| A.A. |
Short for author's alterations or author's addition. |
|
| Abekas |
Digital disk device made by Abekas Corp. that can record, edit and playback animation imagery or full motion video frames in real time. |
|
| Abel & Associates |
Commercial Hollywood production company (disbanded in 1986) whose forte was effects techniques for television and films. Pioneers in slit scan photography and computer graphic animation and rendering software. |
|
| abort |
To terminate a task the computer is performing. Usually refers to non elected methods, e.g. rebooting in the middle of an operation, which result in a loss of data. |
Also see cold start, reboot, warm start. |
| abozzo |
In painting, the sketch or initial rough drawing over which the final painting is done. |
|
| abstract art |
An art form in which little or no realistic representation is present. |
|
| abstract expressionism |
a style of art in the 1940's and 1950's in which no attempt to represent reality was made. The style was usually characterized by non-geometric, emotionally intense and forceful use of color, brush strokes, and shape. |
|
| academy |
An educated group of authority figures in the fine art world. |
|
| access |
To find information stored in the computer's memory. (1) To select a keyboard command or menu bar to perform a task. (2) To search directories for a file (3) To establish keywords for a database search. See password. |
|
| access time |
The time frame between a request of computer information from storage or memory and delivery to a viewing or monitoring device. |
|
| accelerator (also accelerator board, coprocessor board, math accelerator, math coprocessor) |
A computer component, usually optional, dedicated to the enhancement of computer throughput to speed up calculation or graphics processing. This is done by off-loading computationally intensive tasks from the main processor (CPU), offering more registers, local cache memory and utilizing specially designed chips to perform math or graphics tasks at very high throughput speeds. Some coprocessors take over the computer, with an additional CPU of greater performance and memory handling capability - an alternative to the purchase of a new computer. For example, an 80286 board in an IBM XT (8086) or an 80386/SX in an IBM AT (80286) machine, or an 80486/SX in an IBM 80386 machine. Math coprocessors are companion chips which attach next to the CPU on the motherboard (8087 with an 8086 CPU, 80287 with an 80286 CPU). The CPU passes math computation to the extra chips and retrieves the result. See board, CPU, Drystone, Linpacs, MIPS, MFLOPS, and throughput. |
|
| accordion fold |
A folding method used for brochures with at least 2 parallel pleated folds. |
Also see fanfold. |
| account executive |
the representative of a creative agency that acts as a liaison or business negotiator between creative personnel and client. Slang term is a suit. |
|
| acoustic coupler |
Computer communications device which makes a relatively sound-proof connection (usually with rubber cups) between a standard telephone handset and a modem to convert computer code to audio signals for data transmission over normal voice phone lines. Usually included as part of most current modems. |
|
| acetate |
A sheet of film, usually clear, available in varying weights used as a drawing surface which can be placed over another level of drawing surface. Specially treated acetate is available for inking use. 1) In graphic production mechanicals it is used as a substrate to paste-up multiple layers of graphic elements usually to separate colors for printing. 2) In traditional animation acetate may be referred to as a cel, when it is inked and painted as an individual picture frame in a series of related imagery. |
Also see acetate overlay, cel, prepared acetate. |
| acetate overlay |
A layer of acetate with additional registered artwork mounted over mechanical art |
Also see registration. |
| achromatic |
Without color as in black and white and grey tones. |
|
| achromatic color |
A grayscale color. |
Also see grayscale. |
| acid free |
Describes artistic or mounting paper with a ph level between 6.5 and 8.5, with 7 being the most balanced. |
|
| ACM |
Short for Association for Computing Machinery. An international organization dedicated to the education and enhancement of the computer industry. |
|
| acrolith |
A sculpture made from more than one medium. |
|
| acrylic |
Refers to synthetic water based paints or inks that dry quickly. Acrylics are waterproof and fade resistant when dry. |
|
| action line |
In cartooning, lines which represent motion or speed. |
|
| action painting |
A spontaneous form of abstract expressionism characterized by splashed and dripped paint. |
|
| actual size |
1) In most desktop publishing programs, a setting that tells the system to display material at the same size it will be printed (rather than sized smaller so more material can be viewed on screen). 2) With photo/mechanical paste-up artwork, material prepared at the same size or scale as the finished print material - also known as 1:1 or 100%. |
Also see scale, view. |
| A/D or a/d |
Short for analog/digital. Refers to a device, or the process, to convert analog information to digital information. Analog is the way we perceive the world around us - as a continuous stream of sight and sound. Digital information is a series of binary sets, represented by an on/off or 0/1 condition. An A/D converter samples analog data and assigns a value to each sample - which is then passed on as digital data. D/A is the reverse process. |
Also see analog and digital. |
| a.d. |
Short for art director or assistant director. |
|
| ADC |
Short for analog to digital conversion. |
|
| additive primaries |
Refers to light and colors: the three colors of light which form white when added together, red, green and blue. Mixed in the proper proportions, they can form all other visible colors. Various record/display systems can form a large or small subset of all colors - no system can produce all possible colors. Used in optical imaging systems, e.g. theatrical lighting, photographic duplication (with dichroic filtration), television and color computer systems. They are the complimentary process to the subtractive primaries, cyan, yellow, and magenta that form all colors and black in printing and emulation, dye-based photography. |
Also see color, HSL, RGB, subtractive primaries, YCM |
| address |
The location in computer memory where a particular piece of information or program code for processing or machine control is stored. |
|
| addressable point |
|
Also see absolute point. |
| adhesive |
Substance that bonds materials together. |
|
| adjacent colors |
|
Also see analogous colors. |
| ADO |
Short for Ampex Digital Optics, a device used in video production for special 2D effects that often give the appearance of 3D animation. |
|
| advance |
Partial payment of money before beginning or during work on a creative project. |
aerial image |
| aesthetic |
Usually refers to a quality of beauty or artistic merit. |
|
| AFIPS |
Short for American Federation of Information Processing Society. |
|
| after image |
An optical effect where a ghost image is left after the original source image is removed. |
|
| agate/agate line |
A standard typographic unit used to measure column depth in newspapers, advertising, and other print disciplines. There are 14 agate lines to a column inch. |
|
| AI |
Short for Artificial Intelligence. A computer programming technique whereby the program logic is able to make decisions based on variable ranges and/or weighted values, rather than conventional if/then/else or yes/no logic. The code is also extensible or able to "learn" by creating new logic trees based on previous data. |
|
| AIEE |
Short for American Institute of Electrical Engineers. |
|
| air |
Refers to unused visual space surrounding typography or graphics. |
Also see white space. |
| airbrush |
1) A hand held pen shaped spray paint gun powered by compressed air which is used for creating a watercolor-like wash, retouching or special effects. The airbrush is excellent for creating continuous or graduated tone. Used for single media artwork or in conjunction with other techniques such as over photography. 2) Many paint programs include an airbrush tool that simulates the traditional airbrush, with color spreading from a mist of dots to a solid color depending upon the speed of operator motion and stylus pressure. |
|
| AIX |
IBM's version of UNIX. See UNIX. |
|
| algol |
Short for Algorithmic Language. |
Also see Appendix I. |
| algorithm |
A logical method of solving problems in science. The mathematical program logic (set of instructions/rules) used by the computer to solve problems and perform actions. |
Also see object oriented, vector graphics, outline fonts, PostScript. |
| aliasing |
The jagged stair-stepped effect found at the boundary, usually diagonal, edge of objects or regions of dissimilar color, on a computer display or output of a computer or other raster/pixel based image system. Line or color change in pixel or raster based display systems such as television, computer graphics, or computer based print technologies. |
Also see anti-aliasing and jaggies. |
| alignment |
How text lines up on a page or column: flush left (ragged right), flush right (ragged left), centered (ragged left and right) or justified (flush on both left and right sides). |
|
| alley |
The space between columns of text. |
|
| all rights |
The complete purchase or ownership of artwork for unlimited usage forever. |
|
| alpha channel |
|
|
| alphanumeric |
Information expressed or displayed consisting of the upper and lower case alphabet, numerical characters, punctuation and a limited set of graphic characters. Also the least sophisticated and fastest display mode for a computer. |
Also see ASCII, text mode. |
| alterations |
corrections or changes of an original creative work or typeset copy. |
|
| ALU |
Short for Arithmatic Logical Unit, a circuit in the computer processor or CPU. or other computer chip which must perform math operations. |
|
| amberlith |
An amber colored masking film. |
Also see mask, rubylith |
| Ames lettering guide |
A small plastic tool used to draw guidelines and slope lines especially for engineering and architectural lettering. |
|
| Amiga DOS |
The standard disk operating system for the line of Amiga Commodore personal computers. |
Also see DOS. |
| amorphous |
Without a definite form. |
|
| ampersand (&) |
The name of the symbol used to portray the word "and" |
|
| anaglyph |
A relief sculpture. |
|
| analog |
Refers to a system that works as a continuous variable flow. Human vision, live music, conventional AM/FM radio and television are analog systems. Most audio and video which is broadcast as radio or television or tape recorded is analog information processed with frequency modulation (FM) or amplitude modulation (AM). A continuous stream of information is referenced by its deviation in frequency (pitch or cycles per second) or amplitude (voltage) from a base carrier signal. Analog is not directly compatible with computers, which use digital information. |
Also see digital. |
| analog animation |
2D animation created by manipulating a raster image. This kind of animation has a very stylized fluid look and is primarily done with scanimate computers. |
|
| analogous colors |
Colors which are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, such as blue, blue violet, and violet. |
|
| analog to digital conversion |
Abbreviated ADC, the process of transferring analog signals to digital information. |
|
| analytical graphic |
One of the first uses of computer graphics, and still one of the most common and more important usages. Trends and relationships of numerical data are visually illustrated. Examples are bar or pie charts, line and x-y graphs. Finite Element Analysis display (FEA) or medical CAT scan display. |
