395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105
Mountain Top, PA 18707
80 0 • 829 •7720
Design, Print & Digital Strategies.
395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105 • Mountain
P | 5 7 0Top
• 4 7PA
4 •18707
9220
P: 800.829.7720 • 570.474.9220
F | • 5zodiacprinting.com
70 • 474 •9228
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Glossary of Printing Terms
A
Acid-free Paper: Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.
Also called alkaline paper, archival paper, neutral pH paper, permanent paper and thesis paper.
Against the Grain: At right angles to the grain direction of the paper being used, as compared to with
the grain. Also called across the grain and cross grain. See also Grain Direction.
Alteration: Any change made by the customer after copy or artwork has been given to the service
bureau, separator or printer. The change could be in copy, specifications or both. Also called AA, author
alteration and customer alteration.
Aqueous Coating: Coating in a water base and applied like ink by a printing press to protect and
enhance the printing underneath.
Artwork: All original copy, including type, photos and illustrations, intended for printing. Also called art.
B
Back Up: To print on the second side of a sheet already printed on one side.
Bind: Usually in the book arena, but not exclusively, the joining of leafs or signatures together with either
wire, glue or other means.
Bindery: Usually a department within a printing company responsible for collating, folding and
trimming various printing projects.
Bleed: Printing that extends to the edge of a sheet or page after trimming.
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395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105
395
Oak Hill Top,
RoadPA
• Ste
105
Mountain
18707
Mountain Top, PA 18707
80 0 • 829 •7720
0• •487249•• 97 27 22 00
P | 58700Top
395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105 • Mountain
PA 18707
P
|
5
7
0
F | • 5zodiacprinting.com
7 0 •• 44 77 44 •• 99 22 22 80
P: 800.829.7720 • 570.474.9220
F| 570 • 474 •9228
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Glossary of Printing Terms
Glossary of Printing Terms
C
A
C1S and C2S: Abbreviations for coated one side and coated two sides.
Acid-free Paper: Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.
Camera-ready:
Mechanicals,
photographs
and pH
art paper,
fully prepared
for paper
reproduction
according
Also called alkaline
paper, archival
paper, neutral
permanent
and thesis
paper. to the
technical requirements of the printing process being used. Also called finished art and reproduction copy.
Against the Grain: At right angles to the grain direction of the paper being used, as compared to with
CMYK:
Abbreviation
cyan,
key
the four
process colors.
the grain.
Also called for
across
themagenta,
grain andyellow
cross and
grain.
See(black),
also Grain
Direction.
Coated
Paper:
with
a coating
clay andafter
othercopy
substances
thathas
improves
reflectivity
ink
Alteration:
Any Paper
change
made
by theofcustomer
or artwork
been given
to theand
service
holdout.
Mills produce
coated
paper
in the
fourbe
major
categories
cast, gloss,
dull and
bureau, separator
or printer.
The
change
could
in copy,
specifications
or both.
Alsomatte.
called AA, author
alteration
and customer
Color
Correct:
To adjustalteration.
the relationship among the process colors to achieve desirable colors.
Aqueous
Coating:
Coating
inofa hues
waterpossible
base and
applied like
ink aby
a printing
press
and
Color
Gamut:
The entire
range
to reproduce
using
specific
device,
suchtoasprotect
a computer
enhance
printing
screen,
orthe
system,
suchunderneath.
as four-color process printing.
Artwork:
All original
including
type,a camera,
photos and
illustrations,
intended
for printing.
Also called
art.
Color
Separation:
(1)copy,
Technique
of using
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 called separation.
B
Color Shift: Change in image color resulting from changes in register, ink densities or dot gain during
Back Up: To print on the second side of a sheet already printed on one side.
four-color process printing.
Bind: Usually in the book arena, but not exclusively, the joining of leafs or signatures together with either
Composite Proof: Proof of color separations in position with graphics and type. Also called final proof,
wire, glue or other means.
imposition proof and stripping proof.
Bindery: Usually a department within a printing company responsible for collating, folding and
Cover Paper: Category of thick paper used for products such as posters, menus, folders and covers of
trimming various printing projects.
paperback books.
Bleed: Printing that extends to the edge of a sheet or page after trimming.
