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Graphic Design vocabulary · Design Software & Tools

Opacity

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/oʊˈpæsəti/nounCommon term

In graphic design, opacity means: How solid or see-through an element is, usually set as a percentage: 100% is completely solid and 0% is invisible.

In Turkish: opaklık, saydamlık ayarı

How it is used

Used in all design software and in CSS. You lower, reduce or set the opacity of a layer or object; designers also say transparency. In print, low-opacity effects should be checked on a proof.

Example sentences

  1. Set the pattern to 15% opacity so it doesn't compete with the text.

  2. Lower the opacity of the black overlay; the photo is too dark now.

Common collocations

  • lower the opacity
  • 50% opacity
  • opacity setting
  • full opacity
  • layerOne level in a design file that holds its own elements, stacked on top of others like transparent sheets, so each part can be edited, hidden or moved separately.
  • gradientA smooth change from one colour to another, or from a colour to transparent, across a shape or background.
  • clipping maskA software feature that uses one shape or layer to show only part of another image or object, hiding everything outside the shape without deleting it.
  • 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.

More terms: Design Software & Tools

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