Author's Alterations (AA's) Changes a customer requests to be made to the original Artwork submitted. AA's can incur additional cost to the client.
B
Back Up 1) To print on the back of
a sheet that has already been printed on one side. 2) To adjust an image on one
side of a sheet so it aligns back-to-back with an image on the other side.
Bind To join Leafs or Signatures together with wire, glue or by some other means.
Bindery A department within a Printing company
that Collates, folds and trims various printing projects.
Blank Category of paperboard that ranges in thickness from 15 to 48 Points.
Blanket A rubber-coated pad that is mounted on a cylinder of an offset press,
which receives an inked image from a Plate and
transfers it to the surface on which the image will be printed.
Bleed A term for Printing that extends to the edge of a Page after trimming.
Blind Folio A Page of a book that is not numbered. (In books, for example, a blank page
traditionally does not have a page number.)
Blind Image An image that is Debossed, Embossed or stamped, but not printed with ink or foil.
Blocking An occurrence where printed sheets stick together causing damage when the
sheets are separated.
Blow-Up An enlargement of an original (usually of graphic images or photographs).
Blueline A Prepress photographic Proof made from Stripped negatives
where all colors are shown as blue on white paper. Also blackprint, blue, blueprint, diazo, dyeline, ozalid, position proof, and silverprint.
Blurb An authors description or commentary or book content placed on a book
jacket.
Board Paper In general, paper that is over 110# index, 80# cover or 200 GSM (commonly used for file folders, displays and post cards). Also paperboard.
Body The main text of work, excluding the headlines.
Boiler Plate A block of repetitive type that is used and copied over and over again.
Bond Paper Paper stock that is commonly used for writing, Printing and photocopying. Also business
paper, correspondence paper and writing paper.
Book Block A book of folded Signatures that have been Gathered, sewn and trimmed, but not yet Covered.
Book Paper Paper stock that is suitable for books, magazines, catalogs, advertising
and general Printing needs. Book paper is divided into
three general categories: Uncoated
Paper (also offset paper), Coated Paper (also art paper, enamel paper, gloss paper and slick paper) and Text Paper.
Border The decorative design or Rule
surrounding the Artwork on a Page.
Bounce 1) A repeating registration (Register) problem
in the Printing stage of production. 2) When a customer is unhappy with a printing
project and refuses to accept the project.
Bristol Paper In general, paper that is 6 Points or
thicker with a Basis Weight between 90# and 200# (200-500 GSM) that is
typically used for index cards, file folders and displays.
Broadside A term for work printed on one side of a large sheet of paper.
Bromide A photographic print produced on bromide paper (paper with silver bromide
Emulsions that produce neutral black or cold blue-black image tones).
Broken Carton A Carton of paper from which some of the sheets have been removed. Also less
carton.
Bronzing Dusting a printed project with a metallic powder while the ink is still
wet.
Build a Color To Overlay two or more Tints to create a new color. Also build, color build, stacked screen build or tint build.
Bulk Paper thickness, relative to its Basis
Weight.
Bullet A dot or similar mark that is used in copy to emphasize text, usually in
a list.
Burst Perfect Bind To Bind by forcing glue into notches that are cut along the Spines of Gathered Signatures before adhering a paper Cover. Also burst bind, notch bind and slotted bind.
Butt Register A Register where the ink colors meet precisely, without overlapping or allowing
space between, as compared to Lap
Register. Also butt fit and kiss register.
Buy Out To subcontract for a service that is closely related to the business of
the organization. Also farm out or outwork, which refers to work being done out of house.
C
C1S and C2S Standard abbreviations for coated one
side and coated two sides.
Calender A process that makes the surface of paper smooth by pressing it between
hard pressure rollers during manufacturing.
Caliper 1) The thickness of paper, expressed in thousandths of an inch (Mils or Points), pages per inch (ppi), thousandths of a millimeter (microns) or pages
per centimeter (ppc). 2) A device on a Sheetfed Press that
detects double sheets, or on a binding machine that detects missing Signatures.
Camera-ready Copy Mechanicals, photographs and Artwork that have been fully prepared for reproduction according to the technical
requirements of the Printing process being used. Also finished art and reproduction copy.
Camera Service A business that uses a Process Camera to create
Photostats, Halftones, Plates and other
elements for Printing. Also prep service and trade camera service.
Carbonless Paper Paper that has been coated with chemicals to enable the transfer of
images from one sheet to another with pressure from a writing implement or
typewriter.
Carload (CL) A selling unit of paper that may weigh anywhere from 20,000 to 100,000
pounds (9,090 to 45,454 kg), depending on the mill or merchant.
Carton A selling unit of paper that weighs approximately 150 pounds (60 kg). A
carton contains anywhere from 500 to 5,000 sheets, depending on sheet size and Basis Weight.
Case The Covers and Spine that, together, enclose the Pages of a case bound book.
Case Bind To Bind Signatures to a Case made of binder board and covered
with fabric, plastic or leather using glue. Also cloth bind, edition bind, hard bind and hard cover.
Cast-coated Paper A high-gloss, Coated Paper made by pressing the paper
against a polished, hot, metal drum while the paper coating is still wet.
Catalog Paper A Coated
Paper rated #4 or #5 with a Basis Weight of 35# to
50# (50 to 75 GSM), typically used in catalogs and
magazines.
Chain Dot 1) When two Midtone dots touch at two points, resembling links in a chain. Also elliptical dot. 2)
General term for any Midtone dots with touching corners.
Chain Lines 1) A term for widely spaced lines in laid paper. 2) A term for printed
image blemishes that were caused by tracking.
Chalking When ink absorbs into paper too fast or has long exposure to the sun and/or
wind, causing deterioration of a printed image making it look dusty. Also crocking.
Check Copy 1) Production copy of a publication that has been verified by the customer
as correct. 2) A set of Signatures approved by the customer as ready for binding.
