© 2005 Digital Art Practices & Terminology Task Force (DAPTTF) redistributed by DigitalVei.com
additive colors
The three additive primary colors are red, green and blue. When these three colors of light are mixed in equal proportions, they will produce white light. Also known as additive primaries.
algorithm
A mathematical routine that solves a problem or equation. In imaging, the term is usually used to describe the set of routines that make up a compression or color-management program and other RIP applications.
aliasing
The visual stair-stepping of edges (jagged edges) that occurs in an image when the resolution is too low. Can be caused by improper image sampling or improper image processing (see "jaggies").
alpha channel
An image-editor channel used to contain a mask or partial picture element or color. Created by Alvy Ray Smith and Ed Catmull at N.Y.I.T. in 1997, the alpha channel is used to calculate the transparency of each color in an image. In a three-color image, the alpha channel would be the fourth channel.
analog
Data consisting of or systems employing continuously variable signals or data, as opposed to discrete steps or levels of digital data.
anti-alias
The process of smoothing and removing of aliasing effects by electronic filtering and other techniques, such as blending of hard edges. Also, blending objectoriented art with bit-mapped art.
archival
Of or pertaining to archives. A term that has been used extensively in conservation literature, but that lacks an internationally accepted definition. General understanding: with characteristics of long-term stability (as in: archival quality). Considered meaningless unless qualified with additional information, data, etc.
archiving
Retention of images, often on CD-ROM. Information necessary to reproduce the print is also archived, including ink, tables, sizes, and media used.
artifact
In digital graphic applications, unwanted visual anomalies or defects generated by an input or output device, or by a software operation, that degrade image quality (see also "aliasing" and "moiré").
artist's proof
One of a small group of prints set aside from the edition for the artist's use; a number of printer's proofs are sometimes also done for the printer's use.
BIT
Derived from Binary Digit. The smallest unit of information in a computer, a 1 or a 0. 8 bits = 1 byte. Coined by J.W. Tileu at Bell Labs in 1948.
bit depth
The maximum number of bits that are used to define a pixel. A measure of the defined brightness range. The color depth or pixel values for a digital image. The number of possible colors or shades of gray that can be included in an image.
bitmap
A rasterized graphic image formed by a rectangular grid of pixels or dots.
black
The fourth color in process four-color printing. The "K" in CMYK.
black generation
The addition of black ink to the other process colors when separating an RGB color image into CMYK colors. Black generation is typically handled in one of two ways, GCR (Gray Component Replacementreplacing some of the CMY with K) or UCR (Under Color Removalusing K only in neutral areas).
BMP file
A Windows bitmap file, with the extension ".bmp," that defines an image (such as the image of a scanned page) as a pattern of dots (pixels). From bit mapping, the process of addressing the pixels on the screen.
bon-a-tirer or BAT (bone-ah-ti-ray)
The proof accepted by the artist that is used as the standard for comparing all subsequent prints. Some printers require a signed BAT before production printing can begin.
brightness
The overall intensity of the image. The lower the brightness value, the darker the image; the higher the value, the lighter the image will be (see "chroma").
BYTE
A standard unit of digital measurement. 8 bits = 1 byte. Each 8-bit byte represents an alphanumeric character.
calibration
The act of setting or adjusting the color settings of one device relative to another, such as a monitor to a printer, or a scanner to a film recorder. Or, it may be the process of adjusting the color of one device to some established standard.
capture
Acquiring information, such as an image, with a scanner or digital-camera device.
CCD (charged coupled device)
Light-detection device used in many popular scanners, digital cameras, and video cameras that generates electrical current in direct proportion to how much light strikes areas of the sensor.
CD-R (CD-Recordable)
A CD format that allows the users to record data to a disc when using the proper hardware. Recorded data is not erasable.
