AAbsorbency
The property of paper which causes it to take up liquids or vapors in contact with it.
Acid Free Paper
Paper which is free from acid or other ingredients likely to have a destructive effect; also called Neutral pH Paper or Alkaline Paper.
Adobe Type fonts
A collection of fonts manufactured by Adobe. Many consider these the industry standard.
Align
To line up.
Alteration
In composition, any change made in the copy after it has been typeset.
Application File
A computer file still in its native software format (a PageMaker file, a Quark file, etc.).
Archival Paper
Acid-free paper made to resist disintegration, used for records that must last.
Artwork
All original copy, including type, photos and illustrations, intended for printing. Also called art.
BBackup
The process of copying files and/or programs from a hard drive to an external medium to prevent the need to recreate in the event the original is lost, damaged or destroyed.
Base Color
A first color used as a background on which other colors are printed.
Baseline
In composition, the line on which the bottoms of letters rest, exclusive of descenders which fall below the baseline.
Bitmap
An electronic image made up of dots that are stored as either black or white (off or on). Each of these dots is equal to 1 bit of data.
Bitstream fonts
A collection of fonts manufactured by Bitstream.
Black and White
Originals and reproductions in single color, as distinguished from multicolor.
Blank
Category of paperboard ranging in thickness from 15 to 48 points.
Bleed
Any image that extends beyond the trim edge of the page.
Blocking Out
Eliminating undesirable backgrounds and portions of negatives by opaquing the image; also called Opaquing and Spotting Out.
Blowup
An enlargement, usually used with graphic images or photographs
Board Pap
General term for paper over 110# index, 80# cover or 200 gsm that is commonly used for displays. Also called paperboard.
Body
The main text of work not including the headlines.
Boldface (bf)
Heavy-faced type
Border
A printed line or design surrounding an illustration or other printed matter.
Bottom Margin
The margin at the bottom of a page; also called Foot Margin or Tail Margin.
Bullets
Round solid dots available in a variety of sizes; set on the vertical center of the type body size; used to set off items in an indented list.
CCamera-ready Copy
Material ready for reproduction. Also called finished art and reproduction copy.
Cap and Lower Case (C and LC)
Marking on a manuscript calling for the use of capital and lower case letters; all primary words in a sentence begin with a capital letter.
Caption
The description accompanying an illustration, for explanation or identification.
Cast Coated
Coated paper dried under pressure against a polished cylinder, to produce a high gloss, enamel finish.
Character
A letter, number, punctuation mark, space or special graphic used for the production of text.
Character Count
The total number of characters in a specified segment of copy.
CMYK
Abbreviation for cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black), the four process colors. used together in printing to effectively create a multitude of other colors.
Coating
(1) The mineral substances such as china clay, blanc fixe, satin white, etc. used to cover the surface of paper, thus making the coated surface of enameled papers. (2) In photography and photomechanics, application of varnishes and other mixtures to plates and negatives (3) Application of light-sensitive solutions to plate surfaces. (4) An emulsion, varnish or lacquer applied over a printed surface to give it protection.
Color Bar
A control strip printed on the edge of a press sheet, for visual and densitometer checking of ink color and density. It consists of small blocks of each color, graded halftone tints and overprints of the color.
Color Correction
To adjust the relationship among the process colors to achieve desirable colors.
Color Key
An overlay proof composed of an individual colored acetate sheet for each color; used to check register, obvious blemishes and size.
Color Perception
The manner in which the eye distinguishes color based on hue, brightness and saturation.
Color Process Printing
A reproduction of color made by means of photographic separations. The printing is done using cyan, magenta, yellow and black inks, each requiring its own negative; also called Process Color or Four Color Process.
Color Proofs
A set of color process proofs, consisting of proofs of each color, singly and in combination with other colors, as the job will be printed; also called Progressives or Progs.
Color Separation
(1) In photography, the process of separating full color originals into the primary printing colors, in negative or positive form, with one piece of film for each color. (2) For some kinds of color reproduction a paste-up artist can preseparate by using separate overlays for each color.
Color Swatch
A small, usually square, solid color block used to furnish a sample of the actual ink color to be reproduced.
Color Transparency
Film (transparent) used as art to perform color separations.
Compatibility
The ability of one computer to interconnect or share programs or data with one another.
Composite Proof
Proof of color separations in position with graphics and type. Also called final proof, imposition proof and stripping proof.
Compression
The process of manipulating the way data is stored through special software that allows files to be stored more compactly.
Condensed Face
A narrow version of a regular typeface; permits more characters in a given measure; about 60% of the width of standard characters.
Contact Print
A photographic print made from either a negative or a positive exposed in contact with sensitized paper or film; other common terms are PMT, T-Print, Stat, Contact and Velox.
Continuous Tone
Any image which has not been screened and contains gradient tones from black to white; may be a photograph, oil painting, wash drawing, etc.
