CDA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CDA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which resampling method produces the highest quality result when scaling down a raster element embedded within a vector illustration? → Bicubic
2. What is the FOUNDATION of effective quality assurance & improvement in Certified Digital Artist? → Clearly defined standards and measurable criteria
3. What does 'color temperature' refer to? → The warmth or coolness of a color
4. Which digital art tool helps correct perspective in an image? → Perspective Grid Tool
5. What is 'Image Trace' (formerly Live Trace) used for in Adobe Illustrator? → Converting raster images into editable vector paths
6. Which color scheme uses three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel? → Triadic
7. What is an 'orphan' in typography? → A single word or line from a paragraph carried to the top of a new column or page
8. Which design element refers to the surface quality or feel? → Texture
9. Which layout principle states that elements should be aligned to a common edge or axis to create visual order? → Alignment
10. In visual hierarchy, what does scale primarily communicate? → The relative importance of elements through size differences
11. What does 'complementary colors' mean? → Colors opposite on the wheel
12. Which file format supports transparency in digital art? → PNG
13. In Certified Digital Artist, how should quality assurance & improvement initiatives be prioritized? → Based on impact on outcomes, feasibility, and alignment with strategic goals
14. In motion graphics, what is a 'storyboard' primarily used for? → Planning visual sequences and timing before production begins
15. What does 'brand differentiation' mean in identity design? → Creating a visual identity that clearly distinguishes a brand from its competitors
16. In a typographic hierarchy, which element should typically have the largest visual weight? → Primary headline
17. What is a 'motion path' in animation software? → The visible trajectory line showing how an object travels through space over time
18. The Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator creates paths using: → Anchor points connected by segments
19. How does ongoing professional development support professional standards & ethics in Certified Digital Artist? → It keeps professionals informed of evolving standards and best practices
20. What does 'font weight' describe? → The thickness or heaviness of a typeface's strokes
21. How should documentation & reporting retention policies be determined in Certified Digital Artist? → Based on legal requirements, operational needs, and industry best practices
22. What is a 'compound path' in vector illustration? → Multiple paths combined to create holes or complex shapes
23. What is the primary purpose of visual hierarchy in design? → To guide the viewer's eye and prioritize information by importance
24. In Certified Digital Artist, how should leadership & management challenges be prioritized? → Based on potential impact, urgency, and alignment with strategic objectives
25. What is the advantage of using vector graphics over raster graphics? → Infinite scalability without quality loss
26. In print layout, what is the term for the area beyond the trim edge where background colors or images extend to prevent white borders after cutting? → Bleed
27. How should technology & tools upgrades be managed in a Certified Digital Artist environment? → Through a structured change management process with testing and rollback plans
28. What animation technique involves tracing over live-action footage frame by frame to create realistic motion? → Rotoscoping
29. In animation, what term describes the technique of defining the start and end positions of a movement, with intermediate frames generated automatically? → Tweening
30. What does the 'squash and stretch' animation principle communicate to the viewer? → Weight and flexibility of an object