Choke To slightly reduce the size of an image, creating a Hairline outline or Trap. Also shrink and skinny.
Chrome The strength of a color as compared to Neutral Gray. Also depth, intensity, purity and saturation.
Close Up A proofing mark, ( ), used to
indicate closing spaces between characters or words or other gaps.
CMYK An abbreviation for Cyan, Magenta, yellow and Key (black), the Process Colors used in Four-color Process Printing.
Coarse Screen A Halftone Screen with a ruling of 65, 85 or 100 lines per inch (also 26, 34 or 40 lines
per centimeter).
Coated Paper Paper with a coating of clay and other substances, which improves
reflectivity and ink adherence. It is milled in four general categories: cast,
dull, Gloss and matte.
Collate To organize printed materials in the order specified by the customer.
Collating Marks Marks on the backsides of Signatures that indicate an exact position in the collating stage.
Color Balance The amounts of Process Colors that simulate the colors
of the original Artwork or photograph.
Color Blanks Press sheets that are printed with photos or illustrations, such as a
company Logo, but without type. Also shells.
Color Break In Multicolor
Printing, the point at which one ink color
stops and another begins. Also break for
color.
Color Cast Unwanted color that affects a portion of an image or the entire image.
Color Control Bar A strip of small color blocks on a Proof or press
sheet used to help evaluate print features, such as Density and Dot Gain. Also color bar, color guide and standard offset color bar.
Color Correct To adjust Process Colors to achieve a desirable
color.
Color Curves Computer software operations that are used to change or correct colors.
Color Electronic Prepress System
(CEPS) The combined computer, Scanner, printer and any other hardware and/or software used for image assembly,
color correction, retouching and output onto proofing materials, film or Printing Plates.
Color Gamut The entire range of Hues that can be reproduced using a
specific device (such as a computer screen), or system (such as Four-color Process Printing).
Color Key An Overlay color Proof.
Color Model A way to categorize the vast array of colors found in nature.
Color Separation 1) The technique of using a camera, Scanner or
computer to divide continuous-tone color images into four Halftone
negatives. 2) The product resulting from color separating and subsequent Four-color Process Printing. Also Separation.
Color Sequence Order in which colored inks are printed. Also laydown sequence and rotation.
Color Shift A change in image color that is caused by changes in Register, ink Densities or Dot Gain during Four-color Process Printing.
Color Transparency A transparent film that is used for Artwork to perform Color Separations.
Comb Bind To Bind pages together by inserting the teeth of a flexible plastic comb through
holes punched along the edge of a stack of papers. Also plastic bind.
Commercial Printer A Printing company that produces a wide range of products such as announcements,
books, booklets, brochures, business forms, magazines, posters, and stationery.
Also job printer.
Complementary Flat Second (or any additional) flat that is used to make Composite Film, or for two or more burns on a single Printing
Plate.
Composite Art A Mechanical on which Artwork appears on only one surface and is not separated into Overlays. Composite art has a tissue Overlay with
instructions that indicate Color
Breaks.
Composite Film Film that holds combined images from two or more pieces of Working Film on one
film for making one Plate.
Composite Proof Proof of Color Separations in position with Graphics and type. Also final, Imposition and stripping Proof.
Composition 1) The assembly of typographic elements, such as words and paragraphs,
into print-ready Pages (for typography). 2) The
arrangement of type, graphic images and other elements on the Page (for Graphics Design).
Comprehensive Dummy Simulation of printed Artwork, complete with type, Graphics and
colors. Also color comprehensive and comp.
Condition To keep paper in the pressroom for several hours or even days before Printing so its moisture level and temperature equal that of the pressroom. Also cure, mature and season.
Contact Platemaker A device with lights, a timing mechanism and a vacuum frame that is used
to make contact prints, duplicate film, Proofs and Plates. Also Platemaker and vacuum frame.
Continuous-tone Copy (Contone) All photographs and illustrations that have a range of Shades not made up of dots, as compared to Line Copy or Halftones.
Contrast Tones in an image, ranging from Highlights to Shadows.
Converter A company that offers items like boxes, bags, envelopes and product
displays.
Copyboard The surface or frame on a Process
Camera that holds Artwork in position
to be photographed.
Cover Paper stock that is thick, which protects a publication and advertises
its title. Cover parts are typically described as: Cover 1=outside front; Cover
2=inside front; Cover 3=inside back, Cover 4=outside back.
Coverage The extent to which applied ink covers the surface of a Substrate; ink
coverage is usually articulated as light, medium or heavy.
Cover Paper Paper stock that is thick and typically is used for products such as
posters, menus, folders and paperback book Covers.
Crash A coarse cloth that is embedded in the glue along the Spine of a book to increase the strength of its binding. Also gauze, Mull and scrim.
Creep When the middle Pages of a folded Signature extend
slightly beyond outside pages. Also feathering, out-push, push out and thrust; an occurrence for which Shingling is the solution.
Crop Marks Lines near Artwork edges that indicate the area that is to be reproduced. Also cut marks and tic marks.
Crossover Artwork that continues from one Page of a book
or magazine across the Gutter to the opposite page. Also bridge, gutter bleed and gutter jump.
Cure The process of drying inks, Varnishes or
other coatings after Printing to ensure good adhesion and
prevent Setoff.
Cutoff The circumference of the Impression
Cylinder of a Web Press, which is
also the length of the printed sheet the press cuts from a loaded roll of
paper.
Cut Sizes Refers to typical paper sizes used in office machines and small presses.
Cutting Machine A machine that cuts stacks of paper to desired sizes. The machine can also
be used to Score or crease the paper.
Cutting Die Used to trim custom and/or unusual sized Printing projects.
CWT An abbreviation for hundredweight paper stock using the Roman numeral
C.
Cyan One of the four Process
Colors. Also process blue.
