This glossary is made for people who doesn't know about graphic design. They are many helpful definitions that will make you understand more the field.
Analogous
noun
Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They usually match well and create serene and comfortable designs.
Example: The concept of analogous in graphic design refers to the use of similar elements or elements that are related in some way.
fr: analogue
Contrast
noun
Contrast occurs when two elements on a page are different. For example, it could be different colors between the text and the background color or dark vs. light colors.
Example: One of the main reasons to use contrast in your designs is to grab attention.
fr: Contraste
Crop
verb
When you crop an image, you’re cutting away and discarding the unnecessary portions of the image. Cropping allows you to change the emphasis or direction of an image.
Example: Upload the image you want to crop.
fr: recadrer
Flat
Adjective
Flat design is a minimalistic approach that focuses on simplicity and usability (almost the opposite of Skeuomorphism). It tends to feature plenty of open space, crisp edges, bright colors and two-dimensional illustrations.
Example: Flat design is a minimalist design language or design style commonly used in graphical user interfaces
fr: Plat
Golden ratio
noun
The golden ratio occurs with two objects which, once you divide the larger by the smaller, result in the number 1.6180 (or thereabouts). The most famous golden ratio is the golden rectangle, which can be split into a perfect square and a rectangle the same aspect ratio as the original rectangle. You might see this in image composition or website design and grid layout.
Example: The golden ratio was called the extreme and mean ratio by Euclid
fr: Spirale d'or
Grid
noun
A grid is constructed from evenly divided columns and rows. The point of a grid is to help designers arrange elements in a consistent way
Example: Using the Buffer design grid, a page can be divided into fifths, fourths, thirds and halves
fr: Grille
Hierarchy
noun
Typographic hierarchy is an essential part of any design or layout and even if you’re not familiar with the term, you’ll be sure to have seen hierarchy in action on any website, newspaper or magazine.
Example: Visual hierarchy is the arrangement of elements in a design to signify their importance.
fr: hiérarchie
Kerning
noun
Kerning refers to the space between two specific letters (or other characters: numbers, punctuation, etc.) and the process of adjusting that space improves legibility.
Example: I am very concerned about the kerning as it just looks awkward
fr: crénage
Knolling
noun
Knolling is the act of arranging different objects so that they are at 90-degree angles from each other, then photographing them from above. This technique creates a very symmetrical look that feels pleasing to the eye. Images that feature knolling tend to be set against a contrasting solid background.
Example: Our position is here, right on this knoll.
fr: monticule
Leading
noun
Leading determines how text is spaced vertically in lines. Leading is used when content that has multiple lines of readable text and ensures the distance from the bottom of the words above to the top of the words below has appropriate spacing to make them legible.
Example: Leading is an essential design aspect that determines how text is spaced vertically in lines.
fr: Interlignage
Monochrome
noun
Monochrome is used to describe design or photographs in one color or different shades of the single color.
Example: MONOCHROME definition: 1. using only black, white, and grey, or using only one colour: 2. not interesting or exciting…
fr: Monochrome
Opacity
noun
Opacity enables us to make an element of a design transparent. The lower the opacity, the more transparent an element is. For example, 100% opacity means an object is solid.
Example: "thinner paints need black added to increase opacity
fr: Opacité
Pantone
noun
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a standardized color reproduction system. Every hue is given a number, making it easy for people to reference and reproduce the same colors.
Example: Pantone Color Institute provides color insights and solutions; collaborating with our clients to strategically address color challenges and develop a color and design approach consistent with their brand vision.
fr: Pantone
Resolution
noun
The resolution of an image determines the quality. As a rule of thumb, the higher the resolution, the higher the quality. A high-resolution image will be clear and crisp whereas a low-resolution image will feel a little pixelated and blurry.
Example: This picture is in high resolution
fr: Résolution
RGB (Red/Green/Blue)
noun
RGB color is a model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. RGB tends to be used for on-screen purposes.
Example: RGB color space or RGB color system, constructs all the colors from the combination of the Red, Green and Blue colors
fr: RVB (Rouge/vert/bleu)
Rule of thirds
noun
You can apply the rule of thirds by imagining a 3×3 grid lying on top of your image and then aligning the subject of the image with the guide lines and their intersection points (e.g. placing the horizon on the top or bottom line) or allowing the elements of the picture to easily flow from section to section.
Example: The rule of thirds ensures that important elements are placed in the right spots.
fr: règle des tiers
Saturation
noun
Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a color. The more saturated a color is, the more vivid or brighter it appears. Whereas desaturated colors, appear a little duller.
Example: We put high saturation on this picture.
fr: Saturation
Script
noun
Script typefaces are fonts or type based upon historical or modern handwriting styles and are more fluid than traditional typefaces.
fr: Script
Triadic
noun
Triadic colors are a color scheme that uses three colors paired together in order to create a vibrant and playful feel. When used properly, they can be fun and pleasing to the eye. Once you understand exactly what triadic colors are and how to use them, you will enjoy making them a part of your color arsenal when it comes to photography, interior design, painting or other artwork.
Example: A triadic color scheme uses colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel.
fr: Triade
X-height
noun
The x-height refers to the distance between the baseline and the mean line of lower-case letters in a typeface.
Example: In typography, the x-height, or corpus size, is the distance between the baseline and the mean line of lowercase letters in a typeface.
