Foreground

Foreground refers to the part of a scene that is nearest to the viewer. In visual art and photography, the foreground is contrasted with the middle ground and background to create depth, scale, and focus. Foreground elements often anchor a composition, provide texture or color, and can frame or lead the viewer’s eye toward the main subject that lies in the middle ground or background.

Compositionally, artists use overlap, perspective, and contrast to integrate the foreground with other planes. A foreground subject—such as a rock, plant, or person—can give immediacy and context, while lighting and texture in the foreground enhance three-dimensionality. Depth of field controls the visibility of foreground details; a shallow depth of field softens the foreground to emphasize the subject, whereas a large depth of field keeps foreground and distant elements in focus.

In film, foreground elements frame a shot, create layering, and guide attention through camera angles and blocking. In digital imaging and computer graphics, the foreground is the layer closest to the camera; depth cues, occlusion, and rendering order are used to separate it from the background.

In user interfaces and environmental design, foreground elements are those that users interact with directly or that appear closest within a scene, while background elements provide context or scenery.