A

A/D Abbreviation for analog-to-digital (conversion).
AA Abbreviation for author's alterations.
AC Abbreviation for author's corrections.
accordion fold Parallel folds that resemble the bellows of an accordion.
Acrobat A software program from Adobe, enabling the user to view, print, and share any electronic document, regardless of platform, application, or printer.
across the grain Alternate term for against the grain.
acutance The sharpness (absence of feathering) of the edge of an image against its background.
ADC Abbreviation for analog-digital converter.
additive color system Combining red, green, and blue light in varying levels to produce a color image, such as in computer monitors and television screens.
additive primaries Red, green, and blue light that, together, produce white light. Compare with subtractive primaries.
Against the grain At a right angle to the grain of the paper. Also called across the grain. Compare with with the grain.
Agfa CrystalRaster Agfa Corporation's brand of stochastic screening/frequency modulation screening.
Agfaproof A color proofing system that combines four-color sheets and is compatible with both positive and negative materials. Considered a contract proof.
airbrush An electronic or manual tool used to retouch drawings and photographs to alter detail.
aliasing In computer graphics, the undesirable jagged or stair-stepped appearance of diagonal lines in computer-generated graphic images or type. Also called jaggies.
allocation The quantity of paper that a manufacturer can supply to distributors and customers until a specified date.
AM Abbreviation for amplitude modulated (screening).
Amberlith Brand name for yellow masking film used for covering portions of a flat that should not be exposed to the printing plate.
analog Having a continuously variable frequency or intensity. Analog signals are controlled through "more"/"less" adjustments typically using knobs or dials.
ANS (formerly ANSI) Acronym for American National Standard (Institute).
AP Abbreviation for author's proof.
application software Computer programs that perform tasks directly for and by the end-users. Examples are spreadsheets, database managers, and desktop publishing.
APR Abbreviation for automatic picture replacement.
Archie A program that searches indices of software available at anonymous FTP (file transfer protocol) sites on the Internet.
archive Long-term storage of image information on magnetic or other media.
array One of the fundamental data structures in computer programming; a single or multidimensional table that the program treats as one data item.
artwork All original type, photographs, illustrations, and digital files intended for a publication, or provided on multimedia.
ascender The part of a lowercase character that extends above the main character body, as in "b," "d," and "f."
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) A standard computer character set devised in 1968 to enable efficient data communication and achieve compatibility among different computer devices.
asynchronous communication One of two methods of data communication in which the transmission of bits of data is not synchronized by a clock signal but is accomplished by sending the bits one after another, with a start bit and a stop bit to mark the beginning and end of the data unit.
Asynchronous communication can be compared to sending eight cars, one after the other, down a one-lane road, with a motor-cycle policeman at the beginning and at the end of the procession. Compare with synchronous communication .
author's alterations Changes in copy made by the author.
author's proof A test copy given to the author for approval. The author returns it to the prepress house or printer marked "OK" or "OK with changes."

B (back to top)

B Abbreviation for 1) bytes; 2) blue.
b Abbreviation for bits.
B&W or B/W Abbreviation for black and white.
back matter Pages printed at the end of a book, such as the appendix, bibliography, glossary, and index. Also called end matter.
backbone Bound edge of a publication connecting the front and back covers. Alternate term for spine.
backing up 1) Printing the reverse side of a printed sheet. 2) Making additional copies of computer files on magnetic media to ensure file integrity.
backward broadside A page on which the text runs sideways, or is landscaped.
bad break 1) The incorrect hyphenation of a word. 2) Starting a page with the last line of a paragraph (i.e., like this line).
balance Placement of colors, objects, and other design elements in such a way to create harmony.
banding A visible stair-stepping of shades in a gradient or the irregular lines through an image, often the result of a scanner limitation.
bar code A binary coding system using bars of varying thickness or position that provide information that can be scanned into a computer.
barrel fold Alternate term for letter fold.
base color The first color used as a background on which other colors are printed.
base side 1) The side of paper without coating. 2) The nonemulsion side of film.
baseline The imaginary line on which the bottoms of letters (excluding descenders) rest.
batch file A file containing a series of DOS commands executed one after the other. Batch files are useful when there is the need to execute the same series of DOS commands.
baud rate The transmission speed of an asynchronous communication channel. In personal computing, baud rates are frequently cited to measure the speed of modems.
BBS (Bulletin-board system) A telecommunications system through which e-mail and other messages are posted.
Bernoulli box A mass storage system developed by Iomega Corporation for IBM PC-compatible and Macintosh computers. Bernoulli boxes have removable cartridges containing flexible disks capable of holding up to 230 Mb of programs and data.
Bezier curves In object-oriented graphic programs, a curve whose shape is defined by anchor points set along its arc.
BF Abbreviation for boldface.
bindery A facility that collates, covers, folds, or trims printed pieces.
binding Joining assembled pages or signatures of a printed piece together. Used generically to describe all finishing operations.
bit (binary digit) The smallest unit of information in a computer. It can be in one of two states (on or off).
bit map The representation of a video image stored in a computer's memory. Each picture element (pixel) is represented by bits stored in memory.
black printer The plate that controls the printing of black ink in four-color printing.
blanket Rubber sheet wrapped around an impression cylinder on an offset press. It transfers an inked impression from the plate to the paper.
blanket cylinder The roller on the printing press that holds the blanket.
bleed 1) Printing that extends to the edge of a page (without a margin) after trimming. 2) The effect from printing a second color on top of an ink that is not yet dry (e.g., a green color may be produced if yellow is printed on top of a wet, blue ink).
blend Gradual merging of two or more colors so that there is no visible line of interception.
blind A dot on a photographic negative or positive that lacks density and has become so transparent that any light going through it falsifies the values desired. To be photographically effective all dots must be opaque and all transparent areas must be clear.
blind emboss To emboss without adding ink or foil on the image.
blind folio A page number that is part of a sequence, but is not printed. For example, the first page of a book (page 1) often does not have the page number printed on it.
block colors Colors printed solid.
blueline A proof where all colors show as blue images on white paper. Used as an inexpensive evaluation of image and page geometry.
BM Abbreviation for back matter.
body type The majority of copy (text) of a printed piece, as opposed to the headings.
bpi Abbreviation for bits per inch.
breakout Words excerpted from an article or book printed in large type and inserted in the page the same as an illustration. Also called pull quote or blurb.
broke Trimmings and other preconsumer paper recycled by mills.
buffer A unit of memory given the task of holding information temporarily.
built-in font A printer font encoded permanently in the printer's read-only memory (ROM).
bundled software Software included with a computer system as part of the system's total price.
bus An internal pathway along which signals are sent from one part of the computer to another.
byte A unit of measure equal to eight bits of digital informationthe standard unit measure of file size. See also megabyte, kilobyte, and gigabyte.