|
| anchor point |
For many types of curve-drawing programs, the endpoints of a line segment that stay fixed while the curve is drawn or changed. |
Also see object based drawing. |
| angular perspective |
|
Also see point perspective. |
| ANIMA/ANIMA II |
Two real time 3D computer animation systems developed in the mid to late 1970's at Ohio State University. |
|
| animatic |
A rough motion test used to check the action, timing, and composition, etc. of a proposed film, video or animation sequence. |
|
| animation |
A series of related images shown in rapid succession that give the illusion of motion. NTSC television (used in the USA and most of the Western Hemisphere) uses 60 interlaced fields for 30 complete pictures (frames) per second. PAL, PAL-M and SECAM television systems (Europe, Brazil, USSR etc.) use 50 fields and 25 frames/second. Motion pictures use 72 frames/second (24 images/second through a 3 bladed shutter), except for Showscan which displays 60 individual frames/second. Computer animation systems most often create motion through the definition of "Key frames" with the computer creating the frames in between ("tweening"). |
Also see cel animation, key frame, motion picture, spline path, standards, television, tweening. |
| animation cycle |
A series of frames in an animation sequence that create a complete movement that can be repeated to extend or give the illusion of continuous movement without re-drawing additional frames. |
|
| animation rostrum |
|
Also see animation stand. |
| animation stand |
A stand used to record flat artwork onto film or video. Also called an animation rostrum in England. |
|
| animator |
The artistic personnel responsible for creating character movement by means of a series of related frames or drawings. |
|
| ANSI |
Short for American National Standards Institute, a committee that sets standards for electronic and computer equipment, which allows specific products to be developed by a number of manufacturers with known interchangeable properties. |
|
| answer print |
The first, final, completely edited and tracked film print or video recording. |
|
| anthropomorphic |
The assignment of human characteristics to animals or things. |
|
| anti-aliasing |
Efforts to smooth the jagged lines (called aliasing or "jaggies") created by imaging systems, such as computers or televisions, which have a limited resolution of pixels, or dots, of picture information in organized horizontal and vertical rows and columns. Diagonal boundaries between objects or areas of dissimilar color will have a stair-step effect. Anti-aliasing techniques include dithering, the averaging or blending the foreground and background colors, and averaging, where values are calculated for quadrants within each pixel and weighted values are applied to the larger display pixel. |
Also see aliasing, dither and jaggies. |
| A/P |
Short for Artists Proof. |
Also see artist's proof, and signing & numbering. |
| apparel |
Another word for fashion or clothing. |
|
| aperture |
1) The point of focused light in an optical system, halfway between the lens and the focal plane (where the image is focused onto film or a video device) 2) The opening of a camera lens. 3) Refers to a diaphragm used within the optical system to control the amount of light entering a camera and reaching the recording medium. Values are expressed as F-stops (calculated values) or T-stops (actual measured values). These values are expressed as a ratio of aperture diameter to lens focal length, e.g. an aperture of 50mm on a 100mm lens would be an F-stop of 2.0. |
|
| apex |
Refers to the highest point. |
|
| APL |
Short for A Programming Language, used for high level mathematic and scientific calculations. |
|
| AppleTalk |
A standard communications architecture for the Macintosh computer developed by Apple Computers. |
|
| application |
A computer program (or a use for a program) intended to get work done outside of the low level operation of the computer system itself. See object code, O.S., operating system, program, run-time, source. |
|
| appliqué |
An ornamental element that is applied onto a substrate such as a patch of fabric onto fabric. |
|
| aquatinting |
Form of intaglio printing in which an indented surface is created by a layer of acid resisting powder or rosin dusted onto a metal plate. The powder on the plate is heated to a glue consistency and put into an acid bath to create smoother transitions of tonal values often resembling a watercolor-like wash. |
|
| arabesque |
An ornamental motif usually of interlaced floral elements in a geometric pattern |
|
| arc |
A curve or section of a circle. |
|
| arcade games |
|
Also see video games. |
| archaic |
Old fashioned. Or sometimes used to describe out of date |
|
| architecture |
With electronic devices, the configuration or physical design layout of a system. |
|
| archive |
VERB: 1). To create a backup copy of a document, image, computer file or program. 2) To set aside such a back-up copy in a safe place of storage. NOUN: External storage device. Common forms are equipment which use 1/2 inch reel to reel tape, 1/4 inch or 8mm streaming tape cartridge, rigid disks (Bernoulli, Winchester), or optical disks (WORM, erasable, CD-ROM). |
|
| archival |
1) Describes paper that has been approved by the Library of Congress for conservational usage. Paper that has little or no acid content so it does not adversely affect any artwork it touches. 2) A back-up copy of a computer document, image, file or program. |
Also see also archive. |
| ARCNET |
One of the oldest and most reliable network protocols. |
Also see network. |
| area composition |
The process of fitting the units of text, photos or other graphics onto the original of a page that will be printed or otherwise reproduced. It is the electronic equivalent of what graphic artists call "paste-up". |
Also see paste-up. |
| arguments |
In programming, variables entered by a programmer to elicit certain results. |
|
| arithmetic & logic unit |
|
Also see ALU. |
| arithmetic processor/co-processor |
|
Also see accelerator. |
| armature |
In sculpture, the initial skeletal form, often made from wire, over which a work is done. |
|
| array |
An organized matrix or arrangement of data which correspond to text, statistical, visual, spatial, or any other type of information usually arranged in rows and columns and in classes of magnitude. Arrays are used to provide an easy cross reference to information or to perform math operations or large volumes of data of a similar type. A two dimensional array, such as a common spreadsheet, typically is information in a particular row or column sharing a special characteristic, e.g. travel expenses or image files of cats. Arrays, however, are not limited to 2 dimensions. 3, 4 or 100 dimensions are common in math and computer programs. |
|
| arrow pointer |
A pointer in the shape of an arrow or arrowhead and small tail used in many computer systems, or applications, to show where the next operation will take place, or to select objects and menu choices. |
Also see cursor. |
| art deco |
An influential style of design which takes it's name from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes. It is characterized by smooth geometric solid rectilinear shapes, bold colors and patterns of Egyptian/African/Indian influence. |
|
| art director |
Personnel that oversees the production of creative work from conceptualization through completion. |
|
| artificial intelligence |
|
|
| A.I. |
Short for artist's proof and one of the final test prints not intended for inclusion in a numbered edition. |
Also see signing & numbering. |
| art nouveau |
Art movement in the early 20th century characterized by overly ornamental flowing vine and floral elements and flat areas of color. |
|
| artwork |
1) In general, same as art, but used by some programs to refer to the full object-oriented drawing rather than the bit-mapped preview. (2) The original or camera ready document or media used for reproduction. Can be text only, graphics, pictures, or any combination thereof. |
Also see camera ready art. |
| ascender |
The part of a lowercase letterform that rises above its main body mass or x-height. Letters that in most fonts have ascenders are: b, d, f, h, k, t. |
Also see descender, x-height. |
| ASCII |
Short for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, the most commonly used character set for the universal storage and exchange of alphanumeric information. Consists of codes 0 through 255, each of which represents an upper or lower case letter of the alphabet (some with foreign extensions), numeric digits 0-9, simple graphics symbol or a non-printing control code for machine operation e.g. ring bell (these characters are also used to operate external devices such as ASCII devices, line feed printers). Additional imbedded ASCII codes can be used within text to indicate more specific characteristics of the text. Not all ASCII symbol sets are the same, however, most share the common text oriented symbols used for keyboard entry. |
|
| aspect ratio |
The proportional relationship between the vertical and horizontal measurements in an image or on a screen. A one to one aspect ratio would have a normal appearance, other ratios could cause distortion. |
|
| assemblage |
Three dimensional artwork made of miscellaneous pieces and materials. |
|
| assembler |
Very low level computer language which consists of machine specific instructions. Code is written for specific hardware actions to be taken by the computer, CPU chip or other device being programmed. Also known as machine code. |
|
| assignment |
The act of assigning a particular characteristic such as mask level, color, opacity, specularity, reflectance, refraction, or transparency to an entity in an object based 2D or 3D image making program. |
|
| asynchronous |
Transmitting single characters at a time using start and stop bits. |
Also see synchronous. |
| asymmetry |
Form of visual balance created by the harmonious arrangement and distribution of differing elements within a space. |
|
| atmosphere |
The general mood of a piece of still art or motion picture. |
|
| AT&T Bell Laboratories |
One of the most successful commercially operated pure research laboratories in the world. Instrumental in the development of 4th generation computer languages and operating systems such as UNIX, and innovative techniques which have made possible the production of new generations of computer chips and integrated devices such as video capture and display systems. Helped to develop video accelerators, TARGA and VISTA video capture and display capabilities. |
Also see appendix I and F. |
| attribute |
A characteristic assigned to an element in 2D computer illustration or 3D objects. |
|
| author driven |
The software programmers means of directing a user along a "roadmap" or defined path through a program or application. |
Also see reader driven. |
| authoring language |
A relatively simple language used to control interactive programming such as videodisc programs. Usually written in Basic or Pascal. |
|
| autoflow |
A setting in some word processing and page layout programs, that tells the program to let text flow from one column to another on a formatted page or continue the placement of blocks of text on successive pages creating additional pages when necessary without specific operator intervention. |
Also see text wrap. |
| automatic kerning |
A provision of typesetting systems that automatically makes aesthetic adjustments to the space between letter combinations that would otherwise have large adjoining spaces. For example, bringing the "i" under the "T" in "Ti". |
Also see kern. |
| auto leading |
A setting on many typesetting and page layout systems that automatically picks the appropriate leading based on type size and style. |
Also see leading. |
| automatic pagination |