Crop Marks: Lines near the edges of an image indicating portions to be reproduced. Also called cut
marks and tic marks.
Cure: To dry inks, varnishes or other coatings after printing to ensure good adhesion and prevent setoff.
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395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105
395
Oak Hill Top,
RoadPA
• Ste
105
Mountain
18707
Mountain Top, PA 18707
80 0 • 829 •7720
0• •487249•• 97 27 22 00
P | 58700Top
395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105 • Mountain
PA 18707
P
|
5
7
0
F | • 5zodiacprinting.com
7 0 •• 44 77 44 •• 99 22 22 80
P: 800.829.7720 • 570.474.9220
F| 570 • 474 •9228
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Glossary of Printing Terms
Glossary of Printing Terms
D
A
Density: (1) Regarding ink, the relative thickness of a layer of printed ink. (2) Regarding color, the relative
Acid-free Paper: Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.
ability of a color to absorb light reflected from it or block light passing through it. (3) Regarding paper,
Also called alkaline paper, archival paper, neutral pH paper, permanent paper and thesis paper.
the relative tightness or looseness of fibers.
Against the Grain: At right angles to the grain direction of the paper being used, as compared to with
Desktop Publishing: Technique of using a computer to design images and pages, and assemble type
the grain. Also called across the grain and cross grain. See also Grain Direction.
and graphics, then using a laser printer or imagesetter to output the assembled pages onto paper, film
Alteration:
Any Abbreviated
change made
by the customer after copy or artwork has been given to the service
or
printing plate.
DTP.
bureau, separator or printer. The change could be in copy, specifications or both. Also called AA, author
Die Cut: To cut irregular shapes in paper or paperboard using a die.
alteration and customer alteration.
Digital Proofing: Page proofs produced through electronic memory transferred onto paper via laser
Aqueous Coating: Coating in a water base and applied like ink by a printing press to protect and
or ink-jet.
enhance the printing underneath.
Dot Gain: Phenomenon of halftone dots printing larger on paper than they are on films or plates,
Artwork: All original copy, including type, photos and illustrations, intended for printing. Also called art.
reducing detail and lowering contrast. Also called dot growth, dot spread and press gain.
Dot Size: Relative size of halftone dots as compared to dots of the screen ruling being used. There is no
B of measurement to express dot size. Dots are too large, too small or correct only in comparison to
unit
Back the
Up:viewer
To printfinds
on the
second side of a sheet already printed on one side.
what
attractive.
Bind: Usually in the
book arena,
but not exclusively,
the joining
leafs
or signatures
together
with
either
Dots-per-inch:
Measure
of resolution
of input devices
suchof as
scanners,
display
devices
such
as
wire,
glue
or
other
means.
monitors, and output devices such as laser printers, imagesetters and monitors. Abbreviated DPI. Also
called
dot pitch.
Bindery:
Usually a department within a printing company responsible for collating, folding and
trimming
various as
printing
projects.
DPI:
Considered
“dots per
square inch,” a measure of output resolution in relationship to printers,
imagesetters
and
monitors.
Bleed: Printing
that
extends to the edge of a sheet or page after trimming.
Dull Finish: Flat (not glossy) finish on coated paper; slightly smoother than matte. Also called suede
finish, velour finish and velvet finish.
Dummy: Simulation of the final product. Also called mockup.
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395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105
395
Oak Hill Top,
RoadPA
• Ste
105
Mountain
18707
Mountain Top, PA 18707
80 0 • 829 •7720
0• •487249•• 97 27 22 00
P | 58700Top
395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105 • Mountain
PA 18707
P
|
5
7
0
F | • 5zodiacprinting.com
7 0 •• 44 77 44 •• 99 22 22 80
P: 800.829.7720 • 570.474.9220
F| 570 • 474 •9228
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Glossary
Glossary of
of Printing
Printing Terms
Terms
EA
Emboss:
press Paper
an image
intofrom
paper
socontaining
it lies abovelittle
theor
surface.
Also
cameo
and tool.from age.
Acid-freeTo
Paper:
made
pulp
no acid
so itcalled
resists
deterioration
Encapsulated
PostScript
file (EPS):
Computer
both images
commands.
