| Term | Definition |
| 4C Printing | Printing process using 4 ink colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) to print full color |
| AAs | Author Alterations: Any change made by the customer to previously provided artwork or specs |
| Acid-free Paper | Neutral pH (7) paper; used for fine art prints, limited edition printing and archiving |
| Adobe® Creative Cloud | Subscription-based access to the Creative Suite, including InDesign®, Photoshop®, Illustrator® and more |
| Antique Finish | Uncoated paper stock with a natural, rough appearance |
| Aqueous Coating | A water-based protective coating |
| B2B | Business-to-Business: Goods and services marketed to businesses |
| B2C | Business-to-Consumer: Goods and services marketed to consumers |
| Back Up | The direction of artwork for two-sided printing |
| Bind | Any method of securing and joining together paper sheets |
| Bindery | Production-based department whose expertise is finishing printed pieces |
| Bitmap | Pixels on a grid to create an image, resolution dependent |
| Blanket | A rubber-coated pad used to transfer images from the cylinder to the printing surface |
| Bleed | Printing that extends beyond the edge of the sheet before printing |
| Bleedthrough | Imperfection caused by heavy ink coverage that shows through the other side of a printed sheet; also called showthrough |
| Blind Deboss | Stamping any image or text into paper surface to produce a depressed effect, without the use of ink |
| Blind Emboss | Stamping any image or text into paper wrong-side to produce a raised impression, without the use of ink |
| Blind Package | Ship directly from second-party vendor without identifying the second-party |
| Blister Pack | Preformed plastic forms for small goods, sealed with paper board or aluminum backing |
| Brand | Symbols, words and ideas used to define a business strategy, often used to market |
| Brightness | Light reflecting property of paper when measured under a specially calibrated blue light |
| Buckslip | Loose slip of paper placed into another publication; also called an insert |
| Burst Perfect Bind | The process of gluing complete signatures into a notched spine |
| C1S | Coated One Side: Paper that has coating on just one side of the sheet |
| C2S | Coated Two Sides: Paper that has coating on both sides of the sheet |
| Caliper | Measurement of the thickness of paper stock |
| Camera-Ready | A general term for a document that is ready for print |
| Carton | Cardboard box used for shipping |
| Case Bind | Binding signatures into a hard-case cover; also called hard cover |
| Chipboard | Paperboard made from recycled paper |
| CMYK | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black: the four colors in four-color process printing |
| Coated Paper | Compounds coated on paper that improves upon its quality; common coatings include gloss and matte |
| Collating | To assemble pages in a predetermined order |
| Color Balance | Adjustment of process colors to create accurate color simulation |
| Color Cast | Imperfection caused by ink and/or color on text and/or images |
| Color Control Bar | Squares of color printed in the trim area used to evaluate color quality; also called color bars |
| Color Correct | Adjustment of CMYK levels to achieve desired color accuracy; also called balance |
| Color Correct Proof | Simulation of a printed piece's color and/or impo |
| Color Curves | Broad color changes made to CMYK levels to output correct printed color |
| Comb Binding | Bindery method using plastic spines with teeth set into rectangular punched holes |
| Copy | Text; also called body copy |
| Cover | Outside pages of a publication |
| Cover Paper | Sturdier, thicker paper stock; often used for book cover application |
| Cover Wrap | The front and back covers plus the spine of a perfect-bound book |
| Coverage | Extent to which ink covers the printed surface |
| Creep | Location adjustment of inner pages in a saddle-stitched signature due to the extension (or creep) past the outer pages |
| Crop Marks | Small lines outside of the trim area that provide cutting directions |
| Crossover | Images or text that continues over a gutter |
| CS | Adobe Creative Suite: A series of programs used for web, print and media design |
| Cure | Time allowed for inks and coatings to dry to ensure adhesion |
| Cyan | Cyan puts the C in CMYK |
| Deboss | Stamping any image or text into paper surface to produce a depressed effect |
| Die | Tool used to cut, score, stamp, emboss or deboss |
| Die Cut | The process of using a shaped tool to make cut-outs |
| Digital Printing | Large-scale laser or inkjet printers used for on-demand, short run printing |
| Direct Mail | Bulk postal mail marketing campaigns |
| DPI | Dots Per Inch: Printing term for the quantification of dot density in an image |
| Drill | Cut any size hole(s) into printed matter |
| Dry Trap | Printing over dry, cured ink |
| Dull Stock | Flat-finish paper coating, also called matte or satin |
| Dummy | Mock-up of a finished piece |
| Emboss | Stamping any image or text into paper's wrong-side to produce a raised impression using heat and/or pressure |
| End Sheet | Paper mounted inside case-bound books that is used to attach inside pages |
| EPS | Encapsulated Post Script: A file format for images that will be placed in another document for printing |
| Estimate | Rough price calculation of a job and its specific details; also called a bid or quote |
| Face | Side of a bound piece that is opposite the spine |
| Feeding Unit | Printing press part that moves paper sheets into the press |
| Felt Finish | Paper stock with a woven pattern |
| Finish | Description of a paper's surface |