A feature of typesetting and page layout systems that allows the software to divide text into pages. The least advanced systems simply count lines and insert a form feed at the end of each page. More powerful systems take into account pictures and artwork, avoid leaving single words (orphans) or single lines of a paragraph on a page, and add running titles and page numbers. |
Also see text wrap. |
| automatic pencil |
|
Also see technical pencil. |
| auto trace |
In object oriented drawing a way of tracing and transferring the outline of a bitmapped image into an object oriented drawing. |
|
| auxiliary storage |
External storage of data such as an external disc or tape archive. |
|
| a/v |
Short for audio/visual. |
|
| avant garde |
Literally translated from French means "before style" and refers to artistic work that is on the forefront of popular stylistic movements. |
|
| axis |
The line in 2D or 3D space from which projection, reflection or rotation takes place. |
|
| axonometric projection |
In mechanical drawing, any one of the methods used to show dimensional information without necessarily portraying 3D reality. |
Also see isometric, dimetric, trimetric and oblique perspective. |
| B&W |
short for black and white |
|
| backbone |
|
Also see spline. |
| background |
In animation, the backdrop or scenery against which other actions or character movements take place. In still art forms and presentation graphics, the color backdrop or surface against which other elements are presented. |
|
| back-up |
To save an extra copy of work or information as a protection against damage or loss of original work. |
|
| bad break |
A term in design which loosely describes when a string of text breaks at the wrong point leaving a widow or orphan or incorrect hyphenation. |
|
| bandwidth |
The frequency range of the operating device. An increased bandwidth allows for more information to be processed at the same time. |
|
| bar chart |
An analytical graph that portrays variable values as blocks of color or pattern side by side sized according to their value. |
|
| barrel |
The metal end of a pencil which holds the eraser. |
|
| Baroque |
A stylistic period of 17th and 18th century European art characterized by dark atmosphere and extreme ornamentation. |
|
| base alignment |
on a typesetter or printer, a mode specifying that the normal lower reference edge of all letters should be horizontally even in a line of mixed sized or styles. This mode is also called baseline assignment. |
|
| baseline |
The imaginary line on which letters in a line of text rest. |
|
| baseline deflection |
In typesetting, a change in the vertical alignment of characters. Only some systems can do this in the middle of a line. |
|
| BASIC |
A simple construction programming language developed in the mid 1960's at Dartmouth College. Helped to develop the use of personal computers. |
Also see Appendix H. |
| bastard title |
The page oftn included before the title page in a publication, showing only the title of the book. |
|
| batch file |
A mthod of performing computing tasks whereby a series of files are executed in a sequence from a command file. Not an interactive process. Used toset up the operating environment on personal computers. Acommon procedure on mainframes. |
|
| baud |
A unit of measurement used to measure the speed of communication between devices particularly modems. |
|
| Bauhaus |
An art school in Germany and the associated stylistic movement. Active in the 1920's, it was characterized by experimental and bold usage of typography. |
|
| benday |
In illustration or printing, the screen or dots used to obtain visual interest or tone. |
|
| Betacam |
A professional video format which records component signal(Y, R-Y, B-Y) luminence and color information are recorded as separate components similar to digital RGB on computer systems. It was the preferred analog video format for recording computer graphics for some time. The other video formats such as 1", ¾" VHS and 8mm record as composite video. Betacam has an almost film-like look. |
Also see RGB, composite videos |
| bezier |
A type of curve, developed by Pierre Bezier, often used in CAD and in specifying type outlines. It is defined by specifying control points that set the shape of the curve, but the points do not necessarily lie directly on the curve itself. |
|
| bi-directional printer |
A printer that prints in 2 directions which is faster than uni-directional (left to right) printing. |
|
| binary code |
Numerical system of the base 2 in which each place f a number expressed as 0 or 1 corresponds to a power of two. The most basic code used by the computer. |
|
| binding |
The method by which pages of a document or book are held together. Examples are perfect binding, saddle stitching, or comb binding. |
|
| bit |
Short for BInary Digit. The smallest unit of digital information that is recorded as either an on or off, 1 or 0. |
Also see memory. |
| bitmap |
A type of graphic where the image is made up of a literal series of tiny dots arranged on a closely-spaced grid (with a specific number of dots per row and column such as 640x480 for VGA display). Bitmaps can be difficult to resize and take a lot of computer storage. |
|
| bit mapped face |
Type face composed of a bitmap of dots as opposed to outline fonts. When a bitmapped face is resized – it will have jagged edges along the diagonal lines. Outline fonts by contrast, are geometric descriptions of angles ad lines which can be resized and scaled to any size. |
|
| bit plane |
A memory array of bits that corresponds to the visual display or output. Graphics with a 1 bitplane can display only 2 colors, e.g. black or white. A system with 8 bitplanes can display 256 colors or levels of grey. 24 bitplane systems can display 256 levels of red, 256 levels of green and 256 levels of blue. A total of 16,777,216 colors. Systems with more than 24 bitplanes can store alpha channel information such as transparency or provide double buffering. |
Also see packed pixel. |
| black burst |
Composite video signal with no visual information, i.e. the screen image is totally black. /used as a reference signal to sync video machines toether, or record a field and frame address onto blank video tape. |
|
| blanket |
The rubberized fabric in a printing press that transfers the ink from the plate to the paper. |
|
| bleed |
To place a graphic on in an area where one or more sides extends outside the page's trim edge. In commercial printing, a bleed is produced by printing on paper that is larger than when finished size. Excess paper is then trimmed to leave no margin space. |
|
| blind emboss |
An embossing or debossing without printing or foil stamping. |
|
| block cursor |
A box shown on a monitor screen whose size represents the area that will be occupied by a block of text. Block cursors are most often used during the assembling of typeset material into pages to see what the effect will be of different formats and type sizes. |
|
| blowup |
An enlargement of a photo, graphic, or text. |
|
| blue line |
In printing: a test run of a printed page done photo mechanically instead of with ink. A blue image on white paper is produced to check the offset printer plates. In drafting: copy produced from a velum or transparency original. |
|
| blue pencil |
In mechanical art, guidelines drawn with a non-repro blue pencil or pen that does not reproduce photo mechanically with ortho films or by xerographic process. |
|
| blue screen effect |
A technique used in film making based on the principal that certain shades of blue do not photo mechanically reproduce. This enables special effects by merging images against a blue screen with a background. A foreground image is shot in front of a blue background of carefully controlled color and illumination. Blue is chosen because it is the farthest on the color wheel from flesh tone.A video of film matte is created to remove the background and a second image is inserted to produce a composite final image. |
Also see compositing. |
| blurring |
A technique used to simulate how the human eye sees motion. |
Also see motion blur. |
| board |
1) A plug-in hardware component of computer systems. Computers consist of a backplane (comparable to the wiring and plugs in a house) and boards which help certain tasks to be done (akin to appliances). Each board usually contains components for a specific function such as CPU (Central processing unit), graphics, extended memory, accelerator, or multifunction. 2) Cardstock or very heavy or laminated paper that is used as a base for the creation of mechanical art. |
|
| body |
the size of a letterform from top to bottom. |
|
| body copy |
1) The block of type that creates the substantive main portion of a page(s) of text. |
Also see Appendix G. |
| body type |
Type sized to set body copy. See body copy and display type. |
|
| bold face |
Type style that is heavier than the normal, book, or Roman weight of text. A separate thicker outline font on object or bit mapped display or output systems. Impact printers use an offset double strike to create bold face. |
|
| bond paper |
A standard writing weight paper known for durability and permanence. |
Also see paper stock. |
| book |
A type of paper stock available in many weights used for printing books and general printing. |
Also see paper stock. |
| boot |
To start or restart the computer processor by means of re-loading the operating software. A hard boot is done by powering a reset button on the computer. A soft boot is accomplished by hitting special keys (Control, Alternate and delete buttons on IBM or IBM clone systems). A hard boot is usually done by turning the computer off and then on again. Some combinations of hardware from different vendors will not successfully reboot without shutting off power and cannot be used for software development. |
|
| bounding box |
1) In drawing or page description applications, an imaginary box within which an image is located. It represents the rectangular areaa which encircles and contains specific text or graphics and is usually created by the diagonal dragging of a mouse or pointing device. 2) In 3D applications, a box which encloses the greatest dimensions of a selections of a selected object in x, y, z. Often substituted to spedd up processing when objects are rotated or translated on screen; or to define scene areas to be inspected by rendering software such as ray tracing. |
|
| branching |
In interactive programming: to link one segment with another. The user may reach a segment branch according to his/her input. |
|
| brightness |
1) The intensity of a color with HSL (Hue, saturation lightness) deacription. In referring to color, the amount of light emitted or reflected by a color or surface. 2) When referring to paper, refers to the quality of reflection or brilliance. 3) In photography, the positive ratio between reflected light (luminence directly off a subject object) and incident light (falling into a scene). |
|
| bristol |
A sturdy paper stock that is multi-ply (more than one layer of paper)and often used for inking or drawing. |
|
| broadcast video |
Video which meets the national broadcast standards of the nations distributors, RS170A standard of the National Television Standards Committee (NNTSC) in the U.S.A. Only video broadcast by FCC regulated stations. |
|
| Browser |
A software program that allows a user to display Documents written in HTML or other scripting languages. |
|
| BSC |
Short for Binary Synchronous Communications. See synchronous. |
|
| buffer |
An intermediate area in a computer system for storing information temporarily. |
Also see frame buffer. |
| bug |
A problem in programming code which causes a program dysfunction. |
|
| built up letter |
a hand lettered technique in which a letterform outline is created and then filled in as opposed to making it in a single stroke. |
|
| bullet |
A center fixed dot added for embellishment or emphasis |
|
| burnish |