CD-RW
A CD format that allows users to erase data.
certificate of authenticity
- A written or printed description of the multiple which is to be sold, exchanged, or consigned by an art dealer. [CALIF. CIVIL CODE]
- A written statement by an art merchant confirming, approving, or attesting to the authority of a work of fine art or multiple, which is capable of being used to the advantage or disadvantage of some person. [IOWA CIVIL CODE]
- A written statement disclosing certain key facts about a multiple print.
chroma
A measure of saturation associated with color; degree of color purity; relative brightness of a hue when compared to another.
clipping
The grouping (usually unwanted) of all tones or colors above or below a certain value into one composite tone. The loss of visual information caused by too little contrast, in which certain grayscale values are lost or compressed either into the range of pure white or pure black.
CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
Three subtractive primary colors used in color printing. In theory, the combination of pure CMY inks produces black; in reality, black must be added to produce a full color gamut.
CMYK
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (or Key) are the four colors used in process-color printing. Also known as subtractive color, the color black is achieved by the presence of all inks.
coating
The process of treating media or substrates to accept inkjet inks. Also, a thin covering providing protection from UV-induced fading, smudging, and fingerprints, which may or may not improve the permanence of the print because most fading is due to visible light.
collage
Collage involves the creation of artworks that include elements that have previous existence as separate items. They may be found elements, transformed elements, or elements created entirely by the artist. Digital collages may be defined as digitally created artworks that involve the bringing together of separate images (which may or may not have existed in non-digital form and which may or may not have been created or altered by the artist) and digitally "pasting" them in place in order to create a new work. Digital collages may also contain digital drawing, digital painting, or other digital media. In both montage and collage, multiple sources are used to create a single image. In montage, the disparity of the sources is invisible. In collage, the disparity of the sources is visible, sometimes so much so that the whole is fractured into separate elements contained within a single area.
color balance
The ability to reproduce the colors of a scene to some acceptable standard.
color calibration
A system of software and/or hardware that adjusts and coordinates colors between two or more digital devices. Color calibration systems commonly compare device color profiles and translate one color model into a device-independent language.
color compression
Shrinking the color gamut of the original to the color gamut a device will represent.
color curve
A graphic mechanism for displaying color measurements and for making color changes to an image. User adjustments to the angle and slope of the curve implement color changes to one or all of an image's color channels.
color gamut
A range of colors that can be reproduced by a given system.
color management (color management system)
An advanced technology that uses profiles of the input and output devices to maximize color accuracy and consistency. Targets that include over 3000 colors are printed and measured with a colorimeter to create profiles for the various ink/media combinations. A combination of software and or hardware devices used to produce accurate color results throughout a digitalimaging system.
color model
A color measurement scale or system that numerically specifies the perceived attributes of color.
color profile
Also called "device profile," or simply "profile." This term refers to the relationship between the color models of the system devices.
color saturation
Color Strength. A measure of color purity, or dilution by a neutral.
color separation
The process of separating a color image into four subtractive colors, CMYK, either by photographic or electronic processes, thus producing a set of four films or a computer file.
color space
Three-dimensional mathematical model enclosing all possible colors. The dimensions may be described in various geometries giving rise to various spacings. The parts of the visible spectrum which can be reproduced in a given medium (i.e., RGB for computer monitors, CMYK for print, web safe index colors for the world wide web).
color temperature
The color spectrum of a "black body" radiator heated to a given temperature on the Kelvin scale. The manufacturer's method of indicating the color of a light source in degrees Kelvin (K); i.e., 2700K (yellow/white), 4100K (white), 5500K (blue/white).
colorant
Any substance that imparts color to another material or mixture. Colorants can be dyes or pigments.
colorimeter
An instrument used for color measurement based on optical comparison with standard colors.
colorimetric
Of, or relating to, values giving the amounts of three colored lights or receptorsred, green, and blue. Adjective used to refer to measurements converted to psychophysical terms describing color or color relationships.
colorimetry
Light measurements converted to a psychophysical description or notation which can be correlated with visual evaluations of color and color differences.
complementary colors
Two colors that, when combined, create neutral gray. On a color wheel complements are directly opposite the axis from each other; blue/yellow, red/green, and so on.