| Finished Size | W"xH" dimension of a piece after all production |
| Flat | Imposition proof used for print production |
| Flat Size | W"xH" dimension of a piece after trimming, but before folding |
| Flood | Covering a printed sheet entirely with ink and/or coatings |
| Foil Emboss | Combination of foil stamping and embossing |
| Foil Stamp | Application of metallic film-backed foil with a heated die-cut |
| Folder | Finishing equipment used to create folds |
| Folio | Page number |
| Font | A series of uniquely designed characters including numbers, letters and symbols |
| FPO | For Position Only: Designation indicating a proof or placeholder content |
| French Fold | Half-fold vertically followed by a horizontal half fold |
| FSC | Forest Stewardship Council: A non-profit organization that promotes responsible management of forests |
| FTP | File Transfer Protocol: Network used to transfer documents |
| Fugitive Glue | Low-tack, removable adhesive; also called booger glue |
| Fulfillment | Processing and delivering orders from a warehouse to a customer |
| G7® | Color calibration certification for printers |
| Gang Run | Printing two or more pieces on the same press sheet |
| Ghosting | Imperfection caused by heavy-coverage ink and/or coatings transferring where it should not be |
| GIF | Graphics Interchange Format: A file format for online use only |
| Gilding | Gold-leaf on the edges of printed material |
| Gloss Finish | Shiny coating applied to a press sheet |
| Gloss Stock | Shiny-finish paper coating |
| Glyph | A symbolic character, for example Æ, ©, ∑, ï |
| Gray Scale | An image with color information that has been converted to gray |
| Gripper Edge | Side of the paper that first feeds through a sheetfed press |
| Gutter | The binding edge, or center, of a printed piece |
| Hairline | Thin lines (less than .25 pt or .003") that do not print well |
| Hickey | An imperfection on a printed piece |
| HSB | Hue, Saturation, Balance: Color space for graphics and illustrations |
| Imposition | The arrangement of pages for proper collation; also called impo |
| Imprint | To print again on a previously printed sheet |
| Inserts | Loose slip of paper placed into another publication; also called a buck slip |
| ISBN | International Standard Book Number: A unique number assigned to publications |
| Job Number | A unique number assigned to each project for internal tracking |
| Job Ticket | An order for a printed piece, includes all details and instructions |
| Jog | Straighten paper sheets by tapping on a flat surface |
| JPEG | Joint Photographic Experts Group: A universal file format for images |
| K | Abbreviation for black in CMYK |
| Kerning | Adjustment of space between characters |
| Kiss Die Cut | A shaped cut that does not completely remove the cut-out |
| Knockout | Printing around an image or type's shape that will allow the substrate to show and form the image; also called reverse |
| Laminate | Transparent plastic sheets that are applied via heat/pressure/adhesive to protect printed matter |
| Landing Page | Front page of a website used for online marketing |
| Lay Flat Bind | Method of perfecting binding that allows a book to completely lie flat when open |
| Leading | Adjustment of space between lines of type |
| Letterfold | Two folds that create 3 equally sized panels |
| Letterpress | Printing method of relief printing with raised metal type using a printing press |
| Live Area | Printable area on a document for any copy or image that should not be cut off; usually .1875" from the trim |
| Lo-Res Flat | A printed proof indicating layout and specs, not to be used for color accuracy |
| Loupe | Magnifying glass used to examine printed matter |
| Mail Permit | Certified paid permission to mail |
| Make Ready | The process of preparing a press to print |
| Margin | Space surrounding the content of a page |
| Matte Finish | Flat coating applied to a press sheet |
| Matte Stock | Flat-finish paper coating, also called dull or satin |
| Metallic Ink | Special ink with small metallic particles or pigments that create a metal-like shine |
| Microfold | Multiple folds to make a printed piece small or any fold made to a small printed piece; finished size as small as 2"x2" |
| Mill | Factory that produces paper |
| Misting | Imperfection caused by small ink blots being thrown off of printing rollers |
| Native Files | Any editable, working file from a software program |
| NCOA | National Change of Address: US Postal Service's registry of people who have moved and/or changed address |
| Offset Paper | Uncoated, light-weight paper |
| Offset Printing | Printing method in which ink transfer from a plate to a blanket to the paper |
| Opacity | Ink that does not allow visibility of the paper or printed backside of a sheet |
| Over Run | Copies printed in excess of print order; industry standard is 10% |
| Overprint | 1. Printing ink over previously printed ink; 2. An effect in design software that will be removed during preflight |
| Overprint Varnish | Printing spot varnish over previously printed ink |
| Pagination | Numbering of pages |
| Panel | One side of one section of a folded piece; also called a page |
| Pantone | A system for matching printing color standards; also called PMS |
| Paper Weight | Term for describing paper density |
| PCW | Post-Consumer Waste: Amount of recycled content in paper stock |
| Portable Document Format: A universal file format viewable on most platforms; recommended for high resolution printing | |
| PDF Proof | Digital simulation of a printed piece |
| Perfect Bind | The process of gluing pages into a spine |
| Perforating | Straight dotted cut lines created on press to allow easier tear-off |