Also called alkaline
paper, archival
paper,
neutralfile
pHcontaining
paper, permanent
paperand
andPostScript
thesis paper.
Against the Grain: At right angles to the grain direction of the paper being used, as compared to with
Fthe grain. Also called across the grain and cross grain. See also Grain Direction.
Alteration:
Any change
made by
customer
afterterm
copyfor
ortrimming,
artwork has
beenbinding
given toand
theallservice
Finish:
(1) Surface
characteristics
of the
paper.
(2) General
folding,
other
bureau,
separator
or
printer.
The
change
could
be
in
copy,
specifications
or
both.
Also
called
AA,
author
post press operations.
alteration and customer alteration.
Finished Size: Size of product after production is completed, as compared to flat size. Also called
Aqueoussize.
Coating: Coating in a water base and applied like ink by a printing press to protect and
trimmed
enhance the printing underneath.
Flat Size: Size of product after printing and trimming, but before folding, as compared to finished size.
Artwork: All original copy, including type, photos and illustrations, intended for printing. Also called art.
Flood: To print a sheet completely with an ink or varnish. flooding with ink is also called painting the sheet.
Fold Marks: With printed matter, markings indicating where a fold is to occur, usually located at the top edges.
B
Form: Each side of a signature.
Back Up: To print on the second side of a sheet already printed on one side.
Four-color Process Printing: Technique of printing that uses black, magenta, cyan and yellow to
Bind: Usually
in theimages.
book arena,
but not
exclusively,
joiningfull
ofcolor
leafs or
signatures
togetherprinting.
with either
simulate
full-color
Also called
color
processthe
printing,
printing
and process
wire, glue or other means.
Bindery: Usually a department within a printing company responsible for collating, folding and
trimming various printing projects.
Bleed: Printing that extends to the edge of a sheet or page after trimming.
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395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105
395
Oak Hill Top,
RoadPA
• Ste
105
Mountain
18707
Mountain Top, PA 18707
80 0 • 829 •7720
0•• 48 72 49 •• 97 27 22 00
P | 58700Top
395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105 • Mountain
PA
PF || 55 77 00 •• 44 77
44 18707
•• 99 22 22 08
P: 800.829.7720 • 570.474.9220
F | • 5zodiacprinting.com
70 • 474 •9228
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Glossary of Printing Terms
Glossary of Printing Terms
G
A
Gang: To reproduce two or more different printed products simultaneously on one sheet of paper
Acid-free Paper: Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.
during one press run. Also called combination run.
Also called alkaline paper, archival paper, neutral pH paper, permanent paper and thesis paper.
Gate Fold: A sheet that folds where both sides fold toward the gutter in overlapping layers.
Against the Grain: At right angles to the grain direction of the paper being used, as compared to with
Gloss:
Consider
the light
reflecting
onand
various
in the
industry (e.g., paper, ink, laminates,
the
grain.
Also called
across
the grain
crossobjects
grain. See
alsoprinting
Grain Direction.
UV coating, varnish).
Alteration: Any change made by the customer after copy or artwork has been given to the service
Grain Direction:
which
in paper
becomeor
aligned
manufacturing.
bureau,
separator Predominant
or printer. Thedirection
change in
could
befibers
in copy,
specifications
both. during
Also called
AA, author
Also calledand
machine
direction.
alteration
customer
alteration.
Graphic Design:
typebase
and visual
elements
specifications
paper,and
ink
Aqueous
Coating:Arrangement
Coating in aofwater
and applied
likealong
ink bywith
a printing
press tofor
protect
colors and
printing
processes
that, when combined, convey a visual message.
enhance
the
printing
underneath.
Graphics:All
Visual
elements
that supplement
type to
make
printed messages
more
clear or
interesting.
Artwork:
original
copy, including
type, photos
and
illustrations,
intended for
printing.
Also
called art.
Gray Scale: Strip of gray values ranging from white to black. Used by process camera and scanner
operators to calibrate exposure times for film and plates. Also called step wedge.
B
Gripper Edge: Edge of a sheet held by grippers on a sheetfed press, thus going first through the press.
Back Up: To print on the second side of a sheet already printed on one side.
Also called feeding edge and leading edge.
