A thumbnail is a small image representation of a larger image, usually intended to make it easier and faster to look at or manage a group of larger images. Graphic designers and photographers typically use this term.
- What is thumbnail graphic design?
- Why are images called thumbnails?
- What is the difference between a thumbnail and a comp?
- Why do designers use thumbnail sketches?
What is thumbnail graphic design?
Thumbnails are small, quick design ideas that a graphic designer sketches. Thumbnailing helps designers to get their ideas out and allows them to hone in on particular concepts that they want to work on further. In a way, thumbnailing is similar to a brainstorming session with design.
Why are images called thumbnails?
Origin of the term thumbnail
It's a reference to the human thumbnail and is used to describe the small size of an image, as in it's so small it's the size of a thumbnail. This term was used in this way to refer to images back in the 17th century.
What is the difference between a thumbnail and a comp?
Whereas designers start brainstorming layouts and designs with a pencil in hand, producing doodles that may be incomprehensible to anyone else, a composite, or comp for short, takes your thumbnail sketch and makes it presentable for a client to see.
Why do designers use thumbnail sketches?
It's a process by which team members sketch small thumbnail drawings. The purpose is for team members to immediately sketch their ideas on the thumbnails, without going into the details. Artists use this method to get a preview of what their artwork will look like before they actually start working on it.