- Tracking
- The uniform adjustment of spacing across a range of characters, affecting the overall density of a block of text. It differs from kerning, which targets individual pairs.
- Serif font
- A typeface with small decorative strokes at the ends of letterforms, such as Times New Roman. Serif fonts are often used in print for body text due to readability.
- Sans-serif font
- A typeface without decorative strokes at the ends of letters, such as Arial or Helvetica. Sans-serif fonts are commonly used for digital interfaces and headlines.
- Grid system
- A structure of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines used to organize and align design elements. It provides consistency and balance in layouts across print and digital media.
- White space
- The empty area between design elements, also called negative space. It improves readability, reduces clutter, and helps guide the viewer's eye through a composition.
- Contrast
- The difference in visual properties such as color, brightness, or size between elements. High contrast improves legibility and draws attention to key parts of a design.
- Balance
- The distribution of visual weight in a composition. It can be symmetrical (mirrored) or asymmetrical (unequal but harmonious), affecting how stable a design feels.
- Hierarchy
- The arrangement of elements by importance so viewers notice the most significant content first. Designers use size, color, and placement to establish visual hierarchy.
- Rule of thirds
- A composition guideline that divides an image into a 3×3 grid. Placing key subjects along the grid lines or at intersections creates more dynamic and balanced compositions.
- Color gamut
- The range of colors a device or color model can reproduce. The RGB gamut differs from the CMYK gamut, so colors may shift when converting between them.
- Bit depth
- The number of bits used to represent the color of each pixel. Higher bit depth allows more colors per pixel, improving color accuracy and smooth gradients.