Bind: Usually in the book arena, but not exclusively, the joining of leafs or signatures together with either
Gutter: In the book arena, the inside margins toward the back or the binding edges.
wire, glue or other means.
Bindery: Usually a department within a printing company responsible for collating, folding and
H
trimming
various printing projects.
Halftone:
(1) Tothat
photograph
orthe
scanedge
a continuous
image
to trimming.
convert the image into halftone dots.
Bleed:
Printing
extends to
of a sheettone
or page
after
(2) A photograph or continuous-tone illustration that has been halftoned and appears on film, paper,
printing plate or the final printed product.
Halftone Screen: Piece of film or glass containing a grid of lines that breaks light into dots. Also called
contact screen and screen.
Hue: A specific color name such as yellow or green.
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395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105
395
Oak Hill Top,
RoadPA
• Ste
105
Mountain
18707
Mountain Top, PA 18707
80 0 • 829 •7720
0• •487249•• 97 27 22 00
P | 58700Top
395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105 • Mountain
PA 18707
P
|
5
7
0
F | • 5zodiacprinting.com
7 0 •• 44 77 44 •• 99 22 22 80
P: 800.829.7720 • 570.474.9220
F| 570 • 474 •9228
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Glossary of Printing Terms
Glossary of Printing Terms
I
A
Image Area: The actual area on the printed matter that is not restricted to ink coverage,
Acid-free Paper: Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.
Imposition:
Arrangement
of pagespaper,
on mechanicals
flats permanent
so they will appear
in proper
Also called alkaline
paper, archival
neutral pH or
paper,
paper and
thesis sequence
paper. after
press sheets are folded and bound.
Against the Grain: At right angles to the grain direction of the paper being used, as compared to with
Impression:
Referring
to the
an ink
color,
impression
oneDirection.
press sheet passing once through
the grain. Also(1)called
across
grain
andone
cross
grain. Seeequals
also Grain
a printing unit. (2) Referring to speed of a press, one impression equals one press sheet passing once
Alteration: Any change made by the customer after copy or artwork has been given to the service
through the press.
bureau, separator or printer. The change could be in copy, specifications or both. Also called AA, author
alteration and customer alteration.
JAqueous Coating: Coating in a water base and applied like ink by a printing press to protect and
enhance the printing underneath.
KArtwork: All original copy, including type, photos and illustrations, intended for printing. Also called art.
LB
Back Up:ATo
print on
of a sheet
alreadyposition
printedof
onprinted
one side.
Layout:
sample
of the second
original side
providing
(showing)
work (direction, instructions)
needed
and desired.
Bind: Usually
in the book arena, but not exclusively, the joining of leafs or signatures together with either
wire, glue
or Two
otherfolds
means.
Letter
fold:
creating three panels that allow a sheet of letterhead to fit a business envelope.
Also
calledUsually
barrel fold
and wrap around
Bindery:
a department
withinfold.
a printing company responsible for collating, folding and
trimming various
printing
Lithography:
Method
of projects.
printing using plates whose image areas attract ink and whose nonimage
areas
ink. Nonimage
areas
may
be coated
withorwater
repel
the oily ink or may have a surface,
Bleed:repel
Printing
that extends
to the
edge
of a sheet
page to
after
trimming.
such as silicon, that repels ink.
Live Area: Area on a mechanical within which images will print. Also called safe area.
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395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105
395
Oak Hill Top,
RoadPA
• Ste
105
Mountain
18707
Mountain Top, PA 18707
80 0 • 829 •7720
0• •487249•• 97 27 22 00
P | 58700Top
395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105 • Mountain
PA 18707
P
|
5
7
0
F | • 5zodiacprinting.com
7 0 •• 44 77 44 •• 99 22 22 80
P: 800.829.7720 • 570.474.9220
F| 570 • 474 •9228
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Glossary of Printing Terms
Glossary of Printing Terms
M
A
Makeready : (1) All activities required to prepare a press or other machine to function for a specific
Acid-free Paper: Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.
printing or bindery job, as compared to production run. Also called setup. (2) Paper used in the
Also called alkaline paper, archival paper, neutral pH paper, permanent paper and thesis paper.
makeready process at any stage in production. Makeready paper is part of waste or spoilage.
