Definition:
Imagine a side view of a set of stairs and you may recognize stair stepping in graphics and layout. Stair stepping can be good or bad, depending on the context.
- When enlarged, bitmap images often exhibit jagged edges where the pixels look like stair steps. This unwanted feature can sometimes be alleviated through a process known as anti-aliasing.
- There are many ways to align text and images in a page layout. Stair stepping refers to words or pictures that are arranged on the page offset vertically and horizontally in a stair step fashion. While it can work, this type of alignment can also look forced, static, and boring. A more varied arrangement can add interest and make the page more dynamic.
- Adjustments to margins to compensate for creep in a booklet or similar document is also known as stair stepping. In this case, the method used to correct creep is a good thing.
Also Known As: 1) jaggies 2) staggered alignment 3) creep allowance
Alternate Spellings: stairstepping
