In design terms, what does 'stroke' refer to?

In design, 'stroke' refers specifically to the outline characteristics of an object. This encompasses the width, color, pattern, and style of the line that defines the outer edge of shapes and text. A stroke can enhance visual appeal and help to differentiate elements within a design, making it a vital component in graphic and digital design.

When creating designs, understanding how to manipulate stroke properties, such as adjusting its thickness or style (solid, dashed, etc.), enables designers to convey emphasis and style effectively. While aspects like color and fill are important, they pertain to the interior area of objects rather than their outlines, which is precisely what stroke addresses. This clarity in definition helps designers apply strokes intentionally to achieve their desired artistic expression or visual hierarchy in a composition.