The term used to describe the act of rubbing down dry transfer materials usually with a tool called a "burnisher." |
|
| buss |
The set of connectors in the basic architecture of the computer that provide a path for the transmission of data between I/O (input/output) devices to other I/O devices or the CPU. |
|
| butt registration |
In printing: to have colors that appear next to each other without seams. One color printing requires a double burn, Multi-pass printing requires exact registration. |
|
| byte |
A set of 8 consecutive bits which allows 256 possible color combinations. ASCII code, a standard for text and simple graphics, uses one byte per character. |
Also see memory. |
| C |
A high level programming language. It was used to write the UNIX operating system. |
Also see Appendix H. |
| cache |
A special memory area utilized by the computer to store the most recently used instructions for quick referral. |
|
| CAD, CAD-CAM |
Short for Computer Assisted (Aided) Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing. Application programs used primarily by engineers and scientists to develop two or three dimensional design drwings, databases and manufacturing through the computer. |
|
| CAE |
Short for Computer Aided Engineering. Refers to computer applications which use computer data to perform engineering analysis, e.g. FED (Finite Element Distribution). |
|
| CAI |
Short for Computer Assisted (Aided) Instructions. |
California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech) |
| calligraphy |
hand lettering technique whichis compsed of thick and thin ink lines. |
|
| callout |
Text used to "call out" the reader's attention through quotes or altered text format. Also used to identify a graphic image. Also called a pull-out quote. |
|
| Cal Tech |
California Institute of Technology in Pasadena |
|
| CAM |
1) Referring to typesetting systems, short for Composition and Makeup or Computer Aided (Assisted) Makeup. 2) In CADCAM, short for Computer Aided (Assisted) Manufacturing. |
Also see CAD |
| camera ready art |
The final artwork created before going to press. Consists of all text and graphics assembled on their own pages and overlays ready for reproduction. |
|
| cancel |
Cancels whatever function or command that was just previously requested by the user. |
|
| cap |
1) The treatment of the ending of a line segment or curve. Common caps include butt caps (squared off), round caps (rounded), square or projecting (squared but carried beyond the end point), and arrow caps (with an arrow at the end). 2) Short for capital. The uppercase version of a letter |
|
| capitol |
The uppercase version of an alphabetical character. Abbreviated as cap. |
caption |
| carriage return |
In desktop publishing or word processing the break of line. A hard return is done by actually hitting the return/enter key. A soft return is the result of word wrapping at the end of a column. |
|
| Cartesian coordinates |
A space defined by the distance of each point from a set of two (or for 3D, three) axes that intersect at right angles. This is the normal form used in most graph and small scale maps, and for most layout programs and page description languages. |
|
| case |
Text can be upper case ("Caps"), lower case ("lc"), or upper and lower case ("U and lc") |
|
| CASE |
Short for Computer Assisted (Aided) Systems Engineering. |
|
| cathode ray tube |
An electronic display that creates an image on the faceplate of glass tube coated on the inside with a light-emitting phosphor that is struck by high-speed electrons. This is the family of tubes used for television displays, editing terminals, personal computers and third-generation phototypesetters. |
Also see CRT. |
| CAV |
Short for Constant Angular Velocity. In interactive technology: refers to an optical laser disc that revlves at a steady 1800 RPM. |
|
| CDG |
Short for Compact Disc Graphics. |
|
| CDI |
Short for Compact Disk Interactive. |
Also see Compact Disc Interactive and DVI (Digital Video Interactive). |
| CD ROM |
Short for Compact Disc Read Only Memory. See optical laser disc & mass storage device |
|
| CD ROM XA |
Short for Compact Disc Read Only Memory Extended Architecture. |
|
| CDV |
Short for Compact Disc Video. See optical laser disc and mass storage device. |
|
| CED |
Short for Capacitance Electronic Disc. A no longer used early videodisc developed by RCA. |
|
| cel |
The individual picture frame which is part of a series of animated movement frames. Usually black outlines drawn (inked) on special acetate and filled in (opaqued) by special animation paint. |
Also see acetate, prepared acetate. |
| cel animation |
Traditional animation technique using a series of related pictures (cels) flashed quickly in succession so that the eye perceives movement. |
|
| centered |
Alignment of text that is ragged on both left and right side. |
|
| center mark |
An alignment or registration mark. |
|
| CEPS |
Short for Color Electronic Prepress System. |
|
| CGA |
Short for Color Graphics Adapter. |
Also see graphics card and Appendix F. |
| channel |
Electronic device or buss facilitating the transfer of data between I/O devices. |
|
| character |
A single letter, number, punctuation mark, symbol, or space element. |
|
| character count |
Referring to a block of text, the number of characters including word spaces, numerals, and punctuation. In graphic arts, spaces are counted but usually not other non-printing characters. In information processing, both printing and non-printing characters are usually included. |
|
| character generator |
A subsystem for a terminal, printer, typesetting system or other display unit that creates the proper graphic image from the codes used to represent the various characters. Used in video production to create text on screen. |
|
| character set |
The set of letters, punctuation marks, and other symbols that can be displayed by a terminal, printer, phototypesetter, or other display device. Some devices have several character sets which can be chosen either by switch selection or by a special code sequence. Many terminals, for example, have various international character sets (with the accents required for a particular language), and many have a special graphics character sets to draw shapes. |
|
| char/s |
Short for characters per second. Refers to the speed of certain output devices. |
|
| chase |
In printing: the metal frame which holds the type and printing plates in place. |
|
| check box |
In many programs with graphical interfaces, a small box that you click on with a mouse or change with a keystroke to indicate whether or not you want some optional step to be taken. |
|
| chiaroscuro |
The use of light and dark in painting or drawing which produces the effect of modeling. |
|
| chinoiserie |
The term used to describe ornamental motifs in design with an Asian or Oriental look. |
|
| chip |
A modular integrated circuit. |
|
| chromalin |
A proprietary term referring to a proof print of color work. 4 color separation film negatives are exposed to separate plastice sheets. The sheets are treated to show process color and laminated together and used for client presentation and check for correc registration and color. |
Also see color key and color proof. |
| chrominance |
1) The measure of color. 2) In component video, the color signal (R-Y and B-Y). |
Also see luminance. |
| Chyron |
A computer graphics workstation used to generate electronic titling text to overlay video. |
|
| cibachrome print |
a proprietary term referring to a high resolution full color photographic print made from a positive transparency. |
|
| cicero |
A unit of measurement that is equivalent to 4.55 millimeters, used for measuring type size, commonly used in Europe. |
|
| CIU |
Short for Computer Interface Unit. |
|
| click |
To indicate an object or operation by quickly pressing and releasing the appropriate button on a mouse or other printing device. |
|
| Client |
Clients are the computers that make requests for information on the Internet. When you log onto the Internet with an online service, your browsing software acts as a ‘client’. |
Also see server. |
| Client Server Network |
A client requests information, etc. A server stores information, processes requests from clients and supplies the information and instructions on how to display it. Working together they form a Client Server Network. |
|
| clip |
To select the part of a graphic that should be shown on screen or in a region of a page. |
Also see clipboard and clipping path. |
| clip art |
Images that are designed to be copied or moved into other layouts, and sold in collections as resources. Originally, clip art was physically clipped from books of images, but now is normally copied electronically or photographically. |
|
| clipboard |
On most graphics oriented programs, a temporary holding area which temporarily stores the text, graphic, or group of objects last cut or copied, and from which you can place that text graphic or group.. |
|
| clipping path |
An outline used to select the portion of an object or image. |
|
| clone |
To make an exact copy. |
|
| close |
As applied to a file or document, to finish processing and write desired changes back to the disk. |
|
| closed path |
A loop or path that returns to its starting point. Used in programming or animation programming. |
|
| CLV |
Short for Constant Linear Velocity, In interactive technology: refers to an optical laser disc which has limited interactive access, but has extended play time per side. |
|
| COBOL |
An acronym for COmmon Business Oriented Language, a programming language used for business or commercial use. |
|
| code |
Set of usually incomprehensible symbols used to represent programming data. |
|
| cognitive mapping |
The ability of the computer to solve problems and produce theories through pattern recognition. |
|
| coincident |
At the same point. For graphics, usually that means the same point in space, rather than in time. |
|
| cold press |
A paper manufacturing technique, used most often for illustration paper and boards to create a textured surface. |
Also see hot press. |
| collated |
When multiple copies of a multiple paged document are grouped into separate and complete copies of the publication. |
|
| collograph |
Form of printing in which objects such as string, material, or tissue are glued onto a surface and varnished |
|
| color |
The combination of HSV, hue (wavelength), saturation (purity) and value (intensity), that gives light or reflected object a characteristic tone. |
|
| color key |
a proprietary term referring to color print proof process developed by 3M. Sepearate film positives are made for each color and placed in register for client presentation. |
Also see chromalin and color proof |
| color model |
A method of representing the color of colored items, usually by their components along at least three dimensions. Common models include RGB (red, green, and blue light), HSV (hue, saturation and value) and CYMK (cyan, yellow, magenta, and black, common printing inks). |
|
| color palette |
The colors provided by the application or available on the user's system. |
Also see fixed color. |
| color proofs |
also called progressive proofs. The firs full color samples printed ona press used to obtain client approval and to check registration and color. |
Also see chromalin, color key and blueline. |
| color resolution |
The number of different colors or grayscale values a system can present or work with. The value is usually given in bits (where each added bit doubles the number of available colors). |
|
| color separation |
The process of separating full color original artwork into the primary printing colors of cyan, yellow, magenta, and black, in either positive or negative form. |
Also see CYMK. |
| column guide |
A vertical line or other marking that is used during layout to indicate the edge of a column, but that does not print in the final copy. |