D
Data Compression A technique for reducing the amount of electronic storage space that is
required to hold a digital file; this reduces the disk space required by the
file and allows it to be processed or transmitted more quickly.
Deboss To press an image into paper so it lies below the surface. Also tool.
Deckle Edge An edge of paper that is left frayed as it comes from the papermaking
machine as opposed to being cleanly cut. Also feather edge.
Densitometer An instrument that is used to measure Density. A
reflection densitometer measures light that is reflected from paper and other
surfaces. A transmission densitometer measures light that is transmitted
through film and other materials.
Density 1) The relative thickness of a layer of printed ink. 2) The relative
ability of a color to absorb light reflected from it or block light passing
through it. 3) In paper, the relative tightness or looseness of fibers.
Density Range The difference between the darkest and lightest areas of Artwork. Also contrast ratio, copy range and tonal range.
Desktop Publishing (DTP) The art of using a personal computer (PC or Mac) to design images and/or Layout pages, and also assemble copy type and Graphics, and then
using a laser printer or Imagesetter to output the project onto paper, film or a Printing Plate.
Device Independent Colors Hues identified by wavelength or by their place in systems; 'device
independent' means a color can be specified regardless of whether it is
reproduced using ink, projected light, photographic chemistry or any other
method.
Die A device that is used to cut, Deboss, Emboss, Score, and stamp.
Die Cut To cut irregular shapes in paper or paperboard using a Die.
Digital Proofing Page Proofs produced through electronic memory and transferred onto paper using a
laser or ink-jet printer.
Diffusion Transfer The chemical process of reproducing copy and making Halftone positives ready for Paste-up.
Digital Dot A dot that is created by a computer and printed by a laser printer or Imagesetter. Digital dots are uniform in size, as compared to Halftone dots, which vary in size.
Direct Digital Color Proof (DDCP)
A color Proof that is made by a laser, ink jet printer or other computer-controlled
device without needing to make separation films first.
Dot Gain Where Halftone dots print larger on paper than
they appear on films or Plates, reducing detail and lowering Contrast. Also dot growth, dot spread and press gain.
Dot Size The relative size of Halftone dots as compared to dots of the screen being used. There is no unit of
measure to express dot size; they are too large, too small or correct only in
comparison to what the viewer finds appealing.
Dots-per-inch (DPI) The measure of image Resolution (number of dost per square
inch) of input devices (i.e. Scanners),
display devices (i.e. monitors), and output devices (i.e. laser printers, Imagesetters and monitors). Also dot pitch.
Double Black Duotone Duotone that is printed from two Halftones, one is for Highlights, the other is for Midtones and Shadows.
Double Bump To print an image twice so it has two layers of ink.
Double Burn To expose film or a Plate twice, to two different
negatives, creating a composite image.
Double Density A method of electronic recording (disk, CD, floppy) that uses a modified
frequency to allow more data storage.
Double Dot Halftone A Halftone, Double Burned onto one Plate from two halftones; one shot is
for Shadows, and one is for Midtones and Highlights.
Doubling A Printing defect, which appears as blur or shadow of the image. This may be caused
by problems with the paper, cylinder alignment or dirty cylinders, or Blanket pressures.
DPI (Dots-per-inch) The measure of image Resolution (number of dost per square
inch) of input devices (i.e. Scanners),
display devices (i.e. monitors), and output devices (i.e. laser printers, Imagesetters and monitors). Also dot pitch.
Drawdown A sample of inks specified for a job, applied to the Substrate specified
for a job. Also pulldown.
Drill To drill a hole in a printed product.
Dropout This describes Halftone dots or fine lines that are eliminated from Highlights by overexposure during camera work.
Dropout Halftone This describes Halftone in which Contrast has been increased by eliminating dots from Highlights.
Dry Back When printed ink colors become less dense as the ink dries.
Dry Offset A Printing process where metal Plates, Etched to .15mm (or .0006 in.) to create a Right Reading plate,
are printed on the offset Blanket that transfers to paper without
the use of water.
Dry Trap To print over dried ink; the opposite is Wet Trap.
Dual-purpose Bond Paper (DP Bond)
Bond Paper that is suitable for Printing by either
Lithography (offset) or xerography (digital; photocopy).
Dull Finish A flat Finish (not glossy) on Coated Paper, which is slightly smoother than matte. Also suede finish, velour finish and velvet finish.
Dummy Simulation, or Mockup, of the final product.
Duotone A black-and-white photograph that is reproduced using two Halftone
negatives, each one emphasizing different tonal Values in the original.
Duplex Paper A thick paper made by pasting together two thinner sheets, usually of
different colors. Also double-faced
paper and two-tone paper.
Duplicator An offset press that is made for Quick Printing.
Dylux The brand name of a photographic paper that is used to make blueline Proofs; Dylux is sometimes used as alternate term for Blueline.
E
Electronic Front End (Electronic
Composition) A general term that refers
to a computer-based Prepress system.
Electronic Image Assembly The computer-based assembly of a composite image from portions of other
images and/or other Page elements.
Electronic Mechanical A Mechanical assembled exclusively with electronic files.
Electronic Publishing 1) Publishing by Printing with a device, such as a
photocopier or ink-jet printer, which is driven by a computer that can change
the image instantly from one copy to the next.
2) Publishing via output on fax, computerized bulletin board or other
electronic medium (as compared to output on paper).
Emboss To press an image into paper so it is raised above the paper surface. Also
cameo.
Emulsion The casting of light-sensitive chemicals onto papers, films, Printing Plates and stencils.
Emulsion Down (ED) / Emulsion Up
(EU) Refers to the Emulsion side of a film as prepared to make a Plate or
stencil; face down (away from the viewer) or face up (toward the viewer). Also E up, face up, E down, face down.
Encapsulated PostScript File (EPS)
A computer file that contains both
images and PostScript commands.
