The cumulative degradation of a digital image file that occurs when it is repeatedly compressed, re-saved, or transferred across platforms. In prepress workflows, this results in visible artifacts, banding, and loss of edge sharpness, especially in lossy formats like JPEG. It forces prepress operators to request original, uncompressed master files for high-quality print reproduction.
The client sent a logo they have been passing around on WhatsApp for a year, and the digital decay is so bad I can't even separate the colors.
Also heard as
- generation loss
Related terms
Dither
To simulate unavailable colors or continuous tones by arranging pixels of available colors in a pattern.
Camera-ready
The final state of a document or layout when it is fully prepared to be photographed for plate-making.
Master copy
The definitive original document from which all subsequent duplicates or plates are made.