Also see grid system. |
| column width |
The horizontal measure of an individual column. |
|
| comb binding |
A binding technique where a series of holes are punched into the inside margin of collated pages and a spiral wire or plastic coil is threaded through the holes. |
|
| combination mark |
A signature mark that includes both a symbol and logo (name) together for quick recognition. |
Also see mark. |
| command |
Instructions given to the computer in the form of a string of abbreviated text. |
|
| commission |
1) to promote an artist with work 2) a percentage of money given to an artist's agent for negotiating business. |
|
| communications |
General term given to encompass media or any form of expression where information or ideas are transmitted from a source to a receiver. |
|
| comp |
Short for Comprehensive. A "comp" is the final dummy rendering that looks as close as possible to the finished printed piece before going to print. Also called a Mock-up. A tight comp is more detailed and accurate than a loose comp. |
|
| Compact Disc Interactive (CDI) |
A system using a small plastic optical storage disc containing music, visuals and/or data which allows the user to selectively choose a "path or plan of action" and further respond to the output. |
Also see digital video interactive |
| compatibility |
The ability of equipment or programs to share information or programs without conversion or modification. |
|
| compass |
A hand held device which holds a pen or pencil to make perfect circles or arcs. |
|
| compile |
To translate or convert. |
|
| component video |
Professional level video in which the information is broken up into Y-IC components. |
|
| composite |
1) In some drawing programs, a preview of an illustration showing all layers or both type and art elements. 2) A page number with two parts such as 2/7 (page 2 of seven pages). 3) Referring to color, the type of color formed by two or more overlapping colors. |
|
| composite video |
Consumer level video according to the NTSC standard that includes the complete television signal including chrominance (red blue and green signals), luminance and sync (timing) pulses. |
|
| compositing |
In computer animation and video production, the process of merging more than one image together to produce a 'composite' image. Images from the computer are stored on transparent backgrounds so that backgrounds are visible and overlapping images properly block out elements behind them. |
Also see blue screen effect. |
| composition |
Referring to text, the distance between individual characters (spacing) and between lines of text (leading). |
|
| compound document |
A document that includes both text and graphics. |
|
| computer graphics |
In desktop publishing, the process of electronically composing text and graphics for printing. In desktop presentation, the process of electronically generating text and graphics for slides and overhead transparencies. In computer animation, the process of creating images from geometric primitives such as lines and polygons. The three major areas of 3D computer graphics are modeling (creating objects by means of coordinates, lines, points, surfaces and solids), manipulation (the action or purpose), and viewing. |
|
| Computer Image Corporation |
A company important for bringing computer graphics to television in the early 1970's. |
|
| compress |
A mathematical process using algorhythms to contract the computer code into less storage space. |
|
| compressor |
A pressurized tank used to supply air for an airbrush. |
|
| condensed type |
A type style that is a narrower version of another typeface. |
|
| connector point |
In some drawing programs, a point where a curve meets a line segment with the end of the curve collinear with the line. It marks a smooth transition from curve to line. |
|
| constrain |
To place limits on an operation, its inputs or the results. Drawing operations are often deliberately constrained by various options to produce selected types of lines or curves, for example, to create a perfect square, circle, or perpendicular line. |
|
| continuous tone |
Artwork that contains subtle tonal transitions and graduated or fading elements such as a photographic print. |
|
| contract |
An oral or written agreement between two parties to perform services or produce materials usually with monetary compensation for one or more parties from the other. |
|
| contrast |
The range of dark to light values in an image. An image with extreme dark and light tones and less mid tones is considered high contrast. One dominated by mid tones is low contrast. |
|
| control code |
Various machine directions accessed by combinations of keystrokes. |
|
| control point |
A point that determines the shape of a curve, but that does not necessarily along the path of the curve. |
|
| controller board |
The circuitry that oversees the input and output of tape, disk, and display units. |
|
| convergence |
The electronic alignment of display systems. |
|
| convolution |
In computer animation, a filtering technique used to sharpen or soften the focus of an image. |
|
| coordinates |
The precise location of points aligned along the x, y and sometimes z axis. |
|
| copy |
1) In drawing or layout programs, to make a duplicate without removing the original. 2) The nickname given to text. |
|
| copy fitting |
The process of determining the length or size of a selection of text according to whatever attributes are assigned to it. |
|
| copyright |
the ownership rights of an artist to his/her work. |
|
| copy stand |
A stand set up to hold lighting and a video or still frame camera and flat artwork or three dimensional objects so they may be photographed or digitized under perfect conditions. |
|
| corner point |
A point at which a line changes direction. A meeting point for two or more line segments that are not collinear. |
|
| corner radius |
For squares or rectangles with rounded corners, a value that determines the size of the rounded portion. |
|
| counter |
The inside of a rounded hollow letterform. Letters that in most fonts have counters are: a, b, c, d, e, g, j, o, p, q. |
|
| cover |
Heavier paper stock available in many finishes, textures and colors. |
Also see paper stock. |
| CPP |
Short for Characters Per Pica. |
|
| x print |
a color positive photographic print from a negative transparency. |
|
| CPS |
Short for characters per second. Refers to the speed of certain printing device. |
|
| CPU |
Short for Central Processing Unit. |
|
| crash |
When a system shuts down because of some internal error, sometimes resulting loss of data. |
|
| critical dimension |
The measurement of an image or object that needs the most reduction to fit into a specified area. |
|
| crop |
To selectively remove elements from a graphic or photograph. |
|
| crop marks |
The thin rules that line up with the outside of a publication or image to show where the trim edge is. Used as a guideline for printers. |
|
| cropping tool |
The tool which you use to trim a graphic image. |
|
| croques |
rough sketches usually done for fashion illusration |
|
| crosshairs |
On a lens, the crossed pair of lines meant for precise alignment or aim. |
|
| crossbar |
A shape commonly used in desktop publishing and drawing programs to signify the position of the cursor for drawing lines and shapes. |
|
| crowquill |
a hand lettering pen used to create fine lined ink drawings. |
|
| CRT |
An abbreviation for Cathode Ray Tube, a family of image devices like the common television picture tube. The shorter abbreviation is now used almost exclusively, and the original term is no longer part of common usage. The term commonly appears as "CRT" and "crt". |
Also see cathode ray tube. |
| cursor |
A special character on a display screen that shows the position where the next character will be placed or of some specially marked position. Most commonly, cursors are either square blocks the size of a single character, underlines that go under the character position or special symbols that cannot be produced using the normal characters on the terminal such as arrows or crossbars. A cursor can highlight text, graphics or objects in different ways (underlining, making it inverse, blinking the character, boxing a group). |
|
| cursive type |
A typeface resembling hand written as opposed to set or typewritten printing. Also called script. Examples would include Palace Script or Murray Hill. |
|
| curve point |
In some drawing programs, a point defining a curve through which the curve must pass. |
|
| cut |
In some drawing or editing program, to remove a selected object or block. Many programs automatically put cut objects on a clipboard, from where they can be pasted in at a new location if desired. |
|
| cut and paste |
To remove material from a document and replace it in another location or in another document. It is the same to taking a paper copy of a document and cutting it apart and pasting it back together in another order. |
|
| cyberspace |
|
|
| CVD |
Short for Compact Video Disc. |
|
| CYM CYMK |
A color model and method of representing color based on the standard printing ink colors of Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and Black. Black is abbreviated with the leter K, for "key", as most keylines are printed in the color black. |
Also see color and color model. |
| DADA |
A stylistic movement in the early 1920's that started as a literal movement and was highly critical of previous artistic efforts. It was abstract and imaginative and included nonsensical words or phrases combined with imagery. |
|
| DAP |
Short for Digital Audio Processor. |
|
| DAT |
Short for Digital Audio Tape which can be used now to record video and computer data as well as audio. |
|
| data |
Information or input fed to a computer. |
|
| database/database management |
1) A file of organized information in the computer for easy access. 2) The process of keeping information organized. |
|
| db |
Short for decibel. |
|
| DDL |
Short for Document Description Language. |
|
| deboss |
Similar to embossing only that the impression made goes below the surface instead of raising above. |
|
| debug |
To retrace and remove programming errors. |
|
| decibel |
A measurement used for electrical and acoustical values. |
|
| decoder |
In computer and video graphics the devices that translate composite video into RGB signals. Part of a system that converts, unscrambles, or organizes incoming computer code or data. |
Also see encoder. |
| dedicated computer system |
A computer system that uses multiple computers under the control of a separate computer. |
|
| dedicated line |
Communications link used only for data transmission between 2 devices. |
|
| de facto standards |
Common principals or measure widely accepted by the computer industry. See Universal Standards. |
|
| default |
A setting that will be chosen automatically unless changed specifically by the user. |
|
| density |
Applied to data storage, the amount of data stored per unit area, especially on magnetic or photographic media. |
|
| derivitives |
In typography: fonts which are different from its original intended design. |
|
| descender |
The part of a lowercase letterform that drops below its main body mass or baseline. Letters that in most fonts have ascenders are: g, j, p, q, y. |
|
| deselect |
To withdraw an item or region from the current selection. |
|
| design brief |
A project analysis compiled by a creative director or publisher of creative work, consisting of an original manuscript, proposed manufacturing or production processes and design development. |
|
| design element |
A generally non-illustrative graphic form that adds to the "look" of a page or communicates some part of the text in a non-verbal manner. |
|
| densitometer |
An instrument that measures reflected or transmitted light, used as an aid in the proper exposure and checking of negatives and plates. |
|
| desktop |
