Okuzeka
Graphic Design vocabulary · Colour Theory

Tint

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/tɪnt/nounCommon term

In graphic design, tint means: A 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.

In Turkish: açık ton, ton, tram

How it is used

Used in colour theory and print. Brand guidelines often allow tints of the main colours for backgrounds and tables; you apply, use or specify a tint. A shade is the opposite: a colour with black added.

Example sentences

  1. Use a 10% tint of the brand green as the background of the table.

  2. Very light tints can disappear on uncoated paper, so test them on a proof.

Common collocations

  • a 20% tint
  • apply a tint
  • tints and shades
  • colour tint
  • hueThe basic colour family of a colour, such as red, blue or green, without considering how light, dark or strong it is.
  • saturationHow strong or pure a colour is. High saturation gives bright, intense colours; low saturation makes colours look softer, greyer or more muted.
  • spot colourA specially mixed ink printed as a single solid colour instead of being built from CMYK dots, used for exact brand colours, metallics and neons. Pantone is the best-known system.
  • colour paletteThe limited set of colours chosen for a project or brand, usually with main colours, supporting colours and neutrals, so that all designs look consistent.

More terms: Colour Theory

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