Against the Grain: At right angles to the grain direction of the paper being used, as compared to with
Margin: Imprinted space around the edge of the printed material.
the grain. Also called across the grain and cross grain. See also Grain Direction.
Mark-Up: Instructions written usually on a “dummy.”
Alteration: Any change made by the customer after copy or artwork has been given to the service
Matte
Flat (not
glossy)The
finish
on photographic
paperspecifications
or coated printing
paper.
bureau,Finish:
separator
or printer.
change
could be in copy,
or both.
Also called AA, author
alteration and
alteration.
Midtones:
In acustomer
photograph
or illustration, tones created by dots between 30 percent and 70 percent of
coverage,
compared
to highlights
andbase
shadows.
Aqueous as
Coating:
Coating
in a water
and applied like ink by a printing press to protect and
enhance
printing underneath.
Mock
Up:the
A reproduction
of the original printed matter and possibly containing instructions or direction.
Artwork:
All originalpattern
copy, including
type, photos
andand
illustrations,
intended
forwith
printing.
Also called
art.
Moire:
Undesirable
resulting when
halftones
screen tints
are made
improperly
aligned
screens, or when a pattern in a photo, such as a plaid, interfaces with a halftone dot pattern.
B
N
Back Up: To print on the second side of a sheet already printed on one side.
Bind: Usually in the book arena, but not exclusively, the joining of leafs or signatures together with either
wire, glue or other means.
O
Bindery:
Usually Printing
a department
within
printingink
company
responsible
for collating,
Offset
Printing:
technique
that atransfers
from a plate
to a blanket
to paperfolding
insteadand
of
trimming
various
projects.
directly
from
plateprinting
to paper.
Bleed: Printing
that extends
the edge
of asubstrate
sheet orthat
pageprevents
after trimming.
Opacity:
(1) Characteristic
of to
paper
or other
printing on one side from showing
through the other side. (2) Characteristic of ink that prevents the substrate from showing through.
Overprint: To print one image over a previously printed image, such as printing type over a screen tint.
Also called surprint.
Over Run: Additional printed matter beyond order. Overage policy varies in the printing industry.
Advance questions avoid blind knowledge.
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395
395 Oak
Oak Hill
Hill Road
Road •• Ste
Ste 105
105
Mountain
Mountain Top,
Top, PA
PA 18707
18707
88 00 00 •• 88 22 99 •• 77 77 22 00
395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105 • Mountain
PP || 55 77 00Top
•• 44 77PA
44 •18707
• 99 22 22 00
FF || • 55zodiacprinting.com
77 00 •• 44 77 44 •• 99 22 22 88
P: 800.829.7720 • 570.474.9220
DE
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FULFILLMENT
DISPL AY
AY
Glossary
Glossary of
of Printing
Printing Terms
Terms
PA
Parallel Fold: Method of folding. Two parallel folds to a sheet will produce 6 panels.
Acid-free Paper: Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.
Perforating:
Takingpaper,
place archival
on a press
or a neutral
binder machine,
a linepaper
of small
wholes for the
Also called alkaline
paper,
pH paper,creating
permanent
anddotted
thesis paper.
purpose of tearing-off a part of a printed matter (usually straight lines, vertical or horizontal).
Against the Grain: At right angles to the grain direction of the paper being used, as compared to with
Pixel:
Short
forcalled
picture
element,
a dotand
made
by grain.
a computer,
or other digital device.
the grain.
Also
across
the grain
cross
See alsoscanner
Grain Direction.
Plate:
Piece of
paper,
metal,
plastic
rubber
carrying
image
be reproduced
press.
Alteration:
Any
change
made
by or
the
customer
afterancopy
or to
artwork
has beenusing
givena printing
to the service
bureau, separator
or printer.lithography,
The change
could bewith
in copy,
specifications
or to
both.
Alsoplates
calledthrough
AA, author
Platemaker:
In commercial
a machine
a vacuum
frame used
expose
film.
alteration
and customer
alteration.
PMS:
Reference
to Pantone
Matching System. The correct trade name of the colors in the Pantone
AqueousSystem
Coating:
Coatingcolors,
in a water
baseColors.
and applied like ink by a printing press to protect and
Matching
is Pantone
not PMS
enhance
printingpaper,
underneath.
