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Graphic Design vocabulary · Image Formats & Resolution

Pixelated

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ˈpɪksəleɪtɪd/adjectiveCore term

In graphic design, pixelated means: Describes an image that shows visible square pixels and jagged edges, usually because a low-resolution file has been enlarged too much.

In Turkish: pikselleşmiş, pikselli, bulanık

How it is used

Very common in client and printer feedback. Images look pixelated, come out pixelated in print, or become pixelated when scaled up. Also spelled pixellated in British English.

Example sentences

  1. The logo on the banner came out pixelated because it was taken from the website.

  2. If you scale this photo up to A2 it will look pixelated.

Common collocations

  • look pixelated
  • come out pixelated
  • pixelated image
  • slightly pixelated
  • pixelThe smallest single point of colour in a digital image or on a screen. Raster images are made of thousands or millions of pixels arranged in a grid.
  • resolutionThe amount of detail in a digital image, shown by how many pixels it has or how many pixels or dots fit into one inch. Print usually needs about 300 dpi at final size.
  • DPIDots per inch: a measure of print resolution showing how many dots of ink fit into one inch. About 300 dpi at final size is the usual standard for sharp printed images.
  • vector graphicAn image made of points, lines and curves defined by mathematics rather than pixels, so it can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Logos and icons are usually vector graphics.

More terms: Image Formats & Resolution

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