compression
The process of removing irrelevant information and reducing unneeded space from a file in order to make the file smaller. Some types of compression can cause losses and distortion. In Run Length Encoding, rows of pixels of the same colors are stored as a number and color, reducing the file size while keeping the data in tact.
computer-generated
A misnomer that implies that no human, artistic control is required to produce artwork. In general it may mean having come through a specific kind of device, but essentially it is understood that computers do nothing without the input and control of human beings.
continuous tone
A photographic image containing gradient tones. For printing purposes, continuous-tone images are converted to dot patterns (halftones).
contrast
Tonal gradation between the highlights, mid-tones, and shadows in an image. High contrast implies dark black and bright white. Medium contrast implies a good spread from black to white, and Low contrast implies a narrow spread of values from black to white. Also, understood in terms of "Rate of Falloff." High contrast implies a rapid transition between black and white, whereas a slow "rate of falloff" produces gradual or smooth transition between light and dark.
crop
To remove part of an image.
DPI
Dots per inch. A measure of the detail of a print. "Apparent dpi" refers to the fact that the eye perceives a giclée as having greater detail than in does in physical reality.
densitometer
An instrument that measures the optical density of a transmitting material, or an instrument to measure the negative log of the reflectance of a reflecting material. Such instruments do not measure color. They are widely used in the graphic arts and photographic industries for process control. It will indicate, in density units or percentage dot, the percentage of a given area that is covered by halftone dots. This instrument is used to ensure consistency and process control.
density (optical density)
The degree of opacity of an image; a measure of reflectance or transmittance equal to log10 (1/reflectance) of log10 or (1/transmittance); the ability of a material to absorb light; the darker it is, the higher the density. Density measurements of solid ink patches are used to control ink on paper.
digital
Type of data consisting of (or systems employing) discrete steps or levels, as opposed to continuously variable analog data.
digital art
Art created with one or more digital processes or technologies.
digital C-print
Another term for digital photo print. These are actual photographic prints that are exposed to laser or LED light then processed in traditional RA-4 wet chemistry.
digital collage
The process of electronically simulating traditional collage techniques by pasting together disparate images into a cohesive visual whole, resulting in a new image.
digital fine art print
A fine art print made by any digital output process conforming to traditional fine art qualifications and requirements.
digital imaging
The process of image capture, manipulation, and final image form, accomplished by digital systems.
digital photo print
One of the major digital printing technologies. Produces actual photographic prints that are exposed to laser or LED light then processed in traditional RA-4 chemistry (see "digital C-print").
digital printer
A non-impact printing device that is capable of translating digital data into hard copy output. Typically refers to printing with one of the digital output technologies (inkjet, electrostatic, thermal transfer, or laser photo printing).
digitize
The process of converting analog data to digital information.
dithering
A graphics display or printing process that uses a combination of dots or textures to simulate an original image or an output device. The purpose is to create the impression of a continuous-tone grayscale or color image. (Diffuse dithering: method for printing continuous tone images on a laser printer, in which the grayscale information is represented by randomly located printer dots.)
dot
Dots make up an image in color separations or halftones. Halftone dots will have a fixed density but variable size (amplitude modulation).
dot gain
The phenomenon that occurs when ink expands its coverage during printing onto a substrate; often caused by abnormal or excessive absorption by the substrate.
dot pitch
The distance between the dots on a computer monitor, typically 0.24 to 0.38 mm. The closer the dots the sharper the image on the monitor.
down-sampling
The process of receiving data from another computer, server, or system. The reduction in resolution of an image, necessitating a loss in detail.
dye
A colorant that does not scatter light but that absorbs [and therefore reflects] certain wavelengths [of the electromagnetic spectrum] and transmits others. Dyes are generally organic and generally soluble in water or some other solvent system; or they may exist in such a finely dispersed state that they do not scatter light and behave as though they were in solution. The dividing line between a dye and a pigment may, therefore, be indefinite and dependent on the particular total system involved.
dye sublimation
An imaging process that vaporizes colorant with heat and pressure, and deposits it on to a substrate in order to achieve a continuous tone image.
dynamic range
The measurable difference between the brightest highlight and the darkest value.
edition
The aggregate of identical prints produced from a single matrix (see also "open edition," "limited edition," and "variant edition").
