Graphic-web-print designing glossary/dictionary of terms
These terms are commonly used in the graphic design
and website design world.
D
Descender The part of a lowercase letter that falls below
the body (baseline) of the letter. "g", "j",
"p", "q" and "y" are all examples
of letters with descenders.
Dedicated Line A dedicated line is a permanent connection to
the Internet using an individual, separate phone line.
DHTML Stands Dynamic Hypertext Mark-up Language. DHTML
is an HTML extension that allows web pages to react to the end users'
input, such as displaying a web page based on the type of browser
or computer end users are viewing a page with.
Directory A directory (such as Yahoo, commonly mistaken
for a search engine) depends on people for listings. The main difference
between a search engine and a directory is that a directory does
not make use of a spider or robot. One of the defining characteristics
of a directory is that it is usually divided into categories.
Dithered/Dithering In order to display a full-color graphic image
on a 256-color monitor, computers must simulate the colors it cannot
display. They do this by dithering which is combining pixels from
a 256-color palette into patterns that approximate other colors.
At a distance, the human eye merges the pixels into a single color.
Up close, the graphic image will appear pixelated and speckled.
DNS Stands for Domain Name System. The DNS translates
URL text addresses (such as www.yahoo.com or www.google.com) into
a numeric Internet address (such as 201.214.12.6).
Doorway Page Web pages created specifically for search engine
positions. Also known as gateway page or a bridge page.
DPI Stands for dots per inch. DPI specifies the
resolution of an output device, such as a printer or printing press
machine. Print resolution usually runs from 300-1200 dots per inch
on a Laser Printer and 125-225 dots per inch for photographic images
on a print brochure. (For information on input device measurements
see ppi.)
Drop-Down Menu In an online form, a drop-down menu (also known
as a pull-down menu). If you click your mouse on the arrows, you
will be able to select a product or service. Drop-down menus are
commonly used for web site navigation.
Drop Shadow A drop shadow gives an image depth by creating
a shading offset behind a selected image.
Duotone The application of two colors to provide richer
tones than a monotone (single-color image, usually grayscale)
can provide. A good duotone image can simulate a wider range of
the color spectrum than two colors used separately. Duotones also
use a hue (color) to set the mood for a photo in a more stunning
way than a full-color image can.
| A
| B | C
| D | E
| F | G
| H | I
| J | K
| L | M
| N | O
| P | Q
| R |
| S | T
| U | V
| W | X
| Y | Z
|
