Term | Definition |
accordion fold | a zig zag fold with at least two parallel folds that go in opposite directions; also known as zig-zag |
additive color | a color that becomes white when all colors have been added; RGB is an example |
alignment | the placement of text or graphics on a line (right, left, center, or justified) |
asymmetrical balance | the type of balance when both sides of the central axis are not identical, yet appear to have the same visual weight |
balance | use of elements so they counter each other; creates a product that is in harmony |
binding | the joinng of pages with either wire, glue or other means |
bond | standard type of paper used in copiers and printers |
card stock | a heavy weight paper; typically used for business cards, greeting cards, post cards, etc |
consistency | maintaining the same layout and style throughout the publication; i.e. fonts, colors, spacing, graphic elements, etc. |
contrast | the differences in values, colors, textures, shapes, and other elements within a presentation |
flow | the visual path created by the arrangements of elements |
focal point | the visually dominant elements in a presentation; the center of interest |
gatefold | folding the sides in toward the middle of a page |
half fold | dividing the page in half; often called a booklet fold |
layout | the arrangement of all key parts of a publication without including specific content |
legal | a standard American paper size that is 8.5 x 14 inches |
letter | a standard American paper size that is 8.5 x 11 inches |
line | as a design element, lines can be used to divide or unite elements on a page, denote direction of movement, or anchor objects on a page |
mass | the physical or visual size of a publication or an object in the publication |
mock layout | rough draft of the finished publication that shows the major elements of the publication |
newsprint | a type of paper that is low quality and inexpensive |
optical center | the optical center is slightly to the right of and above the actual center of a page |
paper weight | the actual weight in pounds of 500 full sheets of paper regardless of the basic size or grade of paper; paper sizes vary based on the type of paper; also known as ream weight |
perfect binding | to bind pages together with glue to create a book |
ream | a package of 500 sheets of paper |
repetition | the use of the same visual effects a number of times in the same project; the consistent repetition of graphic elements works to create visual unity |
row | one of two or more horizontal sections of typed lines lying above or below each other on a page and separated by a rule or a blank space |
saddle stitch | a type of binding that staples down the middle of folded pages; frequently used to assemble booklets |
shape | a design element that includes geometric, natural, or abstract shapes |
space | the distance or area between or around things; separates or unifies, highlights, and gives the eye a visual rest |
spiral binding | a type of binding that secures pages by using metal combs or plastic combs that fit into holes punched along the edge of the pages; allows the publication to lay flat when opened |
style | a named group of character and paragraph format that can be applied to text |
subtractive color | color that becomes white when all colors have been removed or subtracted; CMYK colors are an example |
symmetrical balance | type of balance that occurs when the weight of a composition is evenly distributed around a central vertical or horizontal axis |
table of contents | a listing of the major entries in a publication |
tabloid | standard American paper size that is 11 x 17 inches; sometimes referred to as ledger paper |
target audience | a specific group of people for which you design your documents; can be categorized by age, gender, income |
texture | the surface quality of a shape; i.e., rough, smooth, soft, hard, glossy, etc.; can be physical (tactile) or visual |
thumbnail sketch | a small sketch that shows only the large elements of the page |
time frame | the amount of time given to complete a document or project |
trifold | two parallel folds resulting in three panels on each side of the paper; also known as a brochure fold |
value | the measure of lightness and darkness in color |
white space | areas on a page with no text or graphics; designed to provide a visual break and to give other elements on the page a greater impact; also known as negative space |
z-pattern | the visual path that draws the eye from top left to top right down to bottom left and then to bottom right |