End Sheet A sheet of paper that attaches the inside Pages of a Case-bound book to its Cover. Also pastedown or end paper.
English Finish An uncoated Book Paper with a smooth Finish that is smoother than eggshell, rougher than smooth.
Engraving A Printing method in which a Plate (also called a Die) with an image cut into its surface is used.
EP The Printing industrys abbreviation for envelope.
Equivalent Paper A paper stock that is not the specified brand, but looks, prints and may
cost the same. Also comparable stock.
Estimate A price quote that states what a job will probably cost. Also bid, quote, Quotation and tender.
Estimator The individual who provides the Estimate.
Etch The use of chemicals to carve an image into film, glass, or metal.
F
Face 1) The edge of a bound publication opposite the Spine (also foredge). 2) An abbreviation for a family
or a general style of typeface.
Fake Duotone Refers to Halftone in one ink color printed over Screen Tint of a
second ink color. Also dummy duotone, duograph, duplex halftone, false duotone, or flat tint halftone.
Fast Color Inks These are inks that retain their color and Density and
resist fading as the product is used and washed.
Feeding Unit A component of a Printing press that moves paper into the
unit.
Felt Finish A soft-woven pattern in Text Paper.
Felt Side The side of the paper that was not in contact with the Fourdrinier Wire during
papermaking.
Fifth Color A color that is used in addition to the four needed by the Four-color Process.
Film Gauge The measure of film thickness; the most common gauge for Graphic Arts Film is 0.004 inch (0.1 mm).
Film Laminate A thin sheet of plastic that is bonded to a printed product and offers
protection or increased Gloss.
Fine Papers Papers that are made specifically for writing (stationery) or commercial Printing, as compared to coarse papers and industrial papers. Also cultural
papers and graphic papers.
Fine Screen A screen with a ruling of 150 or more lines per inch (80 lines per
centimeter).
Finish 1) The surface characteristics of paper.
2) A general term for trimming, folding, binding and all other
post-press operations.
Finished Size The post-production size of a product, as compared to Flat Size. Also trimmed
size.
Fit The ability of film to be Registered during Stripping and assembly; a good fit means that all images register to other film for
the same job.
Fixed Costs These are costs that remain the same regardless of how many pieces are
printed; for example, copyrighting, design, and photography are typically fixed
costs.
Flat Color 1) Any color that is created by Printing only one
ink, as compared to a color that is created by the Four-color Process; also block color and Spot
Color.
2) A color that seems weak or lifeless (not vibrant).
Flat Size The size of a product after Printing and
trimming, and before folding, as compared to Finished
Size.
Flexography (Flexo) The method of Printing on a Web Press using
rubber or plastic Plates with raised images.
Flood To cover or print a sheet completely with an ink or Varnish. To flood with ink is also known
as painting the sheet. See also Painted Sheet.
Flush Cover A book Cover that is trimmed to the same size
as the books inside Pages, as compared to overhang cover.
Also cut flush.
Flyleaf A Leaf at the front and back of a casebound book that is not glued to the Case.
Fogging Back A method used to make type more legible by lowering the Density of an image, while allowing the image to show through.
Foil Emboss To Foil Stamp and Emboss an image. Also heat stamp.
Foil Stamp A method of Printing that releases foil from its
backing when stamped with a heated Die. Also block print, hot foil stamp and stamp.
Folder A Bindery machine that is dedicated to folding printed materials.
Fold Marks Markings that indicate where to fold a printed product.
Foldout A Gatefold sheet that is bound into a publication, often used for a map or
chart. Also gatefold or pullout.
Folio (page number) The actual page number in a publication.
Form Each side of a Signature. Also spelled forme.
Format The size, style, shape, organization and/or Layout of a printed product.
Form Bond A Lightweight
Paper bond that is easy to perforate,
often used for business forms. Also register bond.
Form Roller(s) The roller(s) that come in contact with the Printing Plate and bring it ink or water.
For Position Only (FPO) Inexpensive copies of photos or art used on a Mechanical to
indicate placement and scaling, but not intended for reproduction.
Forwarding In reference to casebooks, the Binding process
that involves folding, rounding, backing, headbanding and reinforcing.
Fountain A trough or container on a Printing press
that holds fluids such as ink, Varnish or
water. Also duct.
Fountain Solution A mixture of water and chemicals that dampens a Printing Plate to prevent ink from adhering to the non-image area. Also dampener
solution.
Four-color Process Printing A Printing technique that uses Cyan, Magenta, yellow and black (CMYK) to simulate full-color images.
Also color process printing, full color printing and process printing.
Fourdrinier Machine A machine used to
manufacture all Grades of paper and
board. This machine has four basic
sections: wet end, press section, drier section, and Calender section.
Free Sheet Paper that is made from cooked wood fibers mixed with chemicals and washed
free of impurities, as compared to Groundwood
Paper.
Also Woodfree Paper.
French Fold A printed sheet that is printed on only one side, and then folded with two
right angle folds to form a four Page uncut
section.
Full-range Halftone Halftone that ranges from 0% Coverage in its Highlights to 100% Coverage in its Shadows.
Full-scale Black Black Separation with dots throughout the
entire tonal range of the image, as compared to Half-scale Black and skeleton black. Also full-range black.
G
Galley Proof Proof of type from any source (whether metal type or photo type). Also checker proof and slip proof.
Gang 1) To Halftone or separate more than one image
in only one exposure. 2) To reproduce
two or more different printed products simultaneously on one sheet of paper
during one press run. Also combination run.
Gatefold Where both sides of a sheet fold toward the Gutter in overlapping layers.
Gathered Signatures assembled next to each other in the proper sequence for Binding, as compared to Nested. Also stacked.
Ghost Halftone Normal Halftone whose Density has been reduced to produce a very faint image.