Contrast
The degree of tones in an image ranging from highlight to shadow.
Corner Marks
Open parts of squares ( _| |_ ) placed on original copy as a positioning guide.
Crop
To eliminate certain areas of a photograph or other artwork.
Cutting Die
Usually a custom ordered item to trim specific and unusual sized printing projects.
Cyan
Process Blue; one of the four process colors.
C1S and C2S
Abbreviations for coated one side and coated two sides.
DData Compression
Technique of reducing the amount of storage required to hold a digital file to reduce the disk space the file requires and allow it to be processed or transmitted more quickly.
Delete
To omit from copy or film. The delete mark ( ) is used to designate the material to be omitted.
Density
(1) The specific gravity of paper, or weight per unit volume. (2) A measure of the degree of blackness. (3) The blackness and weight of type set in phototypesetting.
Descender
The portion of a lower case letter that extends below the main body, such as in g, j, p, q, and y.
Desktop Publishing
Use of personal computers and software applications that allow integration of text and graphics with true typesetting standards. Frequently abbreviated as DTP.
Die
Device for cutting, scoring, stamping, embossing and debossing.
Die Cut
To cut irregular shapes in paper or paperboard using a die.
Digital Proofing
Page proofs produced through electronic memory transferred onto paper via laser or ink-jet.
Dingbat
A typographical symbol or ornament; most common use is for decoration.
Display Type
(1) Typefaces designed for use in headlines or other non-text positions. (2) Large sizes of any typeface, 14 points or larger, as distinct from body text sizes which usually extend up to 12 or 14 points.
Double Column
Pages which consist of two vertical columns of type rather than type extending across the entire page. This glossary is double column.
Double Varnish
Two applications of press varnish.
DPI (dots per inch)
The unit of measure for output resolution, the dpi refers to the number of dots that will fit in an inch. DPI is also used to measure the quality of input when using a scanner. The DPI in this case, becomes a square function measuring the dots both vertically as well as horizontally. Consequently, when an image is scanned in at 300 dpi, there are 90,000 dots or bits of electronic data (300 x 300) in every square inch.
Drying Time
The time required for an ink to become rub-free or tack-free.
Dualtone
A halftone image reproduced using two colors.
Dull Finish
A smooth surfaced paper with a low gloss finish, on coated paper; slightly smoother than matte. Also called suede finish, velour finish and velvet finish.
Dummy
A preliminary layout showing the position of illustrations and text as they are to appear in the final reproduction. Also called mockup.
Duotone
A two-color halftone reproduction from a one-color original, requiring two halftone negatives for opposite ends of the gray scale, one emphasizing highlights and the other emphasizing shadows.
Duplex Paper
A paper or cover stock with a different color, finish or texture on each side, usually produced by laminating two sheets.
EEdit
To modify or revise existing text
Emulsion
Casting of light-sensitive chemicals on papers, films, printing plates and stencils.
Enamel
A high gloss coated paper or a coating material on a paper.
Enlargement
A reproduction larger in size than the original; also called Blowup.
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
A high-resolution, electronic file format used to transfer PostScript image information from one program to another. The file includes PostScript code and a low resolution (PICT) representation of the image.
Estimate
A price provided to a customer, based on the specifications outlined on the estimate form; it is normally sent prior to entry of an order and prices may change if the order specifications are not the same as the estimate specifications.
Ethernet
A local area network hardware standard capable of linking up to 1,024 nodes.
Exposure
A step in photographic processes during which light produces an image on the light-sensitive coating on film or plates; in photography, called Shot; in platemaking, called Burn.
FFast Color Inks
Inks with colors that retain their density and resist fading as the product is used and washed.
File
A collection of electronic information with a distinctive name which may be treated by the computer as a single unit.
Film
A thin, transparent plastic sheet that is coated with a photographic emulsion. After exposure, it is developed and processed to produce either a negative or a positive.
Finish
(1) Surface characteristics of paper. (2) General term for trimming, folding, binding and all other post press operations.
Finished Size
Size of product after production is completed, as compared to flat size. Also called trimmed size.
Fixed Costs
Costs that remain the same regardless of how many pieces are printed. Copyrighting, photography and design are fixed costs.
Flush
Even with; usually refers to typeset copy.
Flush Left
Typeset copy that is even with the left edge of the printing, or text, area.
Flush Paragraph
A paragraph with no indention; also called Block Style Paragraph.
Flush Right
Typeset copy that is even with the right edge of the printing, or text, area.
Font
A complete assortment of type of one size and face, containing all of the characters needed for ordinary composition.
Format
Size, style, shape, layout or organization of a layout or printed product.
Four Color Process
Technique of printing that uses black, magenta, cyan and yellow to simulate full-color images. Also called color process printing, full color printing and process printing.
GGloss
A paper's shine or luster, which reflects light.