Point:
(1) the
Regarding
a unit of thickness equating 1/1000 inch. (2) Regarding type, a unit of measure
equaling
pica and
.013875
inch (.351mm).
Artwork:1/12
All original
copy,
including
type, photos and illustrations, intended for printing. Also called art.
Prepress: Camera work, color separations, stripping, platemaking and other prepress functions
performed by the printer, separator or a service bureau prior to printing. Also called preparation.
B
Press Check: Event at which makeready sheets from the press are examined before authorizing full
Back Up: To print on the second side of a sheet already printed on one side.
production to begin.
Bind: Usually in the book arena, but not exclusively, the joining of leafs or signatures together with either
Press Proof: Proof made on press using the plates, ink and paper specified for the job. Also called strike
wire, glue or other means.
off and trial proof.
Bindery: Usually a department within a printing company responsible for collating, folding and
Press Time: (1) Amount of time that one printing job spends on press, including time required for
trimming various printing projects.
makeready. (2) Time of day at which a printing job goes on press.
Bleed: Printing that extends to the edge of a sheet or page after trimming.
Printer Spreads: Mechanicals made so they are imposed for printing, as compared to reader spreads.
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.
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. The screen printing is also called a plate.
Process Color (Inks): The colors used for four-color process printing: yellow, magenta, cyan and black.
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.
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395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105
395
Oak Hill Top,
RoadPA
• Ste
105
Mountain
18707
Mountain Top, PA 18707
80 0 • 829 •7720
0• •487249•• 97 27 22 00
P | 58700Top
395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105 • Mountain
PA 18707
P
|
5
7
0
F | • 5zodiacprinting.com
7 0 •• 44 77 44 •• 99 22 22 80
P: 800.829.7720 • 570.474.9220
F| 570 • 474 •9228
Design, Print & Digital Strategies.
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Glossary
Glossary of
of Printing
Printing Terms
Terms
Q
A
Acid-free Paper: Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.
RAlso called alkaline paper, archival paper, neutral pH paper, permanent paper and thesis paper.
Raster
Processor
Device
commands
into bitmapped
AgainstImage
the Grain:
At right(RIP):
angles
to thethat
graintranslates
directionpage
of thedescription
paper being
used, as compared
to with
information
forcalled
an output
device
suchand
as across
laser grain.
printerSee
or also
imagesetter.
the grain. Also
across
the grain
Grain Direction.
Reader
Spread:
Mechanicals
in two
page spreads
as readers
would
the given
pages,to
asthe
compared
Alteration:
Any change
mademade
by the
customer
after copy
or artwork
hassee
been
service
to
printerseparator
spread. or printer. The change could be in copy, specifications or both. Also called AA, author
bureau,
alteration and
customer
alteration.
Recycled
Paper:
New paper
made entirely or in part from old paper.
Aqueous To
Coating:
Coatingproperly
in a water
and
likeofink
by aand
printing
press to on
protect
and
Register:
place printing
withbase
regard
to applied
the edges
paper
other printing
the same
enhance
theprinting
printingisunderneath.
sheet.
Such
said to be in register.
Artwork:Marks:
All original
copy, including
photos and
intended
for printing.
Alsoprinting
called art.
Register
Cross-hair
lines on type,
mechanicals
and illustrations,
film that help
keep flats,
plates, and
in
register. Also called crossmarks and position marks.
Resolution:
Sharpness of an image on film, paper, computer screen, disc, tape or other medium.
B
Reverse:
graphic
illustration
by printing
its outline, thus allowing the
Back Up: Type,
To print
on theorsecond
side reproduced
of a sheet already
printedinkonaround
one side.
underlying
color
or book
paperarena,
to show
through
and form
the image.
The
‘reverses
out’with
of the
ink
Bind: Usually
in the
but not
exclusively,
the joining
of leafs
orimage
signatures
together
either
color.
Also or
called
wire, glue
otherknockout
means. and liftout.
RGB:
Abbreviation
red, green, blue,
theaadditive
primaries.
Bindery:
Usually afordepartment
within
printingcolor
company
responsible for collating, folding and
Rule:
Line
used
as
a
graphic
element
to
separate
or
organize
copy.
trimming various printing projects.