Ghosting 1) When a faint image appears on a printed sheet where it was not intended
to appear; chemical ghosting refers to the transfer of the faint image from the
front of one sheet to the back of another sheet, while mechanical ghosting
refers to the faint image appearing as a repeat of an image on the same side of
the sheet. 2) When a printed image
appears too light due to ink starvation.
Gilding Gold leafing the edges of the Pages within a
book.
Gloss Sheen; light reflecting on various objects (e.g., paper, ink, Laminates, UV Coating, Varnish) in the Printing industry.
Gloss Ink Ink that is used on coated stock (mostly litho and Letterpress); after Printing, it dries without penetration.
Grade This is a general term used to distinguish between or among Printing papers; specific meaning depends on the context. Grade can refer to the category, class,
rating, Finish or brand of paper.
Graduated Screen Tint Screen Tint that changes densities gradually/smoothly, and not in distinct steps.
Also degrade, gradient, ramped
screen, and Vignette.
Grain Direction The predominant direction in which paper fibers become aligned during
manufacturing. Also machine direction.
Grain Long Paper Paper with fibers that run parallel to the long dimension of the sheet.
Also long grain
paper and narrow web paper.
Grain Short Paper Paper with fibers that run parallel to the short dimension of the sheet.
Also short grain
paper and wide web paper.
Grammage Basis Weight of paper in grams per square meter (GSM).
Graphic Arts The craft, industry and professions related to designing and Printing on paper and other Substrates.
Graphic Arts Film A film with
an Emulsion that yields high Contrast imagessuitable for reproduction
by a Printing pressas compared to continuous-tone film. Also litho film and repro film.
Graphics Design The arrangement of type and visual elementsalong with Specifications for paper, ink colors and Printing processesthat,
combined, convey a unique visual message.
Graphics Visual elementssuch as cartoons, drawings, photographs, and other
illustrationsthat supplement type to make printed messages more clear or
interesting.
Gravure A method of Printing that uses metal cylinders Etched with
millions of tiny wells that hold ink.
Gray Balance The printed Cyan, Magenta and yellow Halftone dots that accurately reproduce a Neutral Gray image.
Gray Component Replacement (GCR)
The technique of replacing gray tones in the Cyan, Magenta and yellow films (made while color separating) with black ink. Also achromatic color removal.
Gray Levels The number of distinct gray tones that can be reproduced by a computer.
Gray Scale A strip of gray
Values ranging from white to black that is used by Process Camera and Scanner operators to calibrate exposure times for film and Plates. Also step wedge.
Grind Edge The binding edge (when referring to perfect bound products).
Grindoff Approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) along the binding edge that is ground off Gathered Signatures before Perfect Binding.
Gripper Edge Edge of a sheet held by grippers on a Sheetfed Press, thus
going first through the press. Also feeding edge and leading edge.
Groundwood Paper Newsprint and other inexpensive paper made from pulp created when wood chips are
ground mechanically rather than refined chemically.
GSM (grams per square meter) The unit
of weight measurement for paper.
Gutter The inside Margins, or binding edges.
H
Hairline Subjective term referring to very small space, thin line or close Register.
Half-scale Black Black separation with dots only in the Shadows and Midtones, as compared to Full-scale Black and
skeleton black.
Halftone 1) To photograph or scan a continuous tone image and convert it into
halftone dots. 2) A photograph or continuous-tone illustration that has been
halftoned and that appears on film, paper, a Printing Plate or any final printed product.
Halftone Screen A Piece of
film or glass that contains gridlines that break light into dots. Also contact screen and screen.
Halo Effect A faint
shadow that sometimes surrounds printed Halftone dots; the
halo itself is also called a fringe. Also halation.
Hard Dots Halftone dots with no halos or soft edges (opposite of Soft Dots).
Hard Mechanical Mechanical consisting of paper and/or Acetate and made
using Paste-up techniques, as compared to Electronic Mechanical.
Header The top Margin of a Page.
Head-to-tail Imposition with heads (tops) of Pages facing
tails (bottoms) of other pages.
Heat-set Web A Web Press equipped
with an oven to dry ink; able to print on Coated Paper.
Hickey A spot or imperfection in Printing, which is
most visible in heavy ink Coverage areas; it is caused by dirt on
the Plate or Blanket. Also bulls eye or fish eye.
High-fidelity Color Color reproduced using six, eight or twelve Separations, as compared to Four-color Process Printing.
High-key Photo Photo whose most important details appear in the Highlights.
Highlights Lightest portions of a photograph or Halftone, as
compared to Midtones and Shadows.
Hinged Cover Perfect Bound Cover that is Scored 1/8 inch (3mm) from the Spine; this allows the Cover to fold at the hinge instead of
along the edge of the spine.
HLS Hue, lightness, saturation; one of the color-control options often found in
software for design and Page assembly. Also HVS.
Hot Spot A Printing defect that is caused when a foreign objectsuch as dirt or an air bubblecauses
incomplete Drawdown during Contact Platemaking; this leaves an area of weak ink Coverage or
visible Dot Gain.
House Sheet Paper a printer keeps in stock that is suitable for a variety of print projects.
Also floor
sheet.
Hue A specified color (i.e. yellow, green, etc.).
I
Image Area The area on printed matter that is designated for ink Coverage.
Imagesetter A laser
output device that uses photosensitive paper or film.
Imposition The arrangement
of Pages on Mechanicals or flats that makes them appear in proper sequence after press sheets are
folded and bound.
Impression 1) Regarding ink color, an impression equals one press sheet passing once
through a Printing
Unit.
2) Regarding a press, an impression equals one press sheet passing once
through the press.
Impression Cylinder On a Printing press, the cylinder pushes paper against the Blanket or Plate, which forms the image. Also impression roller.
Imprint The process of Printing new copy (text) on a previously
printed sheet, such as imprinting an employee's name on business cards. Also Surprint.
