20 Graphic Design Terms You Should Know About

Graphic design is a creative and dynamic field that involves the visual communication of ideas, messages, and information. Graphic design can be applied to various media and platforms, such as logos, websites, posters, flyers, magazines, books, and more. Graphic design can also be used for various purposes and audiences, such as branding, marketing, advertising, education, entertainment, and art.

To succeed in the field of graphic design, you need to master the technical skills and tools, as well as the artistic and conceptual aspects of the craft. You also need to be familiar with the terminology and vocabulary that are commonly used in the industry. Knowing the graphic design terms can help you communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other designers, as well as understand and appreciate the principles and elements of graphic design.

In this blog post, we will introduce you to 20 graphic design terms that you should know about, and explain their meanings and applications. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this blog post will help you expand your graphic design knowledge and vocabulary.

Term 1: Typography

Typography is the art and technique of arranging and designing letters, words, and texts, to create a visual and verbal communication. Typography involves the selection and manipulation of fonts, sizes, colors, alignments, spacing, and other factors that affect the appearance and readability of the text. Typography can also convey the tone, mood, and personality of the message and the brand.

Typography is one of the most important and fundamental aspects of graphic design, as it can make or break the effectiveness and impact of the design. Typography can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a distinctive and recognizable brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a specific and intentional tone, such as titles, headings, or quotes
• To enhance and embellish an existing element, such as images, illustrations, or icons

Term 2: Color

Color is the property of light that determines how it is perceived by the human eye and brain. Color can be described by its hue, saturation, and brightness, and can be represented by various models and systems, such as RGB, CMYK, or HEX. Color can also be influenced by the context and environment, such as the lighting, contrast, or harmony.

Color is one of the most powerful and influential aspects of graphic design, as it can affect the emotions, reactions, and behaviors of the audience. Color can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a colorful and eye-catching brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a cheerful and energetic tone, such as posters, flyers, or banners
• To add depth and dimension to a flat and simple element, such as backgrounds, shapes, or texts

Term 3: Layout

Layout is the arrangement and organization of the elements in a design, such as images, texts, shapes, or icons, to create a balanced and harmonious composition. Layout involves the consideration and application of the principles and elements of design, such as alignment, proximity, contrast, repetition, white space, and hierarchy. Layout can also be influenced by the format and purpose of the design, such as the size, shape, orientation, or medium.

Layout is one of the most essential and challenging aspects of graphic design, as it can determine the clarity and effectiveness of the communication and the impression and attraction of the audience. Layout can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a professional and trustworthy brand identity, such as business cards, brochures, or websites
• To convey a sophisticated and elegant tone, such as invitations, cards, or certificates
• To highlight a specific and important element, such as logos, icons, or infographics

Term 4: Logo

Logo is a symbol or mark that represents and identifies a brand, company, organization, or product. Logo can be composed of various elements, such as letters, words, shapes, icons, or images, and can be designed in various styles, such as abstract, geometric, or realistic. Logo can also be accompanied by a tagline or slogan, which is a short and catchy phrase that summarizes the brand’s message or value proposition.

Logo is one of the most crucial and recognizable aspects of graphic design, as it can create a strong and lasting impression and connection with the audience. Logo can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a unique and memorable brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a specific and intentional tone, such as titles, headings, or quotes
• To enhance and embellish an existing element, such as images, illustrations, or icons

Term 5: Grid

Grid is a system or framework of horizontal and vertical lines that divides and structures the space in a design, creating a consistent and orderly layout. Grid can be composed of various elements, such as columns, rows, margins, gutters, and modules, and can be designed in various types, such as single-column, multi-column, or modular. Grid can also be adapted and modified according to the needs and preferences of the designer and the project.

Grid is one of the most useful and practical aspects of graphic design, as it can facilitate and simplify the design process and the design outcome. Grid can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a professional and trustworthy brand identity, such as business cards, brochures, or websites
• To convey a sophisticated and elegant tone, such as invitations, cards, or certificates
• To highlight a specific and important element, such as logos, icons, or infographics

Term 6: Contrast

Contrast is the difference or variation between two or more elements in a design, such as colors, shapes, sizes, or fonts, creating a visual and aesthetic interest and emphasis. Contrast can be created by using opposite or complementary elements, such as black and white, circles and squares, large and small, or serif and sans-serif. Contrast can also be adjusted and balanced according to the desired effect and impact of the design.

