Glossary of Graphic Design Terms
Graphic design is one of the most powerful tools of visual communication and the field is full of its own language and terms. Graphic designers need to understand these terms and use them effectively to achieve the best results in their projects. If you are new to the world of graphic design or want to brush up on your knowledge in this field, knowing what these terms mean will give you a huge advantage. Here are the basic terms you should definitely know in graphic design. Happy reading!
Typography
Typography is the art of arranging and stylizing texts. Elements such as fonts, point, line spacing, letter spacing are part of typography. Typography directly affects the readability, aesthetics and emotional impact of a design.
RGB and CMYK
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) are color models. RGB is the color model used in digital displays (computers, televisions, telephones) because the displays create images by emitting light from these three colors. CMYK is the color model used in printing processes. This model uses a combination of four primary color inks to achieve colors in printed materials.
Vector and Pixel
Vector and pixel are graphic file types. Vector graphics are created using lines, shapes and colors defined by mathematical equations, so they don't lose quality regardless of their size. They are created with programs like Adobe Illustrator. Pixel graphics, on the other hand, are made up of small squares with a fixed resolution and lose quality when their size is increased. Adobe Photoshop is widely used for editing such graphics.
Grid System
The grid system is a guide that helps to place designs in an organized and balanced way. This system helps align and organize elements in page layouts, web design and other graphic design projects. The grid plays an important role in guiding the user's eye by creating hierarchy in the design.
Bleed
Bleed, in print design, refers to the area that overflows from the edges of a design and is left to be cut out. This is done to prevent small shifts that can occur during printing, so that there are no empty white areas around the edges of the design. Usually a bleed area between 3-5 mm is left.
Kerning, Tracking and Leading
These three terms are related to text editing:
Kerning: Adjusting the space between two letters. When the space between letters is not uniform, the readability of the word is affected.
Tracking: Adjusting the overall spacing between all letters in the text. It is used to increase or decrease the overall compactness or clarity of a paragraph or sentence.
Leading: Adjusting the vertical space between lines. Proper leading makes text look more readable and aesthetic.
Mockup
A mockup is a model or prototype used to show the final version of a design. For example, a design to show how a logo will look on a t-shirt is called a mockup. Mockups are ideal for showing clients or team members the final look of the design.
White Space (Negative Space)
White space is the empty space used in a design. These spaces make the design more clean, professional and readable. White space is critical for creating a balance between text and graphic elements and is a key element of minimalist designs.
Opacity
Opacity determines how transparent or opaque a design element is. An opacity of 100 percent means that the element is completely solid, meaning you cannot see what is behind it. Lower opacity values mean that the element is more transparent and other elements behind it can be seen.
Branding
Branding is the process of creating a brand's identity. The logo, color palette, typography and other visual elements reflect the brand's character and message. A good branding strategy increases brand recognizability and customer loyalty.
Sans Serif
A font style without serifs (small projections). It usually provides a more modern and clean look.
Rasterize
It is the process of converting vector graphics into an image made of pixels. A rasterized image cannot be scaled and may lose resolution.
Gradient
It is the mixing of colors with a smooth transition. Often used in backgrounds or design elements to add depth and interest.
Vector
Graphics defined by mathematical formulas. They are scalable and there is no loss of resolution. Usually used for logos and illustrations.
Typography
It is the art of organizing and formatting texts. It includes elements such as font selection, font size and line spacing.
Resolution
Description The level of detail of an image. Measured in DPI (dots per inch). Higher resolution provides clearer and more detailed images.
Contrast
It is the difference between two colors or tones. High contrast can improve the readability of text and strengthen visual effects.
Alignment
In graphic design, it refers to the arrangement of text and other elements. There are alignment options such as right, left, centered and justified.
Hierarchy
It is the organization of information and elements according to their importance in design. It determines the relationship between headings, sub-headings and texts.
Bleed
It is the color area that overflows from the edges of the paper during the printing process. It prevents the design from being cut on the edges and minimizes printing errors.
Margin
The process of leaving empty space on the edges of the page. It determines the spaces between the content and the page edge and makes the design look organized.
Padding
The space between the inner edges of an element and its content. Usually used in text boxes or buttons.
Hue
The main tone of a color. It determines exactly what a color is on the color wheel.
Saturation
Indicates the intensity or vibrancy of a color. Higher saturation means brighter colors.
Brightness
The level of lightness or darkness of a color. High brightness makes colors appear lighter.
Opacity
The degree of transparency of an object. Low opacity allows the background or lower layers to be visible.
Masking
The process of hiding or showing certain areas of images or colors. Often used in photo editing and graphic design.
Vectorization
It is the conversion of raster images into vector format. It allows you to achieve resolution independent graphics.
Bevel
Description: 3D effect applied to the edges of an object. It shows the edges as curved or rounded.
Drop Shadow
It is a shadow effect created behind an object. It adds a sense of depth and volume.
Layer
They are digital spaces where multiple elements are superimposed in graphic design. Each layer can be edited independently.
Opacity
Description: The degree of transparency of an object. Opacity affects the visibility of the background or underlying layers.
Curves
It is a photo editing tool used to make color adjustments and contrast adjustments. Controls image tones by editing curves.
Gradient Mesh
It is a vector graphics technique that allows color transitions to be made more detailed and smooth. It is especially used for realistic color transitions.
Artboard
It is the workspace in graphic design software. Designers create and organize their projects on this area.
Pixel
The smallest unit in digital images. Pixels come together to form images.
Typeface
Refers to an entire family of fonts. It can include different styles such as serif, sans serif, script.
Understanding these basic terms and concepts is key to success in the world of graphic design. These terms can be an important communication tool not only for designers, but also for clients and partners. Knowing what these terms mean when creating and presenting your designs will help you manage your projects more effectively.
This glossary will guide you on your design journey and help you achieve more informed, creative and professional results.
Nur Oğuz