halftoning
Simulating tones digitally
Halftoning is a printing technique that simulates continuous tones using patterns of dots.
By varying dot size or spacing, halftoning creates the illusion of shades between pure ink and bare paper.
Look closely at a newspaper photograph and you'll see the dot pattern.
The technique extends to digital image processing, where algorithms convert grayscale images to binary output for screens or printers that can only display pixels as on or off.
Small circular marks
- screeningEvaluative selection process
- ditheringProlonged indecisive hesitation
- frequencyRate of recurrence
- offsetCompensate by opposing force
lithography · CMYK · resolution · printmaking · raster · bitmap · threshold · inkjet
Small circular marks
- moireRippled textile finish
- screeningEvaluative selection process
- textureSurface tactile quality
- frequencyRate of recurrence
angle · rosette · elliptical · round · square · stochastic · ordered · random
Prolonged indecisive hesitation
- bitmapPixel-based image format
- pixelsDisplay's smallest points
- grayscaleTonal range, black to white
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
threshold · algorithm · posterization · quantization · gradient · banding · 8-bit · rendering
Carving into hard surfaces
- etchingAcid-incised metal print
- woodcutRelief print from timber
- lithographyGrease-based flat plate printing
- stippleMark with small dots
mezzotint · aquatint · intaglio · relief · photoengraving · letterpress · pop art · newsprint
dots
Small circular marks
- screeningEvaluative selection process
- ditheringProlonged indecisive hesitation
- frequencyRate of recurrence
offset · lithography · CMYK · resolution · printmaking · raster · bitmap · threshold · inkjet · laser printing
dots
Small circular marks
frequency · angle · rosette · elliptical · round · square · stochastic · ordered · random · crosshatch
dithering
Prolonged indecisive hesitation
resolution · threshold · algorithm · posterization · quantization · gradient · banding · 8-bit · rendering · antialiasing
engraving
Carving into hard surfaces
- etchingAcid-incised metal print
- woodcutRelief print from timber
- lithographyGrease-based flat plate printing
stipple · mezzotint · aquatint · intaglio · relief · photoengraving · letterpress · pop art · newsprint · silk screen
gradation
Incremental transition between stages
- grayscaleTonal range, black to white
- monochromeSingle-color rendering
- contrastNotable difference between things
value · highlight · shadow · midtone · lightness · darkness · tint · shade · luminance · density
- prepresspreflighting, preflight check, CMYK, cyan, yellow
- copiersphotocopier, copier, copy machine, duplicator, reproducer
- rasterizationpixel, pixels, scanline, scanlines, bitmap