Contrast is one of the most effective and impactful aspects of graphic design, as it can attract and retain the attention and curiosity of the audience. Contrast can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a colorful and eye-catching brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a cheerful and energetic tone, such as posters, flyers, or banners
• To add depth and dimension to a flat and simple element, such as backgrounds, shapes, or texts

Term 7: Hierarchy

Hierarchy is the arrangement and organization of the elements in a design according to their importance and relevance, creating a clear and logical order and structure. Hierarchy can be established and enhanced by using various methods and techniques, such as size, color, position, alignment, or typography. Hierarchy can also be influenced by the format and purpose of the design, such as the medium, audience, or message.

Hierarchy is one of the most essential and challenging aspects of graphic design, as it can determine the clarity and effectiveness of the communication and the impression and attraction of the audience. Hierarchy can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a professional and trustworthy brand identity, such as business cards, brochures, or websites
• To convey a sophisticated and elegant tone, such as invitations, cards, or certificates
• To highlight a specific and important element, such as logos, icons, or infographics

Term 8: Branding

Branding is the process and practice of creating and developing a name, symbol, design, or identity that represents and distinguishes a brand, company, organization, or product. Branding involves the research and analysis of the brand’s vision, mission, values, goals, and audience, as well as the design and implementation of the brand’s elements, such as logo, color, typography, or style. Branding can also include the management and maintenance of the brand’s reputation, image, and perception.

Branding is one of the most strategic and comprehensive aspects of graphic design, as it can create a strong and lasting impression and connection with the audience. Branding can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a unique and memorable brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a specific and intentional tone, such as titles, headings, or quotes
• To enhance and embellish an existing element, such as images, illustrations, or icons

Term 9: Vector

Vector is a type or format of graphic that is composed of mathematical equations and coordinates, creating smooth and scalable shapes and curves. Vector graphics can be created and edited by using various software and tools, such as Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, or Inkscape. Vector graphics can also be converted and exported to other formats, such as JPEG, PNG, or GIF.

Vector is one of the most versatile and flexible aspects of graphic design, as it can create high-quality and resolution-independent graphics. Vector can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a colorful and eye-catching brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a cheerful and energetic tone, such as posters, flyers, or banners
• To add depth and dimension to a flat and simple element, such as backgrounds, shapes, or texts

Term 10: Pixel

Pixel is a type or format of graphic that is composed of tiny and discrete dots or squares, creating a raster or bitmap image. Pixel graphics can be created and edited by using various software and tools, such as Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or Paint. Pixel graphics can also be converted and exported to other formats, 

• such as JPEG, PNG, or GIF.

Pixel is one of the most popular and nostalgic aspects of graphic design, as it can create a retro and pixelated effect. Pixel can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a unique and memorable brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a playful and adventurous tone, such as posters, flyers, or stickers
• To illustrate and explain a complex and abstract concept, such as infographics, diagrams, or charts

Term 11: Resolution

Resolution is the measure or quality of the detail and sharpness of a graphic, image, or display. Resolution can be expressed by various units and values, such as pixels, dots per inch (DPI), or pixels per inch (PPI). Resolution can also be affected by various factors, such as the size, format, or medium of the graphic, image, or display.

Resolution is one of the most critical and technical aspects of graphic design, as it can affect the appearance and performance of the graphic, image, or display. Resolution can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a high-quality and professional brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a clear and crisp tone, such as business cards, brochures, or websites
• To optimize and enhance an existing element, such as images, illustrations, or icons

Term 12: Alignment

Alignment is the position and orientation of the elements in a design, such as images, texts, shapes, or icons, relative to each other or to a reference point, such as the edge, center, or baseline of the design. Alignment can be achieved and controlled by using various methods and tools, such as grids, guides, or rulers. Alignment can also be varied and adjusted according to the desired effect and impact of the design.

Alignment is one of the most basic and fundamental aspects of graphic design, as it can create a sense of order and structure in the design. Alignment can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a professional and trustworthy brand identity, such as business cards, brochures, or websites
• To convey a sophisticated and elegant tone, such as invitations, cards, or certificates
• To highlight a specific and important element, such as logos, icons, or infographics

Term 13: Balance

Balance is the distribution and arrangement of the elements in a design, such as images, texts, shapes, or icons, to create a sense of equilibrium and stability in the composition. Balance can be achieved and maintained by using various methods and techniques, such as symmetry, asymmetry, or radial. Balance can also be influenced by the weight and proportion of the elements, such as size, color, or position.

Balance is one of the most essential and challenging aspects of graphic design, as it can determine the harmony and attractiveness of the design. Balance can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a professional and trustworthy brand identity, such as business cards, brochures, or websites
• To convey a sophisticated and elegant tone, such as invitations, cards, or certificates
• To highlight a specific and important element, such as logos, icons, or infographics

Term 14: White Space

White space is the empty or negative space in a design, such as the space between or around the elements, such as images, texts, shapes, or icons. White space can be intentional or unintentional, and can be of various colors, not necessarily white. White space can also be of various sizes and shapes, depending on the layout and composition of the design.

