We have the word additive as in "An additive process" or "additive manufacturing".
Why do we not have the antonym subtractive?
This seems relevant to styles of coding
. Especially in css.
When building for mobile first, the process of making it desktop compatible is additive. Adding or including assets as the page expands. While building desktop first, the process of making it mobile compatibile would be subtractive. Removing or hiding elements or assets as the page collapses.
It could also be used when talking about SVGs or other image manipulation tools when subtracting a layer mask. "Additive blending" is used to describe "Linear Dodge". Additive gradients are also discussed.