CDIP key terms

The number of pixels or dots per unit length (e.g., dpi, ppi, spi) that determines image detail. Higher resolution captures more fine detail but increases file size and processing time.

The number of bits used to represent each color component of a pixel. Higher bit depth allows more distinct colors or gray levels, improving tonal smoothness but increasing file size.

The total number of bits used to represent color information for a single pixel, often expressed as bits per channel (e.g., 24-bit RGB). It determines the maximum number of distinct colors.

A mathematical model describing how colors can be represented as tuples of numbers, such as RGB, CMYK, or Lab. It defines the gamut of reproducible colors for a device or file.

The complete range of colors that a device or color space can reproduce. Devices with different gamuts may render the same color values differently, requiring color management.

A standardized data file that characterizes a color input or output device, enabling consistent color reproduction across devices by mapping color values between device-specific spaces.

A method that defines how out-of-gamut colors are mapped when converting between color spaces. Common intents include perceptual, relative colorimetric, absolute colorimetric, and saturation.

An image with only two possible values per pixel, typically black and white, stored as 1 bit per pixel. It is commonly used for text documents where grayscale is unnecessary.

An image where each pixel represents only intensity information, typically stored as 8 bits per pixel (256 shades of gray). It is often used for black-and-white photographs and scanned text.

For audio, the number of samples taken per second (e.g., 44.1 kHz). For images, it can refer to spatial sampling frequency. Higher rates yield better fidelity but larger files.

The process of reducing the size of a file by encoding data more efficiently. It can be lossless (reversible) or lossy (irreversible), affecting quality and storage requirements.

A compression method that reduces file size without losing any information, allowing exact reconstruction of the original data. Common for archival and text documents.

A compression method that reduces file size by discarding some data, resulting in irreversible quality loss. Often used for photographs and audio where some degradation is acceptable.

A commonly used lossy compression standard for photographic images. It supports adjustable compression levels and is widely used for web and digital photography but not ideal for text or line art.

A flexible, tag-based image file format that supports lossless compression, multiple pages, and various color spaces. Often used for archival master images and scanned documents.

An ISO-standardized version of PDF designed for long-term archiving. It restricts features that could hinder future readability, such as external fonts and encryption, ensuring self-contained documents.

Structured data that describes other data, such as creation date, author, and keywords. It aids in discovery, management, and preservation of digital assets.

The process of creating a searchable data structure from document content or metadata to enable fast retrieval. It is essential for full-text search and database queries.

Optical Character Recognition: the technology that converts scanned images of text into machine-encoded text. It enables searchability and editing of printed documents.

The process of locating and accessing stored information based on user queries or system requests. It relies on indexes and metadata to return relevant results efficiently.

A defined sequence of tasks, often automated, that processes documents or data through stages such as capture, indexing, review, and distribution. It ensures consistency and efficiency.

Business Process Model and Notation: a standard graphical notation for modeling business processes. It provides symbols for events, activities, gateways, and flows to document workflows clearly.

The discipline of designing, executing, monitoring, and optimizing business processes. It involves defining roles, rules, and metrics to ensure efficient and compliant operations.

The assignment of documents or tasks to specific individuals or queues based on predefined rules, such as content, priority, or workload. It is a key component of workflow automation.

A holding area for items awaiting processing, often managed in a first-in-first-out manner. Queues help balance workload and ensure tasks are handled in an orderly fashion.

The process of managing deviations from normal workflow, such as errors or missing information. It includes detecting, logging, and resolving exceptions to maintain process integrity.

A chronological record of system activities and user actions, providing evidence of who did what and when. It is essential for compliance, security, and troubleshooting.

The final result of a process, such as a printed document, an electronic file, or a displayed image. Output can be physical or digital and must meet quality and format requirements.

The delivery of output to its intended recipients or systems, via methods such as print, email, web download, or fax. It ensures information reaches the right place in the right format.

Software that converts application data into a format understood by a printer, often using page description languages like PostScript or PCL. It controls print settings and features.

Raster Image Processor: a hardware or software component that converts page description language or vector data into a raster image for printing or display at a specific resolution.

A language that describes the layout and appearance of a page, such as PostScript or PDF. It allows device-independent printing and precise control over text and graphics.

The process of encoding information so that only authorized parties can access it. It protects data confidentiality during storage and transmission, using algorithms and keys.

A cryptographic mechanism that verifies the authenticity and integrity of a digital message or document. It provides non-repudiation and is often used in compliance workflows.

The set of policies and mechanisms that restrict access to resources to authorized users. It includes authentication, authorization, and auditing to protect sensitive information.

A set of rules defining how long different types of records must be kept and how they should be disposed of. It ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Adherence to laws, regulations, standards, and internal policies relevant to an organization's operations. It often requires documented controls, audits, and retention practices.

The set of processes and activities ensuring that digital information remains accessible and usable over the long term, despite technological changes. It includes format migration and metadata management.