Keying is a term that can be approached from various perspectives, depending on the context in which it is used. One of the most common uses of the term is in the field of filmmaking and graphic design, where it refers to a special effects technique used to remove a selected object from the background of an image. This technique involves isolating the color of the object using chroma keys and special digital post-production techniques, and then replacing it with a virtual background or scene. Keying allows filmmakers to create scenes that would be impossible to create in a physical environment and has been used in classic works of animation such as Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and more recent works such as The Matrix (1999). Another use of the term keying is in the field of computer science, where it refers to the process of entering a unique combination of symbols into a database. This particular usage has become common in business settings, especially in the context of data management. Keying can also refer to the process of entering information into a computer system or document using a device such as a keyboard. In various languages, the word keying can be translated to different words such as Tastatur (German), Tastatura (Romanian), and Teclado (Spanish). From a historical perspective, the term keying has had a long and complex evolution. In its earliest usages, the term referred to the process of unlocking a door, chest, or box. From there, the term gradually took on a more general meaning and is now used to describe any process of inserting a key into a lock. In this contemporary usage, the term carries the connotation of opening something and providing access. This access may be physical, metaphorical, or both. In summary, keying is a term that can refer to a special effects technique used in filmmaking and graphic design, the process of entering information into a computer system or document, the process of entering a unique combination of symbols into a database, or the process of unlocking a door, chest, or box. The term has had a long and complex evolution and can be translated to different words in various languages.
special effects, filmmaking, graphic design, computer science, data management, keyboard, unlocking, access
CITATION : "Matthew Lopez. 'Keying.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=343554 (Accessed on August 02, 2025)"
Classifying the word Keying as a verb, it is an action verb pertaining to the process of unlocking, or entering information into a system, often referring to the use of a key. Synonyms may include unlocking, entering, or operating. Antonyms could be blocking or denying access. Cognates would be other words referring to the use of a key or similar instrument including typing, coding, or encrypting. Variants of keying may include keyboarding, typoing, and encrypting.
Search terms such as unlocking codes, access control, keystrokes, data entry, systems entry, and encryption.
The word Keying is a relatively recent addition to the English language, yet it has had a long and complex evolution. This can be seen in historical documents from the 16th century, which contain references to 'keying' as an activity. In its earliest usages, the term 'keying' referred to the process of unlocking a door, chest, or box. From there, the term gradually took on a more general meaning and is now used to describe any process of inserting a key into a lock. In this contemporary usage, the term carries the connotation of opening something and providing access. This access may be physical, metaphorical, or both. From a morphological perspective, “Keying” can be broken down into two separate morphemes: ‘key’ and ‘ing.’ The root morpheme ‘key’ has a long and ancient linguistic history, while the present-tense morpheme ‘ing’ has remained largely unchanged since at least the 14th century. A further, more contemporary usage of ‘keying’ is in computer science, where the term is used to describe the process of entering a unique combination of symbols into a database. This particular usage has become common in business settings, especially in the context of data management.
Etymology, Morphology, Keying, Phonology, Semantics, Pragmatics
Keying is a process in which a person uses a device, such as a keyboard, to enter information into a computer system, or to enter text into a document. In various languages, the word Keying can be translated to Klawiatura (Polish), Tastatur (German), Tastature (Norwegian), Puket (Finnish), Klavier (Swedish), Tasto (Italian), Teclado (Spanish), Clavier (French), and Tastatura (Romanian). Keying is also known as Keyboarding, Typing, Tecla, Claver, Teclado, Escritura, Klawiatura, Tastatur, and Tastature. It can also be referred to as Clavado, Teclado, Escritura, Tasto, Klaviatura, Puket, and Klavier.
Klawiatura, Tastatur, Tastature, Puket, Klavier, Tasto, Teclado, Clavier, Tastatura, Keyboarding, Typing, Tecla, Claver, Escritura, Clavado, Klaviatura
Keying is a special effects technique used in graphic design and filmmaking to remove a selected object from the background of an image. This technique has been used in classic works of animation such as Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and more recent works such as The Matrix (1999). In keying, the color of the object is isolated by using chroma keys and special digital post-production techniques. The object is then replaced with a virtual background or scene. This digital manipulation allows filmmakers to create scenes that would be impossible to create in a physical environment.
Green screen, blue screen, chroma key, alpha channel, matte.
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