Ink Balance The relationship of densities and Dot Gains in
process inks to each other and to a standard Neutral Gray Density.
Ink Fountain On a Printing press, the reservoir that
holds ink.
Ink Holdout A characteristic
of certain papers that prevents them from absorbing ink, thus allowing ink to
dry on the surface.
Ink Jet Printing Method of Printing by spraying droplets of ink
through computer-controlled nozzles.
Inner Form Form (one side of a press sheet) whose images all appear inside the folded
Signature, as compared to Outer Form.
In-plant Printer A department
within an organization that does the Printing for its
parent organization. Also captive printer and in-house
printer.
Inserts Printed Pages loosely inserted in a
publication (not
bound in).
Also Interleaves.
Intaglio Printing A Printing method that uses image carriers with surfaces at two levels, where inked
areas are lower than non-inked areas. Gravure and Engraving are the most common forms of intaglio. Also recess printing.
Integral Proof Color Proof of Separations shown on one piece of proofing paper, as compared to an Overlay Proof. Also Composition Proof, laminate
proof, plastic proof and single-sheet
proof.
Interleaves Printed Pages loosely inserted in a
publication (not
bound in).
Also Inserts.
ISBN (International Standard Book
Number) A number, which is assigned to a
published work, that is usually Imprinted on the
title Page, back of the title page, or back of the book.
J
Job Lot Paper Paper that failed to meet production Specifications, has been
discontinued, or for other reasons is not considered first quality.
Job Number A number that a Printing company assigns to a specific
printing project for tracking and record keeping purposes.
Job Ticket A form used
to specify the production schedule of a Printing project
and the materials needed. Also docket, production order and work order.
Jogger A vibrating machine that has a sloping platform used to even-up stacks of
printed materials.
K
K Abbreviation for black, one of the four Process
Colors (the 'K' in CMYK).
Key 1) The screw that controls ink flow from a Printing press Ink Fountain. 2) To relate loose pieces of copy to their
positions on a Layout or Mechanical using a system of numbers or letters.
3) Alternate term for the color black, as in 'key plate.'
Keylines Lines on a Mechanical or negative showing the
exact size, shape and location of photographs or other graphic elements. Also holding lines.
Key Negative or Plate Negative or Plate that prints the most detail, thus
whose image guides the Register of images from other plates. Also
key
printer.
Kiss Die Cut To Die Cut the top layer, but not the backing layer, of self-adhesive paper. Also face cut.
Kiss Impression Lightest possible Impression that will transfer ink to
a Substrate.
Kraft Paper Strong paper that is used for wrapping and making grocery bags and large
envelopes.
L
Laid Finish A Finish on bond or Text Paper with grids of parallel
lines that simulate the surface of handmade paper; laid lines are close
together and run Against the Grain, while Chain Lines are farther apart and run With the Grain.
Laminate A thin transparent plastic sheet (coating) applied to [usually] a thick
stock (Covers, post cards, etc.) providing protection against liquid and heavy use; it
usually accents existing color, providing a glossy effect.
Landscape Artist style in which width is greater than height (Portrait is opposite.).
Lap Register A Register where ink
colors overlap slightly, as compared to Butt Register.
Laser Bond Bond Paper that was made especially smooth and dry to run well through laser
printers.
Laser-imprintable Ink Ink that doesnt fade or blister as the paper on which it is printed is passed
through a laser printer.
Lay Flat Bind Method of Perfect Binding that allows a
publication to lie fully open. Also Lay Flat Perfect Binding.
Lay Edge The edge of a sheet of paper that is fed into a Printing press.
Layout A sample of the original Artwork that indicates the desired position of
printed work (direction, instructions, etc.).
Leading The amount of
space between lines of type.
Leaf One sheet of paper in a publication; each side of a leaf is considered one
Page.
Ledger Paper A strong, smooth Grade of Bond Paper that is used for keeping business records. Also record paper.
Letter Fold Two folds creating three Panels in a
sheet of letterhead allowing the letterhead to fit in a business envelope. Also barrel fold and wrap around fold.
Letter Paper In North America, 8 1/2' x 11' sheets; in Europe, A4 sheets.
Legend 1) Directions (illustrations) regarding a specific matter and its proper use. 2) Regarding maps and tables, an explanation
of signs (symbols) that are used.
Letterpress Method of Printing from raised surfaces, either
metal type or Plates, whose surfaces have been Etched away from Image Areas. Also block printing.
Lightweight Paper Book Paper with Basis Weight less than 40# (60 GSM).
Lignin The substance
in trees that holds cellulose fibers together. Free Sheet has most lignin removed, while Groundwood Paper contains
lignin.
Line Copy Any high Contrast image, including type, as
compared to Continuous-tone Copy. Also line art and line work.
Line Negative A negative
made from Line Copy.
Linen
Finish An Embossed Finish on Text Paper that simulates a linen (cloth) pattern.
Lithography A method of Printing that uses Plates with Image Areas that attract ink and non-image areas that repel ink. Non-image areas may
be coated with water to repel the oily ink or may have a surface, such as
silicon, that repels ink.
Live Area The area on a Mechanical within which images may be printed. Also safe area.
Logo (Logotype) A symbol or design that represents a unique entity; typically a combination
of letters and Artwork used to create a "sole" entity symbol.
Looseleaf A binding method that allows insertion and removal of Pages (typically hole-punched) in a publication.
Loose Proof A Proof of a Halftone or Color Separation that is not assembled with other elements from a Page, as compared to a Composite Proof. Also first proof, random
proof, scatter proof and show-color
proof.
Loupe A lens built into a small stand that is used to inspect copy, film, Proofs, Plates and Printing. Also glass and linen
tester.
Low Key Photo A photograph with its most important details appearing in the Shadows.
M
Machine Glazed (MG) Paper that holds a high-gloss Finish on only one
side.
Magenta One of the four Process
Colors.