Gloss Ink
Ink used and printed on coated stock (mostly litho and letterpress) such as the ink will dry without penetration.
Gradation
Variation in tonal values, from white to black.
Graphic Design
Arrangement of type and visual elements along with specifications for paper, ink colors and printing processes that, when combined, convey a visual message.
Graphics
Visual elements that supplement type to make printed messages more clear or interesting.
HHalftone
(1) To photograph or scan a continuous tone image to convert the image into halftone dots. (2) A photograph or continuous-tone illustration that has been halftoned and appears on film, paper, printing plate or the final printed product.
Hanging Indention
In composition, copy set with the first line flush and all others indented, such as this glossary.
Hard Copy
A printout, either low-res or high-res, accurately representing the electronic file. (A printer cannot be held liable for quality of high-resolution output if hardcopy is not provided with the disks.)
Hue
A specific color such as yellow or green.
IIllustrations
The drawings, photographs, etc., used to supplement the text of printed matter.
Image
(1) A picture formed by light, such as is projected from an illuminated piece of art by means of a lens. (2) The impression left by the projected light image on a photosensitive emulsion.
Image Area
The area inside the margins of a page.
Indent
To begin a line with a given amount of white space, such as paragraph indentation.
Ink Absorption
The degree to which ink will penetrate paper.
Ink Receptivity
The degree to which a paper resists or accepts ink penetration.
Ink-jet Printer
A non-impact printer that forms characters by the projection of a jet of fast-drying ink onto paper. Tiny streams of ink are shot onto the paper to create dot-matrix characters.
Italic
The style of letters that slope forward in distinction from upright or roman letters; used for words requiring emphasis.
JJob Number
An identification number assigned to a production order.
Justified
Text copy typeset flush to both left and right margins.
KKerning
In typesetting, adjusting the spacing between two characters so they appear closer together.
K
Abbreviation for black in four-color process printing. Hence the 'K' in CMYK.
LLaminate
A thin transparent plastic sheet (coating) applied to usually a thick stock (covers, post cards, etc.) providing protection against liquid and heavy use, and usually accents existing color, providing a glossy (or lens) effect.
Landscape
A page which has a greater width than height.
Laser Bond
Bond paper made especially smooth and dry to run well through laser printers.
Laser-imprintable Ink
Ink that will not fade or blister as the paper on which it is printed is used in a laser printer.
Laser Printer
A high speed computer printer that produces hard copy of computer data, using laser technology to project an intense light beam with a very narrow width. This light creates a charge on the printer drum that picks up the toner and transfers it to paper.
Layout
A sample of the original providing (showing) position of printed work (direction, instructions) needed and desired.
Leading
Amount of space between lines of type.
Letterspacing
The placing of additional space between each letter; sometimes used to fill out lines for justification.
Lightweight Paper
Paper in the 17-35 lb. weight range.
Logo
A company trademark
Lower Case (lc)
The small letters in type, as distinguished from capital letters.
LPI (Lines Per Inch)
The LPI is what defines the size of the halftone cell of an electronic image. A 150 linescreen image will have finer dots than a 133 linescreen image.
MMagenta
Process red; a purplish red; one of the four process colors.
Makeup
In composition, the arrangement of lines of type and illustrations into page form.
Margins
The white space around the printed matter on a page.
Matte Finish/Print
Dull paper finish without gloss or luster.
Monochromatic
Composed of tints and shades of a single color.
Monotone
Printed with a single color, black or any color.
Montage
A combination of related pictures, parts of pictures and/or pieces of copy appearing as one. See also: Collage.
Mount
A term referring to affixing camera-ready copy pages to a carrier sheet which provides registration to the Opti-Copy camera.
NNonimpact Printing
Printing using lasers, ions, ink jets or heat to transfer images to paper.
Nonreproducing Blue
Light blue that does not record on graphic arts film, therefore may be used to preprint layout grids and write instructions on mechanicals. Also called blue pencil, drop-out blue, fade-out blue and nonrepro blue.
OOdd Sizes
Any nonstandard paper
Old Style Numbers
In composition, a special design of numbers which are non-base aligned, for special effect.
Opaque
(1) Not transparent. (2) To cover flaws in negative with tape or opaquing paint. Also called block out and spot.
Original
The artwork, mechanical or other material furnished for printing reproduction; usually refers to photographs or drawings for halftone reproduction. More commonly called Photocopy or Camera-ready Copy.
Outlined Image
Letter forms that are defined by an outline and are hollow on the inside.
Overprint
To print one image over a previously printed image, such as printing type over a screen tint. Also called surprint.
PParagraph Indention
The amount of space, usually one em, preceding the first word of a paragraph.
Permanence
The degree to which a paper will resist changes in its properties and characteristics over a period of time.
Pigment
The fine solid particles used to give color, body or opacity to printing inks.