Bleed: Printing that extends to the edge of a sheet or page after trimming.
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395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105
Mountain Top, PA 18707
88 00 00 •• 88 22 99 •• 77 77 22 00
395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105 • Mountain
PP || 55 77 00Top
•• 44 77PA
44 •18707
• 99 22 22 00
P: 800.829.7720 • 570.474.9220
FF || • 55zodiacprinting.com
77 00 •• 44 77 44 •• 99 22 22 88
Design, Print & Digital Strategies.
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DISPL
AY
Glossary of Printing Terms
Glossary of Printing Terms
S
A
Saddle Stitch: To bind by stapling sheets together where they fold at the spine, as compared to side
Acid-free Paper: Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.
stitch. Also called pamphlet stitch, saddle wire and stitch bind.
Also called alkaline paper, archival paper, neutral pH paper, permanent paper and thesis paper.
Scanner: Electronic device used to scan an image.
Against the Grain: At right angles to the grain direction of the paper being used, as compared to with
the grain. Also called across the grain and cross grain. See also Grain Direction.
Screen Density: Refers to the percentage of ink coverage that a screen tint allows to print. Also called
Alteration: Any change made by the customer after copy or artwork has been given to the service
screen percentage.
bureau, separator or printer. The change could be in copy, specifications or both. Also called AA, author
Self Cover: Usually in the book arena, a publication not having a cover stock. A publication only using
alteration and customer alteration.
text stock throughout.
Aqueous Coating: Coating in a water base and applied like ink by a printing press to protect and
Self Mailer: A printed item independent of an envelope. A printed item capable of travel in the mailing
enhance the printing underneath.
arena independently.
Artwork: All original copy, including type, photos and illustrations, intended for printing. Also called art.
Separations: Usually in the four-color process arena, separate film holding qimages of one specific color
per piece of film. Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow. Can also separate specific PMS colors through film.
Score: To compress paper along a straight line so it folds more easily and accurately. Also called crease.
B
Sheetfed
Press: Press that prints sheets of paper, as compared to a web press.
Side
bind
along, printed
one edge,
as compared
to saddle stitch. Also
Back stitch:
Up: To To
print
on by
thestapling
second through
side of a sheets
sheet already
on one
side.
called cleat stitch and side wire.
Bind: Usually in the book arena, but not exclusively, the joining of leafs or signatures together with either
Signature:
sheet folded at least once, possibly many times, to become part of a book, magazine
wire, glue orPrinted
other means.
or other publication.
Bindery: Usually a department within a printing company responsible for collating, folding and
Solid:
Anyvarious
area ofprinting
the sheet
receiving 100 percent ink coverage, as compared to a screen tint.
trimming
projects.
Soy-based
Inks:
Inks
using vegetable
oilsofinstead
Bleed: Printing
that
extends
to the edge
a sheetoforpetroleum
page afterproducts
trimming.as pigment vehicles, thus are
easier on the environment.
Spine: Back or binding edge of a publication
Spot Color or Varnish: One ink or varnish applied to portions of a sheet, as compared to flood or painted sheet.
Spread: (1) Two pages that face each other and are designed as one visual or production unit. (2) Technique
of slightly enlarging the size of an image to accomplish a hairline trap with another image. Also called fatty.
Subtractive Color: Color produced by light reflected from a surface, as compared to additive color.
Subtractive color includes hues in color photos and colors created by inks on paper.
Surprint: Taking an already printed matter and re-printing again on the same.
SWOP: Abbreviation for specifications for web offset publications, specifications recommended for
web printing of publications.
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Design, Print & Digital Strategies.
395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105
395
Oak Hill Top,
RoadPA
• Ste
105
Mountain
18707
Mountain Top, PA 18707
80 0 • 829 •7720
0• •487249•• 97 27 22 00
P | 58700Top
395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105 • Mountain
PA 18707
P
|
5
7
0
F | • 5zodiacprinting.com
7 0 •• 44 77 44 •• 99 22 22 80
P: 800.829.7720 • 570.474.9220
F| 570 • 474 •9228
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Glossary of Printing Terms
Glossary of Printing Terms
T
A
Tabloid: 11x17 paper dimensions.