Makeready 1) All of
the steps taken to prepare a press or other machine for a specific Printing or Bindery project, as compared to Production Run (Also setup). 2) Paper that is used in the
makeready process. Used makeready paper becomes Waste or Spoilage.
Making Order An order for paper that a mill makes to the customer's Specifications, as compared to a mill order or Stock Order.
Male Die A Die that applies pressure during Embossing or Debossing. Also force card.
Manuscript (MS) An author's original work (handwritten, typed or on disk) that is submitted
for publication.
Margin The space around the edge of printed materials.
Mark-Up Written instructions usually appearing on a Dummy or Proof.
Mask Where light does not reach part of an image, therefore the remaining part
is isolated. Also knock out.
Master Paper or plastic Plate that is used on a duplicating
press.
Match Print A system of four-color-process proofing.
Matte Finish Flat Finish (not glossy) on photographic paper or coated Printing paper.
Mechanical Camera-ready assembly of type, graphic(s) and other copy complete with
instructions to the printer. A Hard Mechanical consists
of paper and/or Acetate, is made using Paste-up techniques, and may also be called an Artboard, Board or Paste-up. A soft mechanical, also called an electronic mechanical, exists as an electronic file of type and images assembled using a
computer.
Mechanical Bind To Bind pages together using a comb, coil, ring binder, post or any other
technique that does not require gluing, sewing or stitching.
Mechanical Separation Color Breaks that are made on the Mechanical using a
separate Overlay for each color to be printed.
Mechanical Tint Lines or patterns that are formed from dots creating Artwork for
reproduction.
Metallic Ink Ink that contains pulverized (powdered) metal or Pigments that simulate metal.
Metallic Paper Paper that is coated with a thin film of plastic or Pigment whose color and Gloss combined simulate metal.
Midtone Tone in a photograph or illustration that is created by dots giving
between 30 and 70 percent Coverage, as compared to Highlights and Shadows.
Mil (1/1000 Inch) The thickness of plastic film as a Substrate for Printing, expressed in mils.
Mimeograph
Also known as a stencil
duplicator, this is a low-cost Printing
press that forces ink through a stencil onto paper; it is hand-cranked,
requiring no electricity. It is more or
less obsolete today, as it was replaced by photocopiers and offset printers in
the late 1960s.
Misting When droplets of ink are thrown off the roller train. Also flying ink.
Mock Up A reproduction of the original printed matter, possibly containing direction
or instructions.
Modem A devicetypically used over phone linesthat relays electronically stored
information from point a. to point b.
Moire An undesirable pattern that is the result of Halftones and Screen Tints are made with improperly
aligned screens, or when a pattern in a photo, such
as a plaid, interfaces with a Halftone dot
pattern.
Monarch A paper size (7' x 10') and its accompanying envelope that are often used
for personal stationery.
Mottle Spotty, uneven ink absorption. Also sinkage. A mottled image may be called mealy.
Mull A specific type of glue used for binding books.
Multicolor Printing Printing in more than one ink color (but not four-color process). Also polychrome printing.
M Weight Weight of 1,000 sheets of paper in any specific Grade or size.
N
Natural Color Very light brown color of paper. Also antique, cream, ivory, off-white or mellow
white.
Nested Signatures that are assembled inside one another in the proper sequence for binding,
as compared to Gathered. Also inset.
Neutral Gray Gray color with no Hue or cast.
Newsprint Paper that is used for Printing
newspapers. Considered to be low Quality, "short
life use" paper.
Newton Ring A flaw in a photograph or Halftone that
looks like a drop of oil or water.
Nipping During the book binding process, the stage where air is expelled from the
books contents (right at the sewing stage).
Non-heatset Web A Web Press that has no drying oven; it cannot print on Coated Paper. Also cold-set web and open web.
Nonimpact Printing Printing that uses lasers, ions, ink jets or heat to transfer images.
Non-reproducing 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 blue pencil, drop-out
blue, fade-out blue and non-repro
blue.
Novelty Printing Printing on products such as coasters, pencils, balloons, golf balls and ashtrays,
known as advertising specialties or premiums.
Also promotional printing.
O
Offset Printing The Printing technique that transfers ink from a Plate to a Blanket to the Substrate instead of directly from the plate
to substrate.
Opacity 1) A characteristic of paper (or other Substrate) that
prevents Printing on one side from showing through the other side. 2) A characteristic of ink that prevents the Substrate from showing through the ink.
Onion Skin A specific lightweight kind of paper that was used in the past for air
mail; this paper is seldom used today.
Opaque 1) Not transparent. 2) The covering
of flaws in a negative with tape or opaquing paint. Also block out and spot.
Open Prepress Interface (OPI) Hardware and software that are used to link computer (desktop) publishing
systems with Color Electronic Prepress Systems.
Outer Form Form (side of a press sheet) that contains images for the first and last Pages of a folded Signature (its outside pages), as compared
to Inner Form.
Outline Halftone Halftone in which the background has been removed (or replaced) in order to
isolate or silhouette the main image. Also knockout halftone or silhouette
halftone.
Overlay A layer of material taped to a Mechanical, photo or
Proof. Acetate Overlays separate colors by having some type (text) or art on them instead of on
the mounting board, whereas tissue Overlays carry
instructions about the underlying copy and protect the Base Art.
Overlay Proof A color Proof that consists of polyester sheets
layered on top of each other with their image in Register, as compared to Integral Proof. Each sheet represents the image to be printed
in one color. Also celluloid proof or layered
proof.
Overprint To print an image over a previously printed image, such as Printing type over a Screen Tint. Also Surprint.
Over Run Additional number of printed pieces, beyond the quantity ordered (overage policies
vary throughout the Printing industry).
P
Page One side of a Leaf in a publication.
Page Count The total number of Pages that a publication has. Also extent.