Pixel
Short for picture element, a dot made by a computer, scanner or other digital device. Also called pel.
PMS (Pantone Matching System)
An ink color system widely used in the graphic arts. There are approximately 500 basic colors, for both coated and uncoated paper. The color number and formula for each color are shown beneath the color swatch in the ink book.
Point
(1) Regarding paper, a unit of thickness equating 1/1000 inch. (2) Regarding type, a unit of measure equaling 1/12 pica and .013875 inch (.351mm).
Porosity
The property of paper that allows the permeation of air, gas or liquid, determined by the compactness of its fibers.
Portrait
A page which has a greater height than width.
Positive
A photographic image on paper, film or glass which corresponds to the original copy; the reverse of negative.
Printing
Any process that transfers to paper or another substrate an image from an original such as a film negative or positive, electronic memory, stencil, die or plate.
Process Colors
(1) Yellow (2) Cyan Blue (3) Magenta Red (4) Black. When these colors are used in various strengths and combinations, they make it possible to produce thousands of colors with a minimum of photography, platemaking and presswork.
Production Run
Press run intended to manufacture products as specified, as compared to makeready.
Proof
Test sheet made to reveal errors or flaws, predict results on press and record how a printing job is intended to appear when finished.
QQuality
A measure of the degree of perfection of all phases of printing reproduction.
Quality Control
In printing, the process of taking random samples during the run to check the consistency of quality routines.
Quark
A page layout software manufactured by Quark.A style of casebinding in which the backbone of the case is cloth or leather and the sides are paper or cloth.
Quotation
Price offered to produce a specific job.
RRagged Left
In typesetting, type that is justified to the right margin, unjustified on the left.
Ragged Right
In typesetting, type that is justified to the left margin, unjustified on the right; also called Unjustified.
Reproduction Proof (Repro)
Carefully printed proofs from type forms; used as camera copy for reproduction.
Reprographics
General term for xerography, diazo and other methods of copying used by designers, engineers, architects or for general office use.
Resolution
On printed media, it is the number of dots per inch; on a video monitor, it is the number of pixels per unit of measurement. Sharpness of an image on film, paper, computer screen, disc, tape or other medium.
Revised Proof
Any proof required after an earlier proof has been read and corrections made.
RGB
Abbreviation for red, green, blue, the additive color primaries.
Roman Numerals
Numerals made up by letter combinations, such as iv for the Arabic number 4; often used for numbering preliminary pages in a book.
SSans Serif
A style of type face distinguished by the absence of serifs, or ticks, on the ends of strokes.
Satin Finish
Alternate term for dull finish on coated paper.
Scaling
Determining the size which an image should be reduced or enlarged to fit a specified area without changing the ratio of the dimensions; also called Sizing.
Scanner
Electronic device used to scan an image.
Script
A type style which resembles handwriting.
Small Caps (sc)
An alphabet of small capital letters available in most type faces, approximately the size of the lower case letters; usually used in combination with larger capital letters.
Solid
(1) An area completely covered with ink. (2) The use of 100% of a given color.
Specifications
Complete and precise written description of features of a printing job such as type size and leading, paper grade and quantity, printing or binding method. Abbreviated specs.
Spot Color or Varnish
One ink or varnish applied to portions of a sheet, as compared to flood or painted sheet.
Stock
Paper or other material to be printed.
Substrate
Any surface or material on which printing is done.
Surface Texture
The relative roughness, smoothness or unevenness of the paper surface.
TTemplate
Concerning a printing project's basic details in regard to its dimensions. A standard layout.
Text
Straight type matter or body copy, as distinguished from headlines and subheads.
Tints
Various even tone areas (strengths) of a solid color.
Tolerance
The acceptable amount of variance from stated specifications.
Tone
(1) The shade, hue or degree of a color. (2) Short for Screentone.
Trim
To cut away the folded or uneven edges to form a smooth even edge
Trim Size
The final size of piece produced
TruType
A brand of fonts manufactured by TruType. A unique trait of TruType fonts is that both the screen and printer font are built into one font file.
Turn Around
The amount of time added to a schedule for customer approval of proof or printed material.
Type Face
A style or design of type encompassing shape, weight and proportions which make it distinct from other type faces.
Type Family
A group of typefaces that are similar in style, usually differing only in boldness and whether characters are straight (Roman) or inclined slightly (Italic).
Type Font
A complete assortment of any one size and style of type, containing all the characters for setting ordinary composition.
Typo
Short for typographical error.
UUnjustified
Type set with lines of unequal length. These lines will usually be aligned at the left; also called Ragged Right.
Upper Case (UC)
The capital letters in any font of type.
WWaterproof Paper
Paper which is coated then top-surfaced with casein or gum to make it waterproof.
Wordspacing
The placing of additional space between each word; sometimes used to fill out lines for justification.
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