A metaphor (analogy) used as the way some operating systems present themselves to the user. For example, file directories and choices of programs are shown as icons (pictures) on a blank field representing a desktop surface. Most systems using the desktop metaphor let you take out several documents, stack them one on top of each other on the desk, and work on the top document. |
|
| desktop publishing |
A branch of computer graphics in which an individual can create a publication on a PC based computer with the aid of word processing, graphics software, and page layout programs. Writing, editing, designing, laying out and producing a publication electronically. Often abbreviated DTP. |
|
| De Stijl |
A stylistic movement during the 1st quarter of the century that believed in a strong unity among the arts and leaned heavily toward abstraction and rigid rectilinear pattern. |
|
| device driver |
The computer code developed to interface specific equipment in a system. |
|
| dialog box |
On many programs with graphical interfaces, an on-screen box that represents one or more choices and asks for a user response. |
|
| diagnostic |
Software used to allocate errors and verify operation set-up. |
|
| die-cut |
In printing a process used to cut paper in special shapes by using a sharp steel metal plate. |
|
| digital |
Refers to a system that operates on numerical quantities (digits) generally under the binary code of)'s and 1's as opposed to the continuous flow of analogue systems. |
|
| digital audio |
technique or recording sound as numerical values and sequences to improve fidelity. |
Also see digital |
| digital data |
digital information that can be stored, maintained and processed through computerized equipment. |
Also see digital. |
| digital dump |
In interactive technology: usually refers to Level II applications where programming has been recorded (encoded) directly onto the surface of a videodisc as opposed to running a disk from the programs on a computer. |
|
| Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) |
A device used especially in computer animation to convert the digital signals used by the computer into analog signals. |
|
| Digital Video Interactive (DVI) |
Intel's propriety technology that includes a system using a CD ROM disk, stored full motion video, and compression-de-compression technology that allows immediate random access. |
Also see Compact Disc Interactive. |
| digitized type |
Type that has been stored as digital dot or stroke patterns, rather than as photographic images. If the dot or stoke density (resolution) is high enough, the result will look quite clean and crisp, while still offering the cost savings and flexibility of digital computer storage and processing. |
|
| digitizer |
1) A computer peripheral device that sends digital (numerical) position information to the computer, either on command from the user (point digitizing) or at regular intervals (continuous digitizing). Digitizers come in tabletop models (digitizer pads) through large stand-alone units. Some offer translucent backlit surfaces, and resolutions up to 1,000 lines per inch. In most designs, the user traces the object to be digitized with a pen stylus or puck. 2) Also a device to combat analog to digital data. |
|
| diametric projection |
In mechanical drawing: a drawing of a three dimensional where two of the three X, Y, Z, axes of space appear equally foreshortened. |
Also see isometric projection. |
| dingbats |
Ornamental characters also known as a pi font used for decoration or special symbols. Often a whole typeface is dedicated to symbols for a specific interest i.e. math musical symbols. |
|
| DIP |
Short for Dual In-line Package. Small switches used for setting input and output devices. |
|
| director |
a creative authority who oversees and controls the production of visual and audio materials. |
|
| directory |
A specifically named space on the disk where related files are stored under one heading. |
Also see Appendix B. |
| disk/diskette |
Magnetized disk used for information storage. There are three generally used sizes: floppy, flexible disks in 3 1/2" and 5 1/4" in diameter and hard, rigid disks in 8". |
Also see floppy disc. |
| disk drive |
The mechanism inside the computer that spins the disk at a high speed next to a read/write head. |
|
| Disk Operating System |
abbreviated as DOS |
Also see DOS. |
| display device |
In most computers the CRT monitor, but it can also be a LCD or digital readout or any other means of electronically showing computer information. |
Also see input /output Device. |
| display type |
Headlines or text larger than the body copy. |
|
| dissolve |
A term used in film, video or animation that describes a continuous, gradual fade from one image to another. |
|
| Distributed Network |
The web is a Distributed Network in that it has no central computer (like most other networks). The processing of information is distributed in that any server can be accessed by any client. |
|
| dither |
To place dots in an area of an image to soften an edge, visually smooth a jagged line, or to simulate a shade or tone with a collection of dots or pixels. |
|
| document |
The term used to name a file created on the computer. |
|
| documentation |
The set of informational and instructional materials for a system or program. |
|
| interchange architecture |
IBM's standard for formatting and exchanging office documents between systems. |
|
| Document Description Language (DDL) |
The newest of the three major page description languages. Features the best of PostScript and Interpress, but as yet lacks widespread use. |
|
| domain |
|
|
| DOS |
Short for Disc Operating System. The primary software used by a computer to organize and access data. |
|
| dot |
The individual element of a halftone. |
|
| dot matrix printer |
A printer that prints by means of a matrix of pins against a printer struck onto the paper usually at a very low resolution. |
|
| dot pitch |
one of the forms used to describe a monitor's ability to display detail. The measurement in millimeters between the RGB phosphorous elements on a color screen. Also called a tri-dot pitch. |
|
| double-click |
A quick double pressing of the appropriate button on a mouse or other drawing device used to perform certain commands. |
|
| double density |
A standard floppy diskette with 1.2k, almost twice the memory storage capacity of a single density diskette. |
|
| double-headed arrow |
The shape that the pointer or cursor tool may take on when dragging a handle to move or resize image areas, ruler or column guides. |
|
| double sided publication |
A publication such as a book, newsletter, magazine, etc. that will be reproduced on both sides of a sheet of paper with outside margins and inside gutters |
|
| download |
To move information usually from the computer's internal disk to external storage. |
|
| downloadable fonts |
Referring to printers or computerized typesetters, tables which can be purchased separately for individual different fonts telling how to construct those characters when they are sent from the computer to the output device. By allowing the output device to accept additional character sets, it expands the number and variety of output typefaces that can be produced. To be able to accept downloadable fonts, printers or typesetters must have sufficient memory and intelligence to receive and store the images. |
|
| DPI |
Short for Dots Per Inch. Refers to the resolution of various devices such as printers and displays. |
|
| draft |
1) To draft a mechanical rendering of an object or site usually as part of the design and manufacturing process. 2) A rough unfinished version of a page, document or image. |
|
| drafting machine |
A mechanism attached to a drawing table which facilitates the drawing or alignment of vertical horizontal and specific angled lines. |
|
| drafting tape |
Tape with a low acid content that removes easily without damage to the substrate. |
|
| drag |
Refers to a specific mouse motion: to hold down the appropriate button and move the mouse or drawing device in one motion. To move an element in a drawing or layout program after selecting it by this motion. |
|
| draw |
1) As applied to creating computer images, to create with vectors (line and curve segments) rather than with individual spots. 2) In interactive technology, the ability to record onto a videodisc without a commercialn mastering facility. Short for Direct Read After Write. |
|
| driver |
Software that acts as a link or adaptor for software and hardware, such as specific programs or operting devices like mice, keyboards monitors, etc. |
|
| drop-out |
1) Selected portions of artwork not produced in the final image usually to accommodate type or a highlight. 2) In electronic communication, the interruption of data transmission. |
|
| drop-out type |
Type using a white or a light color against a dark background. |
Also see knockout. |
| dry mount |
A process used to bond paper with heat and without the use of wet adhesives. |
|
| drypoint |
Form of intaglio printing in which the indented surface is created by a steel pointed tool scratching a plate. |
|
| dry transfer type |
Typographic elements, usually alphabets, or dingbats, but can be rules, patterns or other graphic elements, on a coated wax paper. The characters can be rubbed off the paper and onto another surface. Used in comprehensives. Also called rub-down or press-on type. |
|
| DTP |
Short for Desktop publishing, which is composition and page layout done electronically with personal computers. |
Also see desktop publishing. |
| dummy, dummy publication |
On many desktop publishing programs, a master or planning document showing the elements and marked blocks for text and graphics rather than actual text and graphic contents. Also can refer to what is otherwise known as a "rough", a non-electronic "planning-stage" version of a document showing the color, size, shape, and placement of text and graphics in the form of a rough sketch. |
|
| duotone |
A tone-toned halftone created from a single -color photograph. |
|
| dupe |
short for duplicate. Refers to duplicate slides, film or tpe made rom an original transparency, negative or master, respectively. |
|
| DVI |
Short for Digital Video Interactive. |
Also see CDI and Digital Video Interactive. |
| EBCDIC |
Short for Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code. |
|
| ECS |
Short for External Communications Service. |
|
| edge detection |
The use of image processing techniques to identify area boundaries within an image. |
|
| edit |
To change any segment of a publication. |
|
| edit level video |
The speed of video traditionally used for rough cut editing, usually 10 frames per second. |
|
| EGA |
Short for Extended Graphics Adapter. |
Also see graphics card and Appendix F. |
| Egyptian type |
Serif type with square serifs. |
|
| EIA standards |
Short for Electronic Industries Association. Standards set for television broadcast. |
|
| electronic mail |
Correspondence within a network. |
|
| elite |
Standard smallest typewriter font that prints 12 characters per inch. |
|
| ellipses |
The three dots... sometimes included in text which indicate missing text or imply the meaning of etc. |
|
| em |
The square space of a standard letterform in a set size within a typeface. |
Also see em space. |
| E-mail |
|
Also see electronic mail. |
| em dash |
A hyphen that is the width of a letter "m." |
|
| embedded |
Referring to output formatting commands in a word processing system, commands for the printer or typesetter that are included within the regular text, rather than specified in a separate file by direct keyboard command. |
|
| embossing |
In printing the relief impression of an image or type on paper. |
|
| em space |
A unit of measure between or before characters in typography equal to the point size of the type in use. For example: in 12 point type an em space is 12 points wide. |
|
| emulation |