Acid-free Paper: Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.
Tagged
Image
Filepaper,
Format
(TIFF):paper,
Computer
filepH
format
used
to store images
fromthesis
scanners
and video
Also called
alkaline
archival
neutral
paper,
permanent
paper and
paper.
devices. Abbreviated TIFF.
Against the Grain: At right angles to the grain direction of the paper being used, as compared to with
Target
InkAlso
Densities:
Densities
of theand
fourcross
process
inksSee
asalso
recommended
for various printing processes
the grain.
called across
the grain
grain.
Grain Direction.
and grades of paper. See also Total Area Coverage.
Alteration: Any change made by the customer after copy or artwork has been given to the service
Tint:
Screening
oror
adding
to a solidcould
colorbe
forinresults
lightening that
specific
bureau,
separator
printer.white
The change
copy, of
specifications
or both.
Alsocolor.
called AA, author
alteration
customerTotal
alteration.
Total
Areaand
Coverage:
of the dot percentages of the process colors in the final film. Abbreviated
for
TAC. Also
called density
of tone,
maximum
shadow
total dotpress
density
totaland
ink
Aqueous
Coating:
Coating
in a water
base density,
and applied
likesaturation,
ink by a printing
to and
protect
coverage.
enhance the printing underneath.
Trap:
To print
one inkcopy,
over another
to print
a coating,
such as varnish,
over an
The first
traps
Artwork:
All original
includingortype,
photos
and illustrations,
intended
for ink.
printing.
Alsoliquid
called
art.
the second liquid. See also Dry Traps and Wet Traps.
Trim Size: The size of the printed material in its finished stage (e.g., the finished trim size is 5 1\2 x 8 1\2).
B
Back Up: To print on the second side of a sheet already printed on one side.
U
Bind: Usually in the book arena, but not exclusively, the joining of leafs or signatures together with either
Uncoated
wire, glue orPaper:
other Paper
means.that has not been coated with clay. Also called offset paper.
Undercolor
Removal:
Technique within
of making
color separations
that the for
amount
of cyan,
magenta
Bindery: Usually
a department
a printing
company such
responsible
collating,
folding
and
and
yellow
ink
is
reduced
in
midtone
and
shadow
areas
while
the
amount
of
black
is
increased.
trimming various printing projects.
Abbreviated UCR.
Bleed: Printing that extends to the edge of a sheet or page after trimming.
Up: Term to indicate multiple copies of one image printed in one impression on a single sheet. “Two up”
or “three up” means printing the identical piece twice or three times on each sheet.
UV Coating: Liquid applied to a printed sheet, then bonded and cured with ultraviolet light.
V
Varnish: Liquid applied as a coating for protection and appearance.
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395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105
Mountain Top, PA 18707
8 0Hill
0 • Road
8 2 9 •• Ste
7 7 105
20
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P Mountain
| 5 7 0 • 4Top,
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395 Oak Hill Road • Ste 105 • Mountain
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P: 800.829.7720 • 570.474.9220
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Glossary of Printing Terms
Glossary of Printing Terms
W
A
Watermark: Translucent logo in paper created during manufacturing by slight embossing from a dandy
Acid-free Paper: Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.
roll while paper is still approximately 90 percent water.
Also called alkaline paper, archival paper, neutral pH paper, permanent paper and thesis paper.
Against the Grain: At right angles to the grain direction of the paper being used, as compared to with
X
the grain. Also called across the grain and cross grain. See also Grain Direction.
Alteration: Any change made by the customer after copy or artwork has been given to the service
Ybureau, separator or printer. The change could be in copy, specifications or both. Also called AA, author
alteration and customer alteration.
ZAqueous Coating: Coating in a water base and applied like ink by a printing press to protect and
enhance the printing underneath.
Artwork: All original copy, including type, photos and illustrations, intended for printing. Also called art.
B
Back Up: To print on the second side of a sheet already printed on one side.
Bind: Usually in the book arena, but not exclusively, the joining of leafs or signatures together with either
wire, glue or other means.
Bindery: Usually a department within a printing company responsible for collating, folding and
trimming various printing projects.
Bleed: Printing that extends to the edge of a sheet or page after trimming.
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