Opacity

Opacity in graphic design refers to how opaque or transparent an object is in a design. It is the visual property that is responsible for deciding how much light passes through an object. Opacity works by affecting how apparent and visible an object is in the design.

Elements with higher opacity appear solid whereas those with lighter opacity appear transparent. It is an important technique in graphic design used to create layers, highlights, and gradients. Opacity is also used to create more balance and contrast in a design to make certain elements stand out more than the others.

What is Opacity in Graphic Design?

Opacity in graphic design is a visual property but can also be a technique, using which designers can create more depth and balance in their designs. There are three ways in which graphic designers use opacity-

• High opacity – It is when objects appear solid and block more light.
• Low opacity – It is when objects appear transparent and allow more light to pass through them.
• 100% opacity – It is when objects are completely solid and light cannot pass through them.

Opacity vs Transparency - What’s the Difference?

Opacity is how much light an object blocks whereas transparency is how much light an object allows to pass through it. They are opposite terms that are used in art and graphic design to create different types of effects. Opacity makes an object appear solid whereas transparency can make an object appear clear or translucent.

For example, when you set opacity to 60% in a design, it means you have blocked the majority of the light passing through it, allowing you to see beyond it partially. On the other hand, 0% opacity means that the object is transparent and you can clearly see what is beyond it.

Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.