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Glossary of Terms
Apr 05,2011 at 11:13:AM

Back Up
(1) To print on the second side of a sheet already printed on one side. (2) To adjust an image on one side of a sheet so that it aligns back-to-back with an image on the other side.

Printing that extends to the edge of a sheet or page after trimming.

Prepress photographic proof made from stripped negatives where all colors show as blue images on white paper. Because 'blueline' is a generic term for proofs made from a variety of materials having identical purposes and similar appearances, it may also be called a blackprint, blue, blueprint, brownline, brownprint, diazo, dyeline, ozalid, position proof, silverprint, Dylux and VanDyke.

Bristol Paper
General term referring to paper 6 points or thicker with basis weight between 90# and 200# (200-500 gsm). Used for products such as index cards, file folders and displays.

C1S and C2S
Abbreviations for coated one side and coated two sides.

Carbonless Paper

Color Separation
(1) 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 called separation.

One of the four process colors. Also known as process blue.

Data Compression

Deckle Edge
Edge of paper left ragged as it comes from the papermaking machine instead of being cleanly cut. Also called feather edge.

Desktop Publishing
Technique of using a personal computer to design images and pages, and assemble type and graphics, then using a laser printer or imagesetter to output the assembled pages onto paper, film or printing plate. Abbreviated DTP.

Considered as "dots per square inch," a measure of output resolution in relationship to printers, imagesetters and monitors.

Simulation of the final product. Also called mockup.

Black-and-white photograph reproduced using two halftone negatives, each shot to emphasize different tonal values in the original.

To press an image into paper so it lies above the surface. Also called cameo and tool.

Encapsulated Post Script, a known file format usually used to transfer post script information from one program to another.

The individual performing or creating the "estimate."

Felt Finish
Soft woven pattern in text paper.

Fine Papers
Papers made specifically for writing or commercial printing, as compared to coarse papers and industrial papers. Also called cultural papers and graphic papers

Flat Size
Size of product after printing and trimming, but before folding, as compared to finished size.

Foil Stamp
Method of printing that releases foil from its backing when stamped with the heated die. Also called block print, hot foil stamp and stamp.

Four-color Process Printing
Technique of printing that uses black, magenta, cyan and yellow to simulate full-color images. Also called color process printing, full color printing and process printing.

Grain Direction
Predominant direction in which fibers in paper become aligned during manufacturing. Also called machine direction.

Grain Long Paper
Paper whose fibers run parallel to the long dimension of the sheet. Also called long grain paper.

Grain Short Paper
Paper whose fibers run parallel to the short dimension of the sheet. Also called short grain paper and wide web paper.

Graphic Arts
The crafts, industries and professions related to designing and printing on paper and other substrates.

Hang tag
Usually printed on a heavier paper with a slit and circle to be used to hang on car mirrors or door handles.

Laser output device using photosensitive paper or film.

To print new copy on a previously printed sheet, such as imprinting an employee's name on business cards.

Within a publication, an additional item positioned into the publication loose (not bound in).

Job Number
A number assigned to a specific printing project in a printing company for use in tracking and historical record keeping. It always the best way to reference an order. Your billing statement summary with have the same number as your order number.

Job Ticket
Form used to specify Printing requirements

Laid Finish
Finish on bond or text paper on which grids of parallel lines simulate the surface of handmade paper. Laid lines are close together and run against the grain; chain lines are farther apart and run with the grain.

A thin transparent plastic sheet (coating) applied to usually a thick stock (covers, post cards, etc.) providing protection against liquid and heavy use, and usually accents existing color, providing a glossy (or lens) effect.

Laser Bond
Bond paper made especially smooth and dry to run well through laser printers.

Letter fold
Two folds creating three panels that allow a sheet of letterhead to fit a business envelope.

Making Order
Order for paper that a mill makes to the customer's specifications, as compared to a mill order or stock order. Our most common making orders are envelopes are that require special postioning of windows or unusual paper choices. These can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks to be made.

Signatures assembled inside one another in the proper sequence for binding, as compared to gathered. Also called inset.

Offset Printing

(1) Not transparent. (2) To cover flaws in negative with tape or opaquing paint. Also called block out and spot.

Over Run
Additional printed matter beyond order. Overage policy varies in the printing industry. Our standard, like most local printers is 10% or 10% over.


Reference to an ink colors used in offset printing. The correct trade name of the colors in the Pantone Matching System is Pantone colors, not PMS Colors.

Camera work, color separations, and other prepress functions performed by the printer, to make documents ready for print. Also called preparation.

Prepress Proof
Most of proofing is done electronically using a PDF format. Upon request color proofs can be done but we cannot guarantee of an accurate color match.

There is always the option of a press proof but this is expensive as the printing press stops running in until approval is given and if the press proof is not approved we have to charge again for set-up, changes made and the press wash up. We try make appointments but they are generally for either morning or afternoon.

To print portions of sheets that will be used for later imprinting.

Process Color (Inks)
The colors used for four-color process printing: yellow, magenta, cyan and black.


Price offered by a printer to produce a specific job.

500 sheets of paper. Most paper is packaged this way.

Recycled Paper
New paper made entirely or in part from old paper.

Abbreviation for red, green, blue, the additive color primaries.

Saddle Stitch
To bind by stapling sheets together where they fold at the spine, as compared to side stitch. Also called pamphlet stitch, saddle wire and stitch bind.

Self Cover
Usually in the book arena, a publication not having a cover stock. A publication only using text stock throughout.

Self Mailer
A printed item independent of an envelope. A printed item capable of travel in the mailing arena independently.

Side Stitch
To bind by stapling through sheets along, one edge, as compared to saddle stitch. Also called cleat stitch and side wire.


Soy-based Inks
Inks using vegetable oils instead of petroleum products as pigment vehicles, thus are easier on the environment. All inks are now made as soy based

Back or binding edge of a publication

Spiral Bind
To bind using a spiral of continuous wire or plastic looped through holes. Also called coil bind.

Tagged Image File Format
Computer file format used to store images from scanners and video devices. Abbreviated TIFF.

Trim Size

Uncoated Paper
Paper that has not been coated with clay. Also called offset paper.

Liquid applied as a coating for protection and appearance, either matte or glossy.

Translucent logo in paper created during manufacturing by slight embossing from a dandy roll while paper is still approximately 90 percent water. All of Syracuse University’s standard stationary uses a watermark



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