graphics
bitmap: A grid of pixels or printed dots generated by computer to represent type and images.
clipping path: An outline, embedded into the file, that tells an application which areas of a picture should be considered transparent.
dpi: A measure of the quality of an image from a scanner or output resolution of a printer. The more dots per inch, the higher the quality will be but the larger the file size the slower it will process.
lpi: Lines per inch - refers to the quality of a halftone screen. It is important to distinguish it from dpi which refers to the resolution of a device or image. Commonly lpi is used at exactly half of the dpi of the device or image, i.e. 300dpi would equal 150lpi.
JPEG: Joint Photographic Electronic Group. a common standard for compressing image data.
TIFF: Acronym for Tagged Image File Format. TIFF (.TIF) pictures can be black-and-white line art, greyscale or colour. This is a widely used format for image/photographic files but is unsuitable for text unless its is created at a very hi-resolution.
Resolution: the number of dots per inch (dpi) in a computer-processed document. The level of detail retained by a printed document increases with higher resolution. ppi (pixels per inch) for an image. All non-vector artwork is supplied at a minimum of 300 dpi.
paper
bond paper: A grade of paper suited for letterheads, business forms etc.
carbonless paper: Paper coated with chemicals that enable transfer of images from one sheet to another with pressure from writing or typing.
cast coated: Coated paper with a very high gloss enamel finish
GSM: Paper weight is measured in grams per square metre.
ivory board: A smooth high white board used for business cards etc.
Document sizes: As confusing as it may seem, paper size do follow a straight forward system. Try this, take a piece of A4 paper and fold it in half and cut along the fold, you now have two pieces of A5.
 | | | | | | A0 | | 841mm x 1189mm | | | A1 | | 594mm x 841mm | | | A2 | | 420mm x 594mm | | | A3 | | 297mm x 420mm | | | A4 | | 210mm x 297mm | | | A5 | | 148mm x 210mm | | | A6 | | 105mm x 148mm | | | A7 | | 74mm x 105mm |
colours
CMYK: Abbreviation for cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black), the 4 process colours, which combined together in varying proportions can be made to produce the full colour spectrum.
RGB: An acronym for red, green and blue. RGB is a colour model used for computer monitors and colour video output systems. colour separations for litho printing can not be made directly from RGB files and need to be converted to CMYK first.
Pantone® colours: Premixed ink colours that are often specified for printing as a spot colour. can be matched using CMYK but will not be exactly the same colour as its Pantone colour counterpart.
process colour: Colour specified in percentages of cyan, magenta, yellow and black. when superimposed during printing the four colour printing process, their separate plates can recreate millions of different colours.
print processes
computer to plate: A process of printing directly from a computer onto the plate used by a printing press. Overall a CTP plate is cleaner, of better image quality and will provide faster run-up on press with better quality printed copies.
die-cutting: Process of using sharp metal rules on a wooden block to cut out specialised shapes such as pocket folders or unusual shaped flyers etc.
digital printing: Benefits are for very short runs or for personalised print. Some feel that the quality is not yet to the standard of offset litho, however, some feel that it is.
lithographic printing: A printing process based on the principle of the natural aversion of water to grease. The areas to be printed receive and transfer ink to the paper, the non-printing areas are treated with water to repel the ink.
large format printing: Prints which require larger than standard paper sizes – such as window or exhibition displays.
proof: A representation of the finished print produced for customer inspection for errors to be corrected prior to mass printing.
finishes
embossing: A process performed after printing to stamp a raised (or depressed) image into the surface of paper, using engraved metal embossing dies, extreme pressure, and heat. embossing styles include blind, deboss and foil-embossed.
blind emboss: Impression of an un-inked image onto the back of a sheet which produces a raised 'embossed' image on the front of the sheet.
deboss: Image pressed into paper so it lies below the surface.
foil stamping: A metallic finish, or other embossed finishes applied by specialist equipment.
matt: A non glossy finish.
drilling: Drilling of holes in product which will allow insertion over rings or posts in a binder of some sort.
lamination: A thin film coating which is applied to the paper or board to give a more glossy or matt appearance.
varnishing/sealing: The application of a varnish/sealant to a surface to offer protection against marking and improve it's overall appearance.
folding
concertina fold: A method of folding in which each fold opens in the opposite direction to its neighbour, giving a concertina or pleated effect.
french fold: Two folds at right angles to each other.
gutter: Line or fold at which facing pages meet.
gusset: Expandable portion of a pocketed folder or envelope.
spread: Two or more adjoining pages that would appear in view on sheet.
binding
binding: Process of fastening papers together.
case bound: A hardback book made with stiff outer covers. Cases are usually covered with cloth, vinyl or leather.
loose leaf: A method of binding which allows the insertion and removal of pages for continuous updating.
perfect binding: A bookbinding method in which pages are glued rather than sewn to the cover. Used primarily for paperback books.
saddle stitch: A binding process in which a pamphlet or booklet is stapled through the middle fold of its sheets using metal wires.
self-cover: The paper used inside a booklet is the same as that used for the cover and is generally printed on the same press run.
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