(EPS) encapsulated Postscript file
An Adobe graphic file format. EPS translates graphics and text into a code, which can be read by the printing system. EPS files hold both low-resolution "viewfiles" and high-resolution PostScript image descriptions. A vector-based, computer graphics file format developed by Adobe Systems. EPS is the preferred format for many computer illustrations because of its efficient use of memory and fine color control.
expanded-gamut printing
Printing system wherein manufacturers add additional colors of ink to expand the range of the standard cyan, magenta, yellow, black (CMYK) inkset. Lighter densities of cyan and magenta (LC, LM) and orange and green (O, G) and multiple blacks are the most popular.
fading
A subjective term used to describe the lightening of the hue of a colorant following exposure to the effects of light, heat, time, temperature, chemicals, and so on.
feathering
A technique in many image-editing programs that allows for the softening of the edge around a selection.
filters
Software or subprograms within image manipulation software that employ algorithms to control modifications to digital images by altering the values or arrangement of entire or selected areas of an image.
format
Characteristic identifying size of printer, media, or graphic, according to width of media roll, printer's print area, or graphic. "Medium Format" is generally taken to be between 11-24" in width; "Large Format" (Wide Format), larger than 24" in width; and "Grand Format," larger than 72" in width.
four-color process
A system of printing colors by printing dots of magenta, cyan, yellow and black.
fractal
A mathematically generated pattern that is reproducible at any magnification or reduction, and repeats infinitely.
frisket
A paper or liquid masking device (see also "mask").
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
The method for uploading and downloading files to/from Internet server systems.
gamma
A mathematical curve representing both the contrast and brightness of an image. The steepness of the curve indicates greater contrast calculated as a trigonometric tangent function.
gamut
A finite or limited range of colors provided by a specific input or output device, or by a set of colorants.
gamut compression
The editing of an image to reduce the color gamut so that the image can be displayed or output within the limits of a particular device.
gaussian blur
An image-softening effect used in digital imagery. Named after French Mathematician Carl Friedrich Gausse.
giclée
- A print made by a digital process, typically inkjet.
- A copy (typically identical) of an original work of art (as a painting) that was created separately and then reproduced digitally, specifically by inkjet printing. First used in this context by Jack Duganne in 1991 to describe prints made on an IRIS inkjet printer. Pronounced [ zhee-clay ].
A non-text item (illustration or photograph) or nontext component of an image.
graphics tablet
An input device that uses a stylus or specialized mouse to write or draw on the tablet surface to communicate with the computer.
halftone
The process of reproducing a continuous tone image as a series of various sized dots within a fixed grid that can be reproduced with ink. The finer the dot grid, the higher the quality of the reproduction.
highlight
The lightest area within an image. Also called "specular reflection."
histogram
A graphical display that represents the distribution of tones within an image. The horizontal coordinate represents each pixel value possible from black to white. The vertical values indicate the number of pixels in the image that occur at each value level.
HLS (Hue, Luminance and Saturation)
A color model based on these three coordinates of color, where hue is the dominant color, saturation is color purity, and luminance is the light/dark characteristic of the color.
