TASC Computer Graphics and Design key terms

Images built from a grid of pixels, each storing color values. Editing changes pixel data directly, so scaling up can cause blurriness or jagged edges. Common formats include JPEG, PNG, and GIF.

Images defined by mathematical paths, points, and curves rather than pixels. They can be scaled infinitely without losing quality and are ideal for logos, icons, and illustrations. Common formats include SVG, AI, and EPS.

The amount of detail an image or display can show, often measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). Higher resolution means finer detail but larger file sizes. It affects print quality and on-screen clarity.

The smallest controllable element of a raster image, short for 'picture element.' Each pixel holds a color value, and groups of pixels form the complete image. Pixel dimensions determine an image's on-screen size.

Dots per inch, a measure of printing resolution indicating how many ink dots a printer places in one inch. Higher DPI generally yields finer print detail. It is often confused with PPI, which measures screen pixels.

Pixels per inch, a measure of pixel density on a screen or in an image file. It describes how many pixels fit in one inch and influences perceived sharpness. Higher PPI values produce smoother on-screen images.

The number of bits used to represent the color of a single pixel. Higher bit depth allows more colors and smoother gradients. For example, 8-bit color provides 256 levels per channel.

The number of distinct colors a display or image file can represent, determined by bit depth. Common values are 8-bit, 16-bit, and 24-bit. Greater color depth reduces banding and improves realism.

An additive color model using red, green, and blue light to create colors on screens. Combining full intensities yields white. It is the standard for digital displays and web graphics.

A subtractive color model using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks for printing. Combining all inks ideally produces black. It is standard in print production and differs from screen-based RGB.

A six-digit code starting with # that represents RGB color values in web design, such as #FF0000 for red. Each pair of digits encodes red, green, and blue intensities from 00 to FF.

A mathematical system for representing colors as tuples of numbers, such as RGB, CMYK, or HSL. Different models suit different purposes like screen display or print. Converting between models can shift colors.

A color model describing colors by hue, saturation, and lightness. Hue is the color angle, saturation is intensity, and lightness is brightness. It is intuitive for adjusting colors in design software.

The range of colors a device or color space can reproduce. Different devices have different gamuts, so colors may appear differently across screens and printers. Out-of-gamut colors cannot be accurately displayed or printed.

A specific organization of colors with defined primaries and gamma, such as sRGB or Adobe RGB. It ensures consistent color interpretation across devices. Choosing the right space affects color accuracy in workflows.

A file describing how a device interprets color values, often using ICC standards. It helps maintain color consistency between devices like monitors and printers. Assigning profiles correctly prevents unwanted color shifts.

The process of controlling how colors are represented and converted across devices to achieve consistent results. It uses profiles and color spaces to translate between devices. Good management reduces surprises in print and screen output.

A smooth curve defined by anchor points and control handles, widely used in vector graphics. Adjusting handles changes the curve's shape. It allows precise, scalable drawing of complex shapes.

A series of connected line segments or curves in vector graphics, defined by anchor points. Paths can be open or closed and can be stroked or filled. They form the basis of vector shapes and illustrations.

A point on a vector path that defines its shape and position. Anchor points connect path segments and can have control handles for curves. Editing anchor points modifies the path's geometry.

A separate level in a design file that holds specific elements, allowing independent editing and stacking. Layers can be reordered, hidden, or blended. They help organize complex compositions.

A non-destructive feature that hides or reveals parts of a layer using black, white, and gray values. Black hides, white reveals, and gray creates partial transparency. It allows flexible editing without deleting pixels.

An extra channel storing transparency information for each pixel, often alongside RGB channels. It enables compositing images over backgrounds. Values range from fully transparent to fully opaque.

A setting that determines how a layer's pixels combine with those beneath it, such as multiply, screen, or overlay. Each mode produces different visual effects. Blend modes are essential for compositing and styling.

The process of combining multiple visual elements, such as images, text, and effects, into a single cohesive image or scene. It often uses layers, masks, and blend modes. Compositing is central to graphic design and visual effects.

The proportional relationship between an image's width and height, expressed as two numbers like 16:9 or 4:3. It affects how content fits different screens and formats. Maintaining aspect ratio prevents distortion when resizing.

The removal of unwanted outer areas from an image to improve framing or fit a specific aspect ratio. It changes the composition without altering pixel dimensions of the remaining area. Cropping is a basic editing operation.

The process of changing an image's pixel dimensions by adding or removing pixels. Upsampling increases size and may soften detail; downsampling reduces size and can sharpen. It differs from resizing without resampling.

A method used in resampling to estimate new pixel values when scaling an image. Common types include nearest neighbor, bilinear, and bicubic. The choice affects sharpness and smoothness of the result.

A technique that smooths jagged edges in digital images by blending edge pixels with background colors. It improves the appearance of curves and text. Higher anti-aliasing can slightly blur fine details.

The visual artifact of jagged or stair-stepped edges in raster images, caused by representing curves with square pixels. It is reduced by anti-aliasing or higher resolution. Aliasing can also appear as moiré patterns.

The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing. It involves selecting fonts, sizes, spacing, and layout. Good typography enhances communication in design.

A set of characters sharing a consistent design, such as Helvetica or Times New Roman. It includes letters, numbers, and symbols in various weights and styles. Typefaces are distinct from fonts, which are specific implementations.

A specific digital file or set of glyphs in a particular size, weight, and style of a typeface. It is what software uses to render text. Common formats include TTF, OTF, and WOFF.

The adjustment of space between individual pairs of characters to improve visual spacing and readability. It is often applied to specific pairs like 'AV' or 'To'. Kerning differs from tracking, which adjusts overall letter spacing.

The uniform adjustment of space between all characters in a block of text. Increasing tracking loosens text, while decreasing tightens it. It is used to fit text or change visual density.

The vertical space between lines of text, measured from baseline to baseline. Proper leading improves readability and prevents crowding. It is also called line spacing.

A structure of columns, rows, and margins used to align and organize design elements consistently. It helps create balanced, predictable layouts. Grids are fundamental in print and web design.

The empty area between design elements, also called negative space. It provides breathing room, improves readability, and creates visual hierarchy. Effective use of white space is a key design principle.

The arrangement of elements to guide the viewer's eye in order of importance. It uses size, color, contrast, and placement to create emphasis. A clear hierarchy improves communication and usability.