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C 1) Abbreviation for cyan. 2) Name of a programming language.
C1S Abbreviation for paper coated on one side.
C2S Abbreviation for paper coated on both sides.
CA Abbreviation for customer alteration.
CAD Abbreviation for computer-aided design.
calendering Producing a smooth, glossy surface to paper by pulling and pressing it between a series of rollers during manufacture.
camera-ready art Artwork or type that is fully prepared for reproduction according to the technical requirements of the printing process being used.
CAN Abbreviation for cancel character.
Canvas A software program featuring illustration, graphics, presentation, and page layout tools.
cap(s) Abbreviation for capital or uppercase letter(s).
caps and small caps (SC) Two sizes of capital letters made in one font size. Small caps are used, for instance, to denote A.M. and P.M., and can be used to soften the impact of normal caps.
case binding The process that produces a hardbound book.
CC Abbreviation for 1) color compensating; 2) color correcting.
CD Abbreviation for compact disk.
CD-I Abbreviation for compact diskinteractive.
CD-ROM Abbreviation for compact disk-read only memory. A read-only optical storage technology that uses compact disks. CD-ROM is currently used to produce encyclopedias, dictionaries, and software libraries available to personal computer users.
central processing unit (CPU) The computer's internal storage, processing, and control circuitry, including the arithmetic-logic unit (ALU), the control unit, and the primary storage.
CEPS Abbreviation for color electronic prepress system.
CGA Abbreviation for color graphics adapter.
chalking The improper drying of ink resulting in the ink pigment dusting off because the vehicle has been absorbed into the paper too rapidly.
characters per inch (cpi) The number of characters that fit within a linear inch in a given font. Standard units drawn from typewriting are pica (10 cpi) and elite (12 cpi).
check copy The gathered signatures inspected and approved by the customer as ready for binding, and used as a guide as to how all other copies should look. See also signature.
Cheshire labels Mailing labels with a nonself-stick adhesive, which are printed and affixed by Cheshire addressing equipment. Also called four-up labels.
chip A miniaturized electronic circuit usually printed on a silicon wafer used to hold or process information in an electronic device.
choke Reduces the size of an image, as compared to spread for trapping multicolor printing. Also called shrink or skinny.
CIE Abbreviation for Commission International de l'Eclairage (color standards organization).
class screening Screening options offered by Scitex Corporation that include fulltone, GeometricDOT, high definition printing, conventional-composite dot.
clean copy Copy that is free of errors and flaws.
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) The subtractive primaries, or process colors, used in color printing. Black (K) is usually added to enhance color, to print a true black, and for type.
CO Abbreviation for Chapter Opening.
coated paper Paper with a clay coating that improves reflectivity and ink holdout by producing a smooth printing surface.
cold type Type produced without the use of hot metal type, such as that from typewriters, dry transfer materials, laser printers and photo type machines.
collate To gather sheets into proper sequence.
color correction The process of adjusting an image to compensate for deficiencies in the image or caused by the production process itself.
color gamut Range of all possible colors that can be reproduced.
Color Graphics Adapter (CGA) A bit-mapped graphics display adapter for IBM PC-compatible computers. This adapter displays four colors simultaneously with a resolution of 200 pixels horizontally and