Hardware or software that permits programs written for 1 device to be used on another. |
|
| en |
a typographic term referring to a space that is half the size of an 'em' space. |
Also see em and emspace |
| encapsulated PostScript |
A file format that carries both a description of an image in the Post Script page description language an optional bit map format for screen display. This format is increasingly used for image interchange in both the Mac and IBM world. |
|
| encoded signal |
A measure sent through the computer in a particular coded structure. |
|
| encoder |
Part of a system that converts one kind of computer code to another or to an external device's. |
Also see decoder |
| encryption |
in computer graphics and video interfaces: translation of an RGB signal into composite video. |
|
| en dash |
A hyphen that is the width of a letter "n." |
|
| engraving |
Form of intaglio printing in which the indented surface is created with a pointed tool called a burin. Usually engravings are characterized by linear detail and cross-hatching. |
|
| en space |
A unit of measure between or before characters in typography equal to half the point size of the type in use. For example: in 12 point type an en space is 6 points wide. |
|
| EPS or EPSF |
Short for Encapsulated PostScript, or Encapsulated PostScript format, a file format that contains Post Script coding for an image and a bitmap representation of the result. |
|
| ergonomics |
The study of systems and equipment in order to improve their quality |
|
| etching |
Form of intaglio printing in which the indented surface is created by a chemical process. The metal plate is covered with and acid resist into which lines and textures are drawn by a sharp tool or etching needle. Then the plate is submerged in an acid bath which "bites" into the exposed metal. |
|
| ethernet |
A standardized communications network between computer terminals. |
|
| export |
To copy or send text, graphics or layouts from a program in a form suitable for use with other programs. |
|
| extended type |
A type style that is a wider version of another typeface. Also called expanded type. |
|
| extension |
In many operating systems the shorthand version of the name of different software formats tagged at the end of each individual file name. |
Also see file format and Appendix E. |
| external hard disc |
|
Also see hard disc. |
| face |
|
Also see font. |
| facing pages |
In a double-sided publication, the two pages that face each other when the publication is open |
|
| facsimile |
An electronic communication where digitally scanned text and images are transmitted via a phone line to a printer on the receiver end. Abbreviated as fax. |
|
| fade |
to change from one image to another by means of simultaneous increasing and decreasing of luminence of two images. |
Also see dissolve. |
| family |
Set of related typefaces that share a name and common roots, but may differ in attributes such as weight or width. Examples would be the Helvetica family which contains Helvetica Condensed and Helvetica Black (extra bold) among its styles. |
|
| fax |
|
Also see facsimile. |
| FDL |
Short for Forms Description Language. |
|
| feltside |
the side of a piece of paper better suited to printing. |
|
| field |
One complete vertical scan of the horizontal lines in a bit plane. |
Also see interlaced. |
| fifth generation |
1) For typesetting equipment, a unit with direct electronic formation of the image, such as a laser printer. 2) refers to advanced computer software as in A.I. |
|
| figure-ground |
A design term also called figure field that refers to the spatial relationship of the predominant visual element to the surrounding elements and background. |
|
| file |
A collection of information stored on the hard disk or floppy disk. |
|
| File Extension |
Originally from the IBM PC compatible world. File extensions are 3 letters that follow the name of a file to identify what kind of file it is. For example: class.doc (Microsoft Word document) class.tif (Tagged Image Format - a graphics file) or for the web you might see: class.htm (IBM PC HTML file) or class.html (Macintosh HTML File) class.gif (Graphic Image Format) |
|
| file format |
The individual way every program has of writing information to disc. The name of an individual file within a program is given an extension to identify its unique format Some common examples are: PIC, PCX, CGM, DXF, WMF, MSP, GEM, and EPS. |
Also see Appendix E. |
| film loop |
The repetition of a series of images on a computer display screen to simulate motion in real time. |
|
| film recorder |
An external output device that translates electronic graphics to photographic film (slide, poloroid, 35mm or 70mm, etc.). 2000 lines are sometimes used for proofing, but the normal minimum resolution is 4000 lines but can currently go as high as 8000 lines. |
|
| film strip |
a continuous set of images lined up vertically on film which may simulate motion when projected by light onto a screen and viewed quickly in sequence. |
|
| finished art |
finjal complete version of any artwork, illustration, photography or mechanical art. |
|
| finder |
In the MAC world, a file that manages, saves, names or deletes other files. |
|
| firmware |
Programming instructions stored in hardware |
|
| first rights |
the rights to use creative work on a one time first original usage oas in a single magazine or book publication. |
|
| fit in window |
A command to show an image in the largest possible size that will fit the currently selected pages in the on-screen window. |
|
| fixed color |
An unchanging standard color palette as opposed to a palette that offer choices such as 16 out of 64 colors. |
Also see color palette. |
| fixed spacing |
|
Also see monospace. |
| flat color |
Color that is printed as a solid. |
|
| flat files |
1) Single unrelated computer files. 2) A storage unit for artistic media. |
|
| flat shading |
Technique used in three dimensional modeling to render the faceted surfaces of an object as single colors based on orientation to the light source. Gives a faceted look. |
Also see Shading |
| flood coating |
In printing when an entire large area of paper is covered by a solid color. |
|
| flooding |
In drawing programs, to fill an area with color. |
|
| floppy disc |
A 2", 3 1/2", 5 1/4", or 8" flexible magnetic disk used for information storage. |
Also see hard disc. |
| flow |
To place text on a page by importing it from another source or place. |
Also see auto flow. |
| flow chart |
A diagram that portrays data movement or transitions |
|
| flourographic process |
In camera graphic work when a drop-out halftone effect is created due to the fluorescence of the paper of the original artwork being photographed. |
|
| flush/flush right/flush left |
Text lines which are even on one margin and ragged (uneven) at the other margin. |
|
| flush paragraph |
a paragraph with no initial indent. |
|
| fly leaf |
the blank pages at the beginning and ending of a book |
|
| folio |
The page number of a document sometimes accompanied by the volume number, name of publication and date. |
|
| font |
The all inclusive set of characters of a specific typeface including upper and lower case letterforms, punctuation, numerals, etc. |
|
| font editing |
The ability to artistically alter the outline of a typeface. |
|
| font metric |
A series of numbers describing the width and proper spacing for each character in a font. These metrics are used by the layout program for planning the page and by the printer for executing it. |
|
| footer |
An element, usually text, that appears at the bottom of all the pages of a document such as the page number and document or chapter name. |
|
| footprint |
1) The measurement of 2 pages of a bound document when laid flat. 2) the space an electronic device physically takes up. Desktop devices will often boast a small footprint. |
|
| foreground |
In design, referring to the area in focus, that which is printed, as opposed to the background. In object-oriented programs it may refer to the top layer or level of graphic elements when elements can be brought to front or sent to back. |
|
| foreshortening |
in perspective visualization, the contraction of an image as it receeds in space away from the viewer's perspective. |
|
| format |
1) To prepare a floppy disk by means of setting up mathematical sectors to store data in. 2) The styles applied to a type of font or paragraph. The way that text or paragraph looks. 3) To assign such characteristics to a document. |
|
| form creation |
An important function of word processing and desktop publishing programs in the business world. |
|
| FORTRAN |
Short for FORmula TRANslation, a high level language originally used by engineers to write programs which could be compiled into machine code. |
|
| foundry type |
special hand set display type usually 14 points or larger. |
|
| four color process |
In printing the three primary colors cyan, yellow and magenta, and black (abbreviated CYMK) are used to print all colors through the use of screened color combinations. |
|
| fourth level generation |
The latest higher generation of computer languages and their associated programs. |
Also see Appendix H. |
| FPO |
Short For Position Only and is usually written on stand-in photographs or photocopied artwork placed for correct positioning on a mechanical when the actual photograph or artwork will be stripped in at a later time. |
|
| fractal |
1) A branch of geometry which can be used to describe natural objects and occurrences more efficiently then plane and solid geometry. This ability to create irregular surfaces or properties was first developed by Benoit B. Mandelbrot. 2) The shapes created mathematically by this geometry. |
|
| frame |
1) In some desktop publishing programs, a unit of design that can contain text, graphics, or both. A page is made up of a series of frames. 2) A single still image from a series of animated images. 3) in video, 2 complete fields makeup a frame. |
|
| frame buffer |
A specific area of memory in a computer in which an image or frame is stored. |
|
| freehand |
In drawing and layout programs, a drawing mode that creates a path following the position the user indicated with a mouse or pointing device rather than constructing the path from defined geometric shapes. |
|
| freelancer |
an artist who is employed on a temporary or independent subcontract status. |
|
| frisket |
Adhesive paper used to block out or stencil areas when airbrushing or painting that is removed afterwards to reveal the unpainted area. |
|
| front end |
1) The terminal from which a user can work or interact with a larger system or mainframe.2) software as in used in an interface |
|
| front matter |
The pages in a document from the front cover to the beginning of the text usually numbered by lower case alphabet or Roman numerals. |
|
| front piece |
in a book, the page containing an illustration facing the title page. |
|
| FSL |
Short for Forms Source Language used to create forms. |
|
| f-stop |
The setting on a camera which adjusts the aperture opening of the lens for correct exposure. |
|
| full page monitor |
A monitor large enough and with enough definition to be able to display a graphics or textural page. |
|
| function keys |
Keys on the keyboard or a control panel that can access and initiate specific computer operations. |
|
| galley/galley proof |
In traditional graphics a proof page of typographic columns before they are pasted into the camera ready board. |
|
| gamma correction |
A technique used to improve a video image brightness and color. |
|
| gang or gang up |
in printing: to combine multiple copies of the same or similar printed materials onto one printing plate to lessen the cost and number of print runs needed. The multiple copies are cut to size after printing. |
|
| gateway |
A named communication junction or translating service in a network. |
|
| genlock |
