01
Alignment
The placement of elements along a shared edge, center, axis, or optical relationship.
Proteus reference
Glossary
Language sharpens observation.
A compact vocabulary for naming the relationships designers learn to see.
02
Baseline
The invisible line upon which most letterforms sit.
03
Contrast
A perceivable difference that creates distinction, hierarchy, or emphasis.
04
Counter
The enclosed or partially enclosed space inside a letterform.
05
Grid
A system of spatial relationships used to align and organize content.
06
Hierarchy
The visible order of importance within information.
07
Hue
The family name of a color, such as red, green, or blue.
08
Kerning
The adjustment of space between one specific pair of characters.
09
Leading
The vertical distance from one baseline of text to the next.
10
Measure
The horizontal length of a line of text.
11
Negative Space
The active space surrounding and contained by forms.
12
Rhythm
A sense of patterned movement created through repetition and interval.
13
Saturation
The perceived intensity or purity of a color.
14
Scale
The size of an element in relation to another element or field.
15
Tracking
A consistent adjustment applied across the spacing of several characters.
16
Value
The relative lightness or darkness of a color.
17
Visual Weight
The degree to which an element attracts attention within a composition.
18
X-height
The height of a typeface’s lowercase x, used to describe apparent lowercase scale.