HSB (Hue, Saturation, and Brightness)
A color model that utilizes Hue, Saturation, and Brightness as the three coordinates, where Hue is the dominant color, Saturation is the purity of color, and Brightness is a neutral scale of how light or dark a color is.
hue
The attribute of color by means of which a color is perceived to be red, yellow, green, blue, purple, etc.
impact printing
Process of applying ink to a substrate utilizing physical contact between some part of the printing device and the substratee.g., offset, lithography, and flexography (see also "non-impact printing").
ink
A fluid or viscous substance used for writing or printing. In digital printing, the substance in inkjet printing (liquid or solid) that gets sprayed onto the medium; made up of a colorant, a solvent, or vehicle, and various additives.
inkjet
A digital printing technology that uses nozzles to spray ink onto a surface.
inkjet printer
A type of printer that sprays tiny spurts of ink onto coated paper.
interpolation
A technique for increasing the size of a graphic file by creating pixels. Also an extrapolation algorithm. There are two types, sequential and bi-cubic. Note: increasing the size of an image by interpolation does not increase or enhance the ability to resolve the detail in that image. It only makes the details that are already present larger.
IRIS or IRIS print
The branded inkjet printer that produced the early "digital fine art prints" and for which the term "giclée" was first used. Currently no longer being manufactured.
jaggies
The effect caused by images or lines being rendered at too low a resolution. It can easily be defined as a stair-stepped effect giving the line or image a rough appearance.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
Standardized image compression format developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group. Usually used for compressing full-color or grayscale images.
Kelvin
The name of the absolute temperature scale. Used in imaging to define the quality of a light source by referring to the absolute temperature of a black body that would radiate equivalent energy. Generally, a tungsten reading lamp is rated at 2800 degrees Kelvin, while TV or film quartz lights are rated at 3200 degrees Kelvin, and outdoor light averages around 5600 degrees Kelvin. The higher the Kelvin temperature the more bluish the light appears.
laminate
A clear coating of a variety of possible substances, usually plastic, that is applied to one or both sides of a medium after printing for reasons of durability.
lamination
Bonding one product to another by pressure for protection or appearance.
large-format
A printer, media, or print 24" or greater in width.
laser printer
A laser printer uses a laser beam to write on a photo-conductive revolving drum that is coated with toner, which is a fine, black powder. After the image is transferred to paper it passes through a pair of heated rollers or a fuser that melts the toner, fusing it with the paper fibers.
lenticular
A technology to create print images that appear to encompass actual depth and/or animation, by "stripping" the image and placing the printed image behind a specially stripped lens material.
lightfast
Resistant to the destructive action of light.
limited edition
A number of multiples or identical artworks that are produced from a single master or matrix, all of which depict the identical image, and which may bear the artist's signature and numbers indicating the unique number of the specific print as well as the stated maximum number of prints in the edition (see also "edition" and "open edition").
line art (or line drawing)
- Single color diagrams or drawings.
- An image that requires sharp edges and high contrast between areas of the image that have ink and those areas that do not have ink. A drawing that consists only of black and white with no intermediate grayscale information. These images require a higher resolution to create the sharpness that is necessary.
LPI (Lines Per Inch)
Measurement of resolution on a traditional printing press. The number of lines per inch on a halftone screen. As a general rule, the higher the lpi, the higher the printed resolution and quality.
mask
A special effect that can modify images so that only part of the image can be seen, or so that the image blends into the background.
master
See "matrix."
matrix
Traditionally, the plate or surface upon which an image is inscribed in order to hold ink for the purpose of transferring the image to the substrate or paper. In digital terms the matrix becomes the electronic file located on a computer's hard drive or resident memory or stored on a disk or CD. This matrix is made up of binary encoded information that can describe how the image file should appear on the digital raster screen or print.
media
Another term for substrate; the materials to be printed, such as watercolor papers, canvas, copper, wood veneer, cotton, or plastic. The common term used in digital printing.
microporous
Refers to inkjet media with a receptor coating containing voids that the ink fills, rapidly absorbing the ink within the media rather than simply applying it to the surface of the media. This rapid absorption essentially makes it instantaneously "dry" to the touch.
midtones
Tones in an image that are in the middle of the tonal range, halfway between the lightest and the darkest. Also called "middle values."
moiré
An undesirable artifact or pattern that can appear in output film, or a created special effect. It appears as a regular pattern of "clumping" of colors. A moiré pattern is created by juxtapositions of two repetitive graphic structures. An often undesirable element in a digital scan, but a natural visual occurrence created when similar patterns are superimposed and a third pattern is inferred wherever the two similar patterns do not completely match.
