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Graphic Design vocabulary · Print Production

Dot gain

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In graphic design, dot gain means: An increase in the effective size or coverage of printed halftone dots.

In Turkish: nokta kazancı, tram büyümesi

How it is used

Use when printed tones reproduce darker than the nominal dot values suggest.

Example sentences

  1. Dot gain made the middle tones darker on this uncoated stock.

    Increased effective dot coverage changes the reproduced tonal values.

  2. The proofing setup accounts for the press's expected dot gain.

    A production characteristic is included in the predicted print appearance.

Common collocations

  • compensate for dot gain
  • dot gain curve
  • tintA lighter version of a colour made by adding white, or in print by using a percentage of the ink, for example a 20% tint of the brand blue.
  • offset printingA common commercial printing method in which ink is transferred from metal plates to a rubber blanket and then onto paper. It is cost-effective for large quantities.

More terms: Print Production

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