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Crease


From Design+Encyclopedia, the free encyclopedia on good design, art, architecture, creativity, engineering and innovation.
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Crease

Crease is a deliberate or unintentional linear indentation, fold, or mark created when a material, typically paper, fabric, or other pliable substances, is bent or compressed along a specific line. In design contexts, creasing serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, playing a crucial role in various disciplines from packaging design to fashion and architectural applications. The technique of creasing dates back to ancient paper-folding traditions, particularly evident in the Japanese art of origami, where precise creasing is fundamental to creating complex three-dimensional forms from flat sheets. In industrial design and packaging, creasing is executed through specialized tools and machinery that apply controlled pressure to create precise folds without damaging the material's integrity. The process involves displacing fibers or material structure along a predetermined line, facilitating clean, professional folds that enhance both the structural integrity and visual appeal of the final product. Professional designers must consider factors such as material thickness, grain direction, and intended functionality when implementing creases, as these elements significantly impact the success of the final design. In packaging design, creases are essential components that enable flat materials to transform into three-dimensional structures, with proper creasing preventing material cracking and ensuring smooth folding operations. The A' Design Award competition frequently recognizes innovative applications of creasing techniques in packaging and product design, highlighting how this fundamental element continues to evolve through creative applications and technological advancements. Modern digital design tools have revolutionized creasing techniques, allowing for precise calculations and implementations that optimize both aesthetic appeal and functional performance.

fold line, score mark, indentation, paper engineering, structural design, material manipulation, packaging design, origami

— Lucas Reed

252343

Crease

A crease is a fold or indentation in a material, typically paper, fabric, or synthetic materials. It is commonly used in design to create visual interest and add complexity to a design. Creases can be used to indicate a transition between one element and another, or as a visual indication of texture, density, and form. They can also be used to break up areas of design which are too static. In graphic design, the term crease is often used to describe a transition from one color or design element to another, creating the illusion of a folded or bent material. Creases can be created using digital design software such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, or by physically folding the material. Creases can serve a variety of purposes in design. They can be used to create a sense of depth and dimensionality, making a design appear more three-dimensional. They can also be used to emphasize certain aspects of a design, drawing the viewer's attention to specific elements. Additionally, creases can be used to create a sense of movement or flow within a design, guiding the viewer's eye along a specific path. In addition to their use in design, creases can also be found in a variety of other contexts. In clothing, for example, creases are often used to create a crisp, tailored look. In origami, creases are used to create intricate paper sculptures. In biology, creases can be found in the folds of the brain or the wrinkles of the skin. Overall, creases are a versatile design element that can be used to add visual interest and complexity to a design. Whether created digitally or physically, they can help to create a sense of depth, emphasize specific elements, and guide the viewer's eye along a specific path.

design, visual interest, depth, dimensionality, movement, clothing, origami, biology

— Christopher Taylor

233093

Crease

Crease is a term commonly used within the scope of graphic design. It is most often used to describe a transition from one color or design element to another. This transition is usually abrupt, appearing as if one of the elements has been bent or folded. The definition of Crease is further solidified by its usage in digital design softwares such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, where it has been used to create certain textures and effects on artwork.

Gradient, Blur, Contrast, Layer, Fading

— Rachel Lewis

CITATION : "Rachel Lewis. 'Crease.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/crease?E=233093 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"

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Crease

As a designer, the concept of crease is essential to understand in order to construct effective visual presentations. The crease is an element of design which refers to the application of folds, or curved indentations, to materials such as paper, fabric, or synthetic materials. The crease can be used to indicate a transition between one element and another, or as a visual indication of texture, density, and form. In this way, the crease can help to add a layer of complexity to a design and can emphasize certain aspects of the design. Additionally, the crease can be used as a tool to create visual interest and to break up areas of design which are too static.

Folding, Stitching, Embossing, Scoring, Pleating.

— James Wilson


Crease Definition

Crease on Design+Encyclopedia

We have 220,822 Topics and 478,829 Entries and Crease has 4 entries on Design+Encyclopedia. Design+Encyclopedia is a free encyclopedia, written collaboratively by designers, creators, artists, innovators and architects. Become a contributor and expand our knowledge on Crease today.