Page Proof A Proof of type
(text) and Graphics as they will appear on the
finished Page, complete with elements such as headings, Rules and Folios.
Pagination The ordering/numbering of Pages in a
book.
Painted Sheet A sheet printed from edge to edge with ink with 100% Coverage resulting from Bleeds off all four sides, as compared
to Spot Color.
Panel One Page of a brochure (one Panel of a rack brochure). One panel is on one side of
the paper, thus a letter-folded sheet (two Parallel Folds) has six
panels (3 on each side).
Paper Plate A Printing Plate, made of strong and durable paper, which is used in the short run Offset Printing process (cost effective with short runs).
Parallel Fold A folding method where two Parallel Folds in a
sheet produce 6 Panels.
Parent Sheet Any sheet with dimensions greater than 11' x 17 or A3.
Pasteboard Chipboard with paper adhered to its surface.
Paste-up To paste copy (text and/or Graphics; also
called Artwork) to mounting boards andif necessaryto Overlays so it is
assembled into a Camera-ready Mechanical; this Mechanical is also called a paste-up.
PE A Proofreader Mark that signifies a printers error, meaning a typesetter or Prepress service or printer error, and not a customers error.
Perfect Bind To Bind sheets that have been ground at the Spine and are
held to the Cover with glue. Also adhesive bind, cut-back bind, glue bind, paper bind, patent
bind, perfecting bind, soft bind and soft cover.
Perfecting Press A press that is capable of Printing both sides
of the Substrate in a single pass. Also duplex press and perfector.
Perf Marks On a Dummy, markings that indicate where a perforation is to
occur (see Perforating).
Perforating Creating a line (usually a straight line, vertical or horizontal) of small
dotted holes on a sheet for the purpose of easily tearing off a portion of the
printed matter.
Pica A print industry unit of measure that is approximately 0.166 if an inch; there
are 12 Points in a pica.
Pigment
In Printing, a
pigment is typically a neutral or colorless fine powder that is added to a
vehicle and acts as a binding agent; they are used for coloring paint, ink,
fabric and other materials. Most
pigments used in visual arts are dry colorants in a fine powder form.
Photoengraving Engraving that is done using photochemistry.
Photomechanical Transfer (PMT) A Diffusion Transfer process used to make positive paper prints of Line Copy and Halftones. Also Photostat.
Photostat A Diffusion Transfer process used to make positive paper prints of Line Copy and Halftones. Also Photochemical Transfer or PMT.
Picking Where ink pulls bits of coating or fiber away from the surface of paper as
it travels through the press, leaving unprinted spots in the Image Area.
Pickup Art Artwork that was used in a previous project that is reused in a current project.
Pinholing Small holes (unwanted) in Image Areas, caused
by a variety of phenomena.
Pin Register Technique of registering Separations, flats
and Printing Plates by using small holes, all of equal diameter, at the edges of both flats
and Plates.
Pixel A dot made by a computer, Scanner or other
digital device (short for picture element) Also pel.
Planographic Printing A method of Printing where image carriers are level
surfaces with inked areas separated from non-inked areas by chemical means. Planographic printing includes Lithography, offset lithography and spirit duplicating.
Plate A piece of paper, metal, plastic or rubber carrying an image that is to be
reproduced using a Printing press.
Platemaker 1) In Quick Printing, a Process
Camera that makes Plates automatically from Mechanicals. 2) In commercial Lithography, a machine with a vacuum frame that is used to expose plates through
film.
Plate-ready Film Stripped negatives or positives fully prepared for platemaking.
Pleasing Color Color that the customer considers satisfactory even though it may not
precisely match original samples, scenes or objects.
PMS Obsolete reference to Pantone Matching System; the correct trade name for
colors in the Pantone Matching System is Pantone colors, not PMS Colors.
PMT Abbreviation for Photomechanical Transfer.
Point 1) Regarding paper, a unit of thickness equal to 1/1000 inch. 2) Regarding type, a unit of measure equaling
1/12 Pica and .013875 inch (.351mm).
Portrait An art design in which the height is greater than the width (opposite of Landscape).
Position Stat Photocopy or PMT of a photo or illustration that
is cut to size and affixed to a Mechanical.
Positive Film Film through which light cannot pass, as compared to negative film through which light can pass. Also
knockout
film.
Post Bind To Bind using a screw and post inserted through a hole in a stack of loose
sheets.
Prepress Camera work, Color Separations, Stripping, Platemaking and other functions
performed at a print shop before the job goes to production. Also preparation.
Prepress Proof Any Proof made using ink jet, toner, dyes or Overlays, as
compared to a Press Proof printed using ink. Also dry proof and off-press proof.
Preprint To print on sheets that will be used for Imprinting later.
Press Check Procedure during which Makeready sheets
from the press are examined before authorizing a full Production Run.
Press Proof Proof made on a print press using the Plates, ink and
paper specified for the job. Also strike off and trial
proof.
Press Time 1) The amount of time one Printing job
spends on a press, including Makeready time. 2) The time of day at which a printing job goes
to press.
Price Break Quantity at which unit cost of paper or a Printing job drops.
Printer Pairs Consecutive Pages as they appear on a Signature (as required in bookmaking).
Printer Spreads Mechanicals that are prepared so they are imposed for Printing, as compared to Reader Spreads.
Printing Any process that transfers an image from an original (such as a film
negative or positive, electronic memory, stencil, Die or Plate) to paper or another Substrate.
Printing Plate Surface carrying an image to be printed. Quick Printing uses
paper or plastic Plates; Letterpress, Engraving and commercial Lithography use metal plates; Flexography uses rubber or soft plastic plates. Gravure printing
uses a cylinder.
Printing Unit An assembly of Fountain, rollers and cylinders that prints
one ink color. Also color station, deck, ink
station, printer station and tower.
Process Camera Camera used to photograph Mechanicals and other Camera-ready Copy. Also copy camera,