Graphic Design Terms and Definitions
Browse graphic design terminology used for print and digital deliverables. Look up terms like CMYK, bleed, DPI, vector vs raster, kerning, and Pantone. Related service: Graphic Design.
Gutter: The Structural Gap
A Gutter refers to the vertical or horizontal space between columns of content. In print, it also refers to the inner space where two pages meet at the spine. Read moreabout Gutter: The Structural Gap
Golden Ratio: Nature’s Mathematical Beauty
The Golden Ratio is a mathematical proportion approximately equal to $1:1.618$. It is widely believed to be the most aesthetically pleasing ratio and is found throughout nature, art, and architecture. Read moreabout Golden Ratio: Nature’s Mathematical Beauty
Contrast: The Driver of Hierarchy
Contrast occurs when two elements are strikingly different. It is used to create emphasis, generate interest, and establish a clear visual hierarchy. Read moreabout Contrast: The Driver of Hierarchy
Alignment: Creating Visual Order
Alignment is the arrangement of elements so they line up along a common axis (top, bottom, center, or sides). It creates a sharp, organized relationship between unrelated elements. Read moreabout Alignment: Creating Visual Order
Leading: Line Spacing in Typography
Leading is the vertical space between lines of text, measured from baseline to baseline. Good leading improves readability and tone. Read moreabout Leading: Line Spacing in Typography
Tracking: Overall Letter Spacing
Tracking is the uniform adjustment of spacing across a range of letters, words, or an entire text block. Tracking changes the overall density of text. Read moreabout Tracking: Overall Letter Spacing
Kerning: Adjusting Space Between Letter Pairs
Kerning is the adjustment of spacing between specific letter pairs to improve visual balance and readability. Fonts include built-in kerning pairs, but logos, headlines, and large type often need manual tuning. Read moreabout Kerning: Adjusting Space Between Letter Pairs
Aspect Ratio: Proportions of Width to Height
Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between width and height of an image, frame, or layout, expressed as a ratio like 16:9 or 1:1. Read moreabout Aspect Ratio: Proportions of Width to Height
Vector: Shape-Based Graphics
Vector graphics are built from mathematically defined shapes like paths, points, strokes, and fills instead of pixels. Vector assets scale to any size without losing sharpness. Read moreabout Vector: Shape-Based Graphics
Raster: Pixel-Based Graphics
Raster graphics are made of a fixed grid of pixels, where each pixel stores a color value. Photos are raster. Read moreabout Raster: Pixel-Based Graphics