monochrome
An image made of a range of only one color.
monoprint
One of a series in which each print has some differences of color, design, texture, etc. applied to an underlying common image.
monotype
A one-of-a-kind print made by painting on a smooth metal, glass, or stone plate and then printing on paper. The pressure of printing creates a texture not possible when painting directly on paper. Sometimes called a "unique edition."
montage
The seamless combination of divergent images into a singular image.
non-impact printing
A printing process that transfers the ink to the media (paper or other) without pressure (see also "impact printing").
nozzle
In inkjet printing, the orifice in the printhead from which ink droplets are ejected.
opacity
The measure of the amount of light that can pass through a material. Also, the property of a film that prevents "show through" of dark printing or marks on a substrate (media). The degree to which a material obscures a substrate, as opposed to transparency, which is the degree to which a material does not obscure a substrate. Also "hiding power."
open edition
An edition or set of identical prints from a single master or matrix that is not limited in number (see also "edition" and "limited edition").
optical resolution
The maximum physical resolution of a device. Optical resolution provides better quality than interpolated resolution (of the same number), which uses software to create additional image information.
output
In digital printing technology, to translate information from the computer to an external device (e.g., a printer or monitor); to print. Also, the visual display of digital information or that which is printed or displayed.
palette
The number of colors a device is capable of displaying and producing. Also the tools used in paint programs.
PDF (Portable Document File)
A proprietary format developed by Adobe Systems for the transfer of designs across multiple computer platforms.
photograph
An image or picture made by photography, whether traditional or digital (see "photography").
photography
The art or process of capturing an image onto a recording medium (whether photographic film or image sensor/detector) by the action of light or other radiant energy with the aid of a camera or other device.
PICT
A picture file format.
piezoelectric (or piezo)
An inkjet printing technology that uses electricity to "fire" the nozzle.
pigment
Colorant consisting of particles made up of many synthetic dye molecules or carbon black. Generally more stable than dyes of the same color. Pigmented inkjet inks are credited with better longevity and may have a narrower color gamut. Finely ground insoluble dispersed particles that, when dispersed in a liquid vehicle, can be made into a paint or ink.
pixel
Term derived from: picture(pic or pix) element …"pixel." Refers to the simplest or smallest element of a digital image.
pixel depth
The amount of data used to describe each colored dot on the computer screen. Example: monochrome is 1 bit deep, grayscale is 8 bits deep, RGB is 24 bits deep. Images to be printed as CMYK separation should be 32 bits deep (see also "bit depth").
plotter
A term applied to a peripheral unit that, through computer control, prints data via the Cartesian (X/Y) coordinate system.
portrait, portrait mode
The orientation of an image that is taller than it is wide; a setting controlling an output device to properly fit a computer document to the print medium.
postcoat
Clear material applied as a final coat to protect prints or artwork.
posterization
An effect created by having a limited number of levels or gradient steps within an image. This may be a planned/desired effect, or it may be a mistake requiring correction.
PostScript
A page description programming language created by Adobe that is device independent. PostScript is an industry standard for outputting documents and graphics.
PPI (pixels per inch)
A measure of resolution or density of pixels in a digital image.
- In the context of fine art, an original work of art (as a woodcut, lithograph, photograph, or digital print) where the art object or artwork does not exist until it is printed. The print is made directly from the matrix by the artist or pursuant to his/her directions. Also known as "fine print," "work on paper," and "original print."
- A physical image, usually on paper, produced by, but not limited to, such processes as etching, lithography, serigraphy, relief printing, photography, or digital methods. Prints are usually, but not always, produced on paper and in multiples. Traditional, photographic, and digital processes can be used to produce prints.
