Archives January 2023

One of the main differences between web design and graphic design is the medium in which they are used. Web design is creating a design for the web and online use, while graphic design is primarily designed for print. Graphic design doesn’t have to know about programming, speed, and other technical matters involved with web design. While graphic designs may be used on a website, the overall functionality and placement of those graphic designs are dependent on the web designer. Here are key differences between the two:

1. The technical skill level is different: Web designers must know about programming and be familiar with multiple programs that support web building. Graphic design doesn’t require that type of knowledge because, for the most part, graphic design is permanent. Designs can be customized without having to go through many limitations like web design.
2. Web is dynamic, graphic is permanent: Web design has its own ebb and flow, with the flexibility to adapt and change as needed. For the most part, graphic design creates permanent imagery that typically remains unchanged once it’s printed or produced.
3. Graphic design is static, and web design is interactive: Graphic design is not as interactive as web design. While you can see and touch it, the graphic does not change unless it’s animated. Web design requires the user to completely interact with the design by clicking buttons and other navigation to increase its functionality.
4. File size requirements: If someone is designing a graphic for the web, then pixels and DPI can become a factor. Images for the web have specific size and pixel guidelines, but off of the web, the image requires more pixels to properly display. Web design has to focus on these technical restraints like loading time and file size to keep the website functioning properly.
5. Typography limitations: Although there are numerous advances in web design, there are still limitations to typography. If a user’s browser does not recognize the typeface in their CSS, the font will be different from the initial design. While the web designer may have the font on their computer and use it in the design, this could cause problems if it is not a standard type font. In graphic design, if you have the font on your computer when using the typeface to print the design, everything comes out the same.
6. An ongoing relationship is required with web design: When a website is finished, that’s not the end. There are constant updates and maintenance needed for upkeep. Web design requires continuous involvement. Graphic design is not that demanding. Once the design is completed, it’s finished unless there are changes needed to the original design. It’s easy to make a quick change to a website, but making changes to a graphic design once printed can be costly.
7. They use different software: Web designers use programming and web building tools, while graphic designers use tools like Adobe or Canva to make their creations.
8. Web designers work with web developers: Web designers work with developers to bring their ideas to life in the form of code. Developers help designers understand the limitations that may be present based on the design they are attempting to create. Web designers work in tandem with others to figure out the goals and objectives of the website, giving their prototypes and wireframes to a web developer. Web development vs. graphic design is different because, unlike their process, graphic designers are the only artist creating their work. They are the idea behind the creative vision.

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https://mailchimp.com/resources/web-design-vs-graphic-design/

Mailchimp Staff
Jan 2023