1) the device that synchronizes signals when 2 video sources are hooked together to help prevent screen flicker or rolling. 2) that actual synchronization of two video sources. |
Also see sync and sync pulses. |
| gestalt theory |
A theory in design that takes into account the spatial relationships of figure to ground. |
|
| gothic type |
Another name given to sans-serif type. |
|
| gouache (gwash) |
An opaque watercolor paint. |
|
| Gouraud shading (guro) |
Smooth Shading technique used in three dimensional modeling to render the surface of an object by interpolating the colors at the corners of a polygon across the surface of a polygon. |
Also see shading. |
| grab |
In most desktop publishing programs, to select a section of text or graphics particularly for movement. |
|
| grabber |
1) A commonly used name for the tool on a drawing or layout program that selects and moves text or graphics. On many programs it looks like a small hand. 2) an image grabber captures a bit map copy of a screen display 3) a video grabber captures full frame video. |
|
| graduation |
The gradual changing of a color to another color or the gradual change of intensity of a color also can be referred to as graduated fills. |
|
| grain |
In paper, the direction in which the majority of paper fibers lie. |
|
| graphical |
As applied to programs and user interfaces, ones that use on-screen graphics as their main method of presenting choices and status information to the user. |
|
| graphic boundary |
In desktop publishing, a box usually shown as a dotted line, that surrounds a graphic that defines where text can and cannot flow with respect to the graphic. |
|
| graphics card /graphic adapter |
The add-in circuit card device that allows the computer to display and create color graphics. There are different versions available according to the resolution and number of colors desired. Examples are CGA Color Graphics Adapter, EGA Enhanced Graphic Adapter, VGA Video Graphics Adapter, TARGA Truevision Analogue Rastera Graphics Adapter. |
Also see Appendix F. |
| graphics co-processor |
special chips used in monitor adapters to speed up image display, especially helpful with CAD programs. |
|
| graphic designer |
any visual artist that creates visual communications graphics. |
|
| graphics mode |
On a typesetting terminal or system, a setting that displays type in its actual shape and size rather than as block characters. This mode provides more accurate feedback, but requires more hardware power. |
|
| graphics tablet |
A drawing tablet accompanied by a stylus that supplies a direct link to input data to the computer screen with a more natural pen and paper feeling for the user. |
|
| graphics workstation |
The combined hardware elements necessary to perform a computer graphics operation |
|
| graphite |
the lead substance used in pencils. |
Also see pencil numbering system |
| gray scale |
1.levels of the color gray between black and white. 2) Refers to devices that do not rely on dithers or halftones to show the values of gray. |
|
| greeking |
Simulated text used to speed the screen display of text. In traditional typography greeked text is just 'mumbo-jumbo' language set in the appropriate font. Often it will resemble Greek or Latin text such as "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet." |
|
| greeking threshold |
The size at or below which a desktop publishing program shows text on screen with lines or patterns rather than with the actual text letters. This is done to speed screen updating, but the real text can be seen by enlarging a portion of the display or by printing out the page. |
|
| grid system |
The underlying design plan for a publication with which design elements align. It is based around a series of non-printing horizontal rules, vertical rules (column guides), rulers, and margins that intersect to form a grid. |
|
| guide |
In desktop publishing, a non-printing dotted line that helps the user align text, for example: margin guides, ruler guides and column guides. |
|
| guild |
a group of progessionals in the same field that associate with each other to further their sklills facilitate the development of their profession. |
|
| gutter |
The inside margin of a document usually next to the binding. |
|
| habercule |
a ruler developed by habercule co. used to measure typographic point sizes an picas for mechanical art. |
|
| hairline |
A rule usually equivalent to .25 point. |
|
| half inch video |
1/2" wide video tape used by Beta, VHS and M2) Used extensively in the home video market. |
|
| halftone |
An image that has been photographically converted through a screen to a fixed pattern of black dots so that it can be printed. |
|
| handle |
In many desktop publishing programs, a dot, square or other visible element added to or adjacent to boxed selected material on screen used to change or move the object. |
|
| handshaking protocol |
A term used to describe the common link or exchange of signals between 2 electronic systems that establish communications. |
|
| hanging Indent |
An "indent" that hangs outside the left-hand margin. |
|
| hanging bullet |
A bullet that usually hangs on the left-hand margin separate from a list of text. |
|
| hard copy |
Permanent printed output. |
|
| hard disc |
Electromechanical mass storage device usually constructed of aluminum discs. The generally interior permanent memory storage built into the computer, although external hard disks are available. |
|
| hardware |
Refers to the machinery electrical or mechanical that comprises the computer system. |
Also see software. |
| HDTV |
Short for High Definition Television. |
|
| header |
Text appearing at the top of the page. |
|
| head margin |
The space above the 1st line of copy on a page. |
|
| hertz and MHz |
cycles per second used to measure screen display refresh rate. For instance, 70-80 Hz is a common rate and appears normal, whereas 60 Hz would create screen flicker. |
|
|
|
|
| hidden surface |
In 3D the lines or planes masked or obscured by objects in front of them. |
|
| hierarchical filing system |
A memory storage system where directories contain files and subdirectories which contain more files and often more sub-directories. |
Also see Appendix B. |
| highlight |
1) To visually differentiate a selection of text or graphic by means of reversal or boxing. 2) The "hot" bright spot of a halftone or continuous tone image. |
|
| high res, high resolution |
Refers to a screen display or output device with more pixels or dots to create a more detailed less jaggie image. Examples of high res modes are 640x350 for EGA or over 600 dpi for printers. |
Also see Appendix F. |
| host |
the mainframe computer providing high speed processing and extensive information storage that less powerful systems are networked with. |
|
| hot press |
1) A smooth surfaced board or paper that allows ink or other wet media to dry in a smooth even way. It also allows easier re-positioning of paste-up work. 2) in printing, the method of using heat and pressure to stamp metallic leaf onto a printing surface. |
Also see cold press. |
| HSV |
Short for hue, saturation, and value, a color model used in some graphics programs. HSV is intuitive, but has to be translated to another model for colored printing or for actually forming screen colors. |
|
| HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) |
A programming language used by the web to send information on how to display information and images. Most documents on the Web are currently written in HTML. |
Also see hypertext |
| hue |
The main color attribute or property of color corresponding to the frequency or wavelength of light. This is what makes red different from yellow. |
|
| Hypertext |
A type of page layout programming that allows users to jump from one place in a document to another or from one document to another document altogether. These jumps are performed by pointing a mouse at “links”. |
Also see HTML |
| hyphenation |
To insert a hyphen or hyphens into a word in order to allow the word to be broken onto two lines of copy. |
|
| Hz |
short for hertz |
Also see hertz |
| I beam |
In many desktop publishing programs, the shape of the cursor when the text tool is selected. |
|
| IC |
Short for Integrated Circuit. |
|
| icon |
A small graphic image that represents a function, operation or pointer tool. |
|
| image area |
The area within the margins of a page in which graphics and text are placed. |
|
| image enhancement |
To electronically bring out elements of a visual that would be unnoticed, distorted, too little contrast, or too small, if left untouched. |
|
| image processing |
Used to describe the process of manipulating real or synthetic images generated by a wide variety of digital source such as a video camera, a CT scanner, or a satellite. |
|
| image setter |
An output device of 600 dpi or over generally using photochemical processing. The most commonly used being the Linotronic. |
|
| image synthesis |
The generation of an image in computer animation from a mathematical model instead of observation. |
|
| imaging |
The process of taking otherwise meaningless raw information and forming a useful picture from it. |
|
| impact printer |
A printer that mechanically strikes the paper with an imprinting device through a ribbon like a typewriter or dot matrix printer. |
|
| import |
To bring text or graphics into a program from an external program other than its origination, such as a word processor, or external graphics source. |
|
| import filter |
The software that translates or prepares text or graphics for placement in another program. |
|
| imposition |
In printing, the way multiple pages are printed together on one big sheet of paper so that when they are folded and cut they fall in correct order and placement. |
|
| in-between |
The image(s) that fill in the movement between key frames in animation. Sland term for this is 'tweens.' |
|
| in betweener |
an animator that works on creating in-betweens. Also called a tweener. |
|
| increment |
The individual spaces on a ruler. |
|
| indent |
The amount of space a given line of text or paragraph is inset or extended from the normal margin of a paragraph. |
|
| Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) |
division of Lucasfilm corp. owned by George Lucas and a major developer of CGI and special effects. |
|
| initialize |
1) Also known as to format the process of preparing a floppy disk for computer use. 2) To set up a printer or other device. |
|
| ink and paint |
In traditional cel animation to draw an outline (ink) and fill the outline with color (paint or opaque). |
|
| inker |
an animator who inks the outlines of finished drawings onto cels. |
|
| ink jet printer |
A printer that forms printed images and text by jetting a stream of electro statically charged ink drops onto a specially coated paper. |
|
| input/output device |
Any device that enables a user to send or receive graphic or alphanumeric information to the computer. Input devices include: graphics tablets, trackball, light pen, mouse, joystick, keyboard. Examples of output devices include: dot matrix, ink jet, and laser printers, film and video recorder, plotter. See display device. |
|
| insertion point |
The location where the next typed text character will be placed. It is usually indicated by a special cursor, such as a flashing bar or I-beam. |
|
| inside margin |
The usually larger margin which is bound, sometimes called the gutter. |
|
| INT |
short for image and transfer – a proprietary dry transfer process used in making comprehensive layouts. |
|
| intaglio printing - pronounced (en-tahl-yo) |
Form of printing in which lines or textured areas are acid etched or incised below the surface. The surface is inked so the indentations are filled with ink and the raised surface is wiped clean before pressing the plate to dampened paper to transfer the image. The final printed result will often have a raised ink lo |