The ability of digital printing to produce prints individually or sporadically over an extended period of time, with consistency. This allows orders of a small number of prints when needed"print on demand."
print permanence
The resistance of a print to physical change of any type, from any source, be it light, heat, acids, etc.
print service provider (PSP)
A commercial, digital printing agency or firm that takes an artist's image file and prints it to the artist's specifications.
printer driver
Printer-specific software that allows a computer to communicate with the printer. If available, provided by the printer manufacturer (see also "RIP").
printhead
Part of a digital printer that is directly responsible for applying ink to a medium.
printing
The process of applying ink to a substrate.
printmaker
A person producing actual prints from the artist's master file, under the artist's supervision.
proof
A preliminary print used to evaluate aspects of the image (color, density, resolution, etc.) prior to final printing.
quadtone inks
Special multi-monochromatic (B&W) inksets.
raster
A horizontal row of pixels on a screen. The process of rendering an image or page, pixel by pixel, in a sweeping horizontal motion, one line after another.
raster image
An image that is defined as a collection of pixels arranged in a rectangular array of lines of dots or pixels (see "bitmap").
rasterization
Changing vector-type image information to raster image information.
rendering
Applying shading and lighting effects to a two dimensional image.
reproduction
A copy of an original work of art. In the context of digital art, a copy of artwork that already exists in some other original form or material (painting, drawing, et al.) prior to the fixing of the image of that original work on the current printing matrix (see also "giclée").
resampling
Changing the resolution of a bitmap file without altering its physical size.
resolution
A definition of resolution in terms of pixels per inch, or pixel density. Refers to the number of smallest discernable dots or pixels. A measurement of the "fineness" of detail reproduction given in line pairs per mm, or pixels per inch (see "DPI" and "PPI").
RGB
A color model using red, green, and blue; the additive primary colors. Video display systems use RGB data to create screen images.
RIFF (Raster Image File Format)
A storage format used with grayscale images. In Corel Painter the RIFF format is used to save color image files that retain all of the Painter capabilities such as "wet canvas" and active layers. Saving in any other format disallows further modifications and interaction with these tools.
RIP (Raster Image Processor)
"Bridge" software allowing the computer to give specific instructions to a printer. Often includes add-on features such as color-calibration routines and various tools.
saturation
A measure of purity of color. Saturated colors contain pure color only; colors desaturate to gray. Saturation is a measure of the degree of pureness or movement away from gray. The amount of gray in a color. More gray means lower saturation; less gray means higher saturation. If a color has no saturation, it is a shade of gray. Saturation is also the degree to which a color is undiluted by white light (see "chroma").
scale
To enlarge or reduce an image by increasing or decreasing the number of scanned pixels or the sampling rate, relative to the number of samples per inch needed by the printer or other output device (see also "interpolation").
scan
The process of translating a picture from reflective art or transparency into digital information.
scanner
A hardware peripheral that illuminates, reads, and then converts original text, artwork, or film into digital data. Types of scanners include flatbed, film, and drum.
selection
Any of several processes by which the digital artist can isolate a portion of a digital image in order to perform additional work or protect the selected area from manipulations applied to the remaining "unprotected" areas. Similar to frisket paper and masking tape in traditional painting.
service bureau
A company that typically offers custom print-output production services, which can include digital color graphics.
sharpen edges
An image-editing technique to enhance the edges of an object.
sharpening
- A picture enhancement making the image have more distinct borders, areas, lines, or tones.
- An option on some scanners that emphasizes detail by increasing the contrast of the boundaries between light and dark areas of an image.
signed
Carrying an original signature of the artist. In law:
- Autographed by the artist's own hand, and not by mechanical means of reproductions, and if a multiple, after the multiple was produced, whether or not the master was signed. [ Iowa civil code] [ Georgia code similar]
- The artist signed the print multiple by hand to signify the artist's examination and approval of the print. "Signed" does not mean the act of leaving an impression of the artist's name upon the print by any mechanical process. [ Hawaii civil code]
SLR
Single Lens Reflex, a form of small format (35mm or 6cm) camera that has a reflecting mirror that retracts when the shutter is released. An SLR allows the photographer to view the image exactly as it will be framed in the photo.
