Graphics Glossary

The definition of 3D anaglyph, or stereoscopic pictures.

An explanation of the alpha chanel as it relates to graphics software.

Anti-aliasing makes text and shapes look smooth in bitmap graphics.

JPEG artifacts are the result of an aggressive data compression scheme that discards some image data.

the definition of aspect ratio as it relates to graphics software.

Pierre Bézier gave us the bézier curve, a drawing method used in vector graphics.

The definition of bitmap and raster as it relates to graphics software.

Learn about the blending modes in Photoshop and other graphics software with this illustrated tutorial. Browse visual examples and detailed descriptions of each of the blending modes, and learn practical uses for blend modes in your graphics software.

The definition of CMYK as it relates to graphics software.

An explanation of control handles, control points, and direction handles as they relate to graphics software.

Digital scrapbooking, also referred to as digi-scrapping or computer scrapbooking, is a fairly new form of scrapbooking which involves the use of a computer and graphics software to create visual layouts for the purpose of preserving a memory.

An explanation of dithering as it relates to graphics software.

The definition of dpi or dots per inch as it relates to graphics software.

EULA stands for End-User License Agreement. This is a legal document that governs the use of all software applications.

An explanation of EXIF, Exchangeable Image File Format, used by digital cameras to store extra picture information in photo files.

Learn about filters that can enhance your graphics software.

Definition of Gradient or Graduated Fill.

An explanation of Handles in graphics software.

This style of black and white line drawings was first used by The Wall Street Journal newspaper for portraits.

A definition of HDR, or high dynamic range, as it relates to digital photo editing and graphics software.

An explanation of the histogram and how it relates to graphics software.

The definition of interpolation as it relates to graphics software.

JPEG artifacts are the result of an aggressive data compression scheme that discards some image data.

This article provides a basic for understanding layers in many image editing programs.

This is part of the Adobe Photoshop Basic course, but it provides a good introduction to layers for whatever graphics software you use, since layers work similarly in other software.

The definition of marquee as it relates to graphics software.

An explanation of masks as they are used in graphics software.

An expiation of megapixels.

An explantion of EXIF, IPTC and XMP metadata as it relates to graphics software.

Metafile is a type of graphics file.

An explanation of Moiré in scanned images. What causes it and how to get rid of it.

The definition of native file format as it relates to graphics software.

The definition of nodes, tangent points, or anchor points in graphics software.

The meaning of "noise" when referring to digital photos.

OEM stands for "original equipment manufacturer" and OEM software is a phrase that refers to software that is sold to computer builders and hardware manufacturers (OEMs) in large quantities, for the purpose of bundling with computer hardware. In reference to software, there is much debate and confusion surrounding the direct sale of OEM software.

The definition of the phrase "out of gamut" as it relates to graphics software.

An explanation of paths in graphics software.

A photo mosaic is a picture made up of many smaller pictures. The small tile images can be seen up close, but at a distance, an entirely different image can be seen. Today there is a lot of free and inexpensive software, as well as Web-based tools, that you can use to make a photo mosaic image from your own collection of personal photos.

Learn about background-free photo object images.

Learn what you need to know about Picture Tubes, a file format and tool feature of the photo editor Paint Shop Pro. Learn exactly what tubes are and how you can use them in Paint Shop Pro or in other software.

The definition of pixel as it relates to graphics software.

Learn about plug-ins that can extend the features of your graphics software.

A brief summary of the PNG format.

The definition of ppi, pixels per inch, as it relates to graphics software.

Learn about the new product activation technology being added to graphics software such as Photoshop. What is it and how does it affect you?

A bitmap (or raster) image is one of the two major graphic types.

The meaning of rasterize in relation to graphics software.

A basic overview of the Raw files created by many high-end digital cameras.

The definition of resample as it relates to graphics software.

The definition of resolution as it relates to graphics software. Includes an explanation of optical resolution versus interpolated or digital resolution.

The definition of RGB as it relates to graphics software.

Photoshop uses your hard drive as temporary "swap" space, or virtual memory, when your system does not have enough RAM to perform an operation

A screen shot is a way of taking a snapshot, or picture, of your computer screen. Screen shots can be very helpful when you need to demonstrate something that would be difficult to explain in words. Learn what you need to know about taking screen shots in Windows or Macintosh.

You can give your modern photos an old-fashioned effect by applying a sepia tint in most photo-editing programs.

A type of curves used it vector graphics editing.

An explanation of the standard image formats used in graphics software.

This article will help you understand tagging, a new way of organizing digital photos and other data. Tagging represents a significant shift in the way digital data will be sorted, saved, searched, and shared in the 21st century. If you've been locked in to the old folder way of organizing digital photos, it's time to open your mind to the tagging concept.

The definition of TWAIN as it relates to graphics software. It's not an acronym as many people believe. Find out what it does and how it got its name.

Vector is one of the two main types of graphics.

A vignette is a photograph whose edges fade out gradually. The vignette effect is easy to apply to a digital photo in most photo-editing programs.

Adding a visible watermark is a common way of identifying images and protecting them from unauthorized use online. Learn how to create an effective watermark and apply it to your digital photos or art work.

An explanation of the "Web Safe Palette" and why it was important.

An explantion of XMP metadata as it relates to graphics software.

Test your knowledge of graphics software terminology with this fun hangman game.

Suggest a word you'd like to see added to the graphics glossary.