White space is one of the most useful and effective aspects of graphic design, as it can create a sense of clarity and simplicity in the design. White space can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a professional and trustworthy brand identity, such as business cards, brochures, or websites
• To convey a sophisticated and elegant tone, such as invitations, cards, or certificates
• To highlight a specific and important element, such as logos, icons, or infographics

Term 15: Proximity

Proximity is the distance and relationship between the elements in a design, such as images, texts, shapes, or icons, creating a sense of connection and grouping in the composition. Proximity can be increased or decreased by using various methods and techniques, such as alignment, spacing, or contrast. Proximity can also be influenced by the similarity and difference of the elements, such as size, color, or shape.

Proximity is one of the most important and fundamental aspects of graphic design, as it can create a sense of order and structure in the design. Proximity can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a professional and trustworthy brand identity, such as business cards, brochures, or websites
• To convey a sophisticated and elegant tone, such as invitations, cards, or certificates
• To highlight a specific and important element, such as logos, icons, or infographics

Term 16: Repetition

Repetition is the use and recurrence of the same or similar elements in a design, such as images, texts, shapes, or icons, creating a sense of consistency and unity in the composition. Repetition can be applied and varied by using various methods and techniques, such as pattern, rhythm, or sequence. Repetition can also be influenced by the frequency and variation of the elements, such as number, interval, or size.

Repetition is one of the most effective and impactful aspects of graphic design, as it can create a strong and lasting impression and connection with the audience. Repetition can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a unique and memorable brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a specific and intentional tone, such as titles, headings, or quotes
• To enhance and embellish an existing element, such as images, illustrations, or icons

Term 17: Scale

Scale is the size and proportion of the elements in a design, such as images, texts, shapes, or icons, relative to each other or to a reference point, such as the edge, center, or baseline of the design. Scale can be changed and manipulated by using various methods and tools, such as resizing, cropping, or zooming. Scale can also be influenced by the perspective and angle of the elements, such as distance, depth, or rotation.

Scale is one of the most versatile and flexible aspects of graphic design, as it can create various effects and illusions in the design. Scale can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a colorful and eye-catching brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a cheerful and energetic tone, such as posters, flyers, or banners
• To add depth and dimension to a flat and simple element, such as backgrounds, shapes, or texts

Term 18: Shape

Shape is the form and outline of the elements in a design, such as images, texts, shapes, or icons, creating a visual and aesthetic interest and emphasis. Shape can be classified and categorized into various types and styles, such as geometric, organic, or abstract. Shape can also be created and modified by using various methods and techniques, such as drawing, cutting, or combining.

Shape is one of the most basic and fundamental aspects of graphic design, as it can create a sense of order and structure in the design. Shape can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a professional and trustworthy brand identity, such as business cards, brochures, or websites
• To convey a sophisticated and elegant tone, such as invitations, cards, or certificates
• To highlight a specific and important element, such as logos, icons, or infographics

Term 19: Texture

Texture is the surface and quality of the elements in a design, such as images, texts, shapes, or icons, creating a tactile and sensory impression and experience. Texture can be real or simulated, and can be of various types and styles, such as smooth, rough, glossy, or matte. Texture can also be created and applied by using various methods and techniques, such as painting, printing, or filtering.

Texture is one of the most expressive and creative aspects of graphic design, as it can create a sense of realism and emotion in the design. Texture can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a unique and memorable brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a playful and adventurous tone, such as posters, flyers, or stickers
• To illustrate and explain a complex and abstract concept, such as infographics, diagrams, or charts

Term 20: Style

Style is the overall look and feel of the design, such as the colors, shapes, fonts, or images, creating a visual and aesthetic identity and expression. Style can be influenced and inspired by various factors and sources, such as the history, culture, or trends of the design. Style can also be defined and described by various terms and categories, such as modern, vintage, minimalist, or maximalist.

Style is one of the most personal and subjective aspects of graphic design, as it can reflect the personality and preference of the designer and the client. Style can be used for various purposes and effects, such as:

• To create a unique and memorable brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a specific and intentional tone, such as titles, headings, or quotes
• To enhance and embellish an existing element, such as images, illustrations, or icons

Conclusion

Graphic design is a creative and dynamic field that involves the visual communication of ideas, messages, and information. Style can also be used to differentiate and distinguish the design from others, creating a competitive and distinctive edge.

We hope that you have found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments about this topic, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and happy designing!