soft proof
Viewing a digital image with a monitor instead of generating a hard copy proof. Can be done from a remote location via the Internet.
stylus
A tool that is used on a graphic input tablet as a drawing instrument, or as a mouse.
subsampling
Scanning at a less-than-optimum sampling rate.
substrate
Ultimately, the material that receives the printed image. Sometimes called "media" in digital printing. The single or multi-layered base material of the medium, which can have a very simple or complex structure and is a carrier for the coating, if present.
subtractive color / reflective color
The color mixing system associated with pigments, as opposed to pure light. The term refers to the CMYK color space used by conventional and digital printing devices to produce full-color printing. Theoretically, when all three subtractive primary colors are mixed together the resulting color is black (see also "CMYK").
subtractive primaries
The three colors that are used to create all other colors in color photographic printing (Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow).
thumbnail
A small low-resolution version of an image.
TIFF (Tagged Image Format File)
A file format for storage of digital images.
topcoat
The coating applied to the surface of inkjet or other type media during the manufacturing process. The topcoat enhances ink adhesion and other performance characteristics; it also helps to control dot gain, drying time, and moisture resistance.
ultraviolet light (UV)
Radiant energy with wavelengths slightly shorter than the visible spectrum.
unsharp mask
A sharpening process that first blurs the edges then subtracts the image from the blurred areas to yield an image of apparent enhanced sharpness.
UV ink
Term used in relation to ultraviolet properties in inkjet ink, in two different manners:
- ink that is resistant to UV light degradation, or
- ink that is "cured" or dried by exposure to UV light.
UV protective glaze
An acrylic sheet used in framing art. It has ultraviolet light inhibitors capable of filtering out 99 percent of UV rays (one of the causes of print fading).
UV resistance
The resistance of something to change under UV light sources including daylight.
variant edition
A set of prints of the same image but varying as to size, coloration, image consistency, materials, or being otherwise differentiated.
vector
A term given to a graphic drawing, specified as a color, start and end point, and applied to line segments, type, and tints.
vector graphics
Drawing software. Vector graphics files are usually stored in formats such as PICT or EPS. Any of a number of graphics formats including EPS(F) and DXF that describe objects on the screen not as colored pixels but as mathematically defined shapes. Vector graphics can be rescaled to any size without any effect to file size. Typically, vector graphics occupy less disk space than their bitmapped (rasterized) counterparts.
vector image
A computer image that uses mathematical descriptions of paths and fills to define the graphic, as opposed to individual pixels.
water-resistant
A surface that can resist dampness but not a soaking of water such as that tolerated by a waterproof surface. Generally implies a lesser degree of protection against water than the term "waterfast," but still improves the material's resistance to water damage.
waterfast
Resistant to the destructive action of water.
waterleaf paper
Papers made with little or no sizing.
watermark
A faint marking on the back of some photographic papers indicating that the picture was taken by a professional-photographer. Also, term for a faint image superimposed on a digital image to protect rights of ownership. An identifying mark or symbol imbedded in the substrate on which the art is made, usually referring to the maker of the substrate.
white
The result of combining the additive primary colors (Red, Green, and Blue). In the subtractive color mixing system, "white" is the result of the absence of any color.
white balance
The balancing of color components to create pure white when photographing or scanning a white object. A substitute for a color temperature setting.
white point
The color and intensity of a device's brightest white. With printers, this is usually the white of the paper. With scanners, the color that when scanned produces values of 255, 255, 255 (RGB). Ideally, the white point is 100 percent neutral reflectance or transmittance (see also "reflectance").
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get. Refers to the ability to output data from computers exactly as it appears on the screen.
The authors wish to thank the Digital Art Practices & Terminology Task Force (DAPTTF) and Committee Chairman John Shaw for granting us permission to publish an excerpt of the DAPTTF Glossary. For more information or to view the entire glossary, visit www.dpandi.com/DAPTTF.