| Pica | Basic unit of measurement in typography; 6 picas/inch |
| Pixel | Smallest controllable dot composing a digital image |
| Plate | Thin metal sheet used to reproduce artwork |
| Platemaker | Equipment used to produce printing plates |
| PMS | Pantone Matching System: A system for matching printing color standards |
| Post Bind | Binding method using screw and posts insert into a drilled hole |
| Pound | Term for describing paper density, for example 80 lb.; also called weight |
| PPI | Pixels Per Inch: Design term for the quantification of dot density in an image |
| Preflight | The process of in-depth reviewing of files before printing |
| Prepress | Department responsible for preflighting, imposition, proofing and platemaking |
| Preprint | Printed sheets that will later be used for imprinting |
| Press Check | Examination of press proof by client to check for print quality |
| Press Proof | Test print run on a press |
| Proof | A visual simulation or test print of a print project; available as a PDF, lo-res flat or color correct |
| PURL | Persistent Uniform Resource Locate: personalized web pages created for each individual recipient |
| QR Code | Quick Response Code: Mobile bar codes embedded with information |
| Rasterized | A resolution-based graphic or image; cannot be re-sized without affecting the resolution |
| RGB | Red Green Blue: the three colors in digital output for screens and monitors |
| Register Marks | Crosshairs used to align overlapping colors |
| Registration | Lining up various plates to create a composite printed image |
| Reprint | An exact re-run of a previously printed piece |
| Resolution | Definition and sharpness of any image; defined as low (under 150) or high (over 300) |
| Retail-Ready | Ability to be sold directly to a consumer |
| Rich Black | Mixture of 3 or more CMYK colors to create a solid black color when printed |
| Roll Fold | Four or more panels folded inward over one another, as if to roll the piece up |
| Saddle Stitch | Bindery method using staples along the spine |
| Sans Serif | A font style without serifs |
| Satin Finish | Flat-finish paper coating, also called matte or dull |
| Score | Crease created for ease of folding |
| Self-Cover | Printed project created with one paper stock throughout |
| Self-Mailer | Any printed piece capable of being mailed without the need of an envelope |
| Serif | A font style with small flourish lines accenting the ends of letters |
| Sheetfed Press | Any printing press that prints on individual sheets of paper |
| Shrink-Wrap | Heat-sealed protective plastic film |
| Signature | Printed sheet that will be folded and trimmed to become part of a publication; must be divisible by 4; also called sig |
| Skid | A pallet used for shipment |
| Skin Pack | Goods placed on a paper board backer and heat-sealed with thin, clear plastic |
| Slip Sheets | Blank paper inserted between printed pieces |
| Soy-based Inks | Vegetable oil-based dyed liquid ink, instead of petroleum-based |
| Specifications | Written description of all print details including paper, ink, coating, finished size, bindery, mail and shipping |
| Spine | Binding edge |
| Spiral Bind | Bindery method using looped wire or plastic inserted into drilled holes |
| Spot Color | 1) A single color printed in addition to 4C process; 2) Ink applied to precision areas |
| Spot Varnish | Varnish applied to precision areas |
| Spray Powder | A medium used to separate printed sheets; allows air to naturally dry the printing ink |
| Spread | Two pages that face each other across the gutter |
| Step and Repeat | Creating multiple repeating patterns on a page or impo using one image |
| Stock | Refers to any type of paper |
| Substrate | Material that is printed on |
| Tab | Clear seals used to close print pieces for mail; also called a wafer seal |
| TIFF | Tagged Image File Format: Used solely for pixel-based images |
| Tip On | Inserting and/or adhering a loose sheet to another printed piece |
| Trap | Prepress method for accounting for misregistration by overlapping page elements |
| Trim Size | W"xH" finished size after printing and cutting |
| Uncoated Paper | Paper stock that has no additives covering the surface |
| Up | The number of images printed per sheet; expressed as 3 up, 4 up, etc. |
| UV Coating | A liquid protective coating that is cured using ultraviolet light |
| UV Ink | CMYK or spot ink printed and then cured using ultraviolet light |
| Value | Darkness or lightness of a color |
| Varnish | An oil-based protective coating |
| Vector | A graphic where size is independent from its resolution, can be infinitely scaled |
| Vellum Finish | Paper stock with a slightly rough finish; highly absorbent |
| Vellum Paper | Paper stock that is thin and translucent; non-absorbent |
| VOC | Volatile Organic Compounds: Gas emission from petroleum-based liquids |
| Wafer Seal | Clear tabs used to close print pieces for mail; also called a tab |
| Watermark | A translucent, but visible mark that appears in paper stock; usually only visible when held up to a light source |
| Web Press | Printing method in which ink is printed directly onto a roll of paper |
| Wet Trap | Printing over wet, uncured ink |
| Window | A die-cut hole in a printed piece or envelope |
| Wire-Binding | Bindery method using metal wire double loops inserted into drilled holes |
| Wireframe | A website's basic layout used for design |
| Wove | Paper stock with a fine texture |
| Wrong Reading | A backwards, reverse image |
| Z Fold | Alternating left and right folds; also called zig fold |
| ZIP File | Compressing a document or folder to reduce its size for transmission |
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