Posted on

Design terms explained for non-designers

As you know we offer a free graphic design service. When you need a fresh design for your trade show backdrop we got you covered. Here are some design terms that can help when talking to our designers.

Resolution Terms

DPI, Raster, Vector, Enhance


Resolution refers to the amount of information an image includes. Low-resolution images appear blurred and pixelated. DPI is the measurement for resolution, or in other words, Dots Per Inch. The higher the number the better. It prints up until 300dpi and resolutions of lower or higher dpi will appear blurred. Printers still use dot pattern to transfer an image onto paper (or in our case fabric) so 300dpi means there are 300 dots in one inch of space which is ideal for print. However, 200dpi means 200 dots per inch and in most cases that will appear blurred.


We prefer to print Vector images because in a vector image the dots are mathematically calculated when it is scaled up so it always appears perfectly, no matter if you print the same image as an inch by inch or a 100ft by 100ft. Raster images are made of a series of pixels and scaling up usually yields a pixelated or blurred image. Enhancing an image refers solely to making a raster image brighter or using the contrast. Anyways, there is no software that can make a 2in by 2in 15o dpi image print any bigger than that.

Body Copy

Another well-used design term is body copy. It simply means the main text or content of a particular project or publication, website or brochure.


Color Palette

Matching colors chosen for your design. Choosing colors is important different colors have different emotions attached to them – Monochromatic.


Pantone (PMS)

The Pantone Color Matching System is largely a standardized color reproduction system. Moreover, by standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure their true colors match without direct contact with one another.


Stock Photos

Stock Photography is the supply of high-quality photographs, which are often licensed for specific uses. Here is an example of a stock photography site:  This is one of the very few free stock sites.


The style and appearance of print matters: At 3 to 5 feet away, text should be at least half an inch tall to ensure readability. That is anywhere between 24pt -36pt and up. Sans Serifs has a bit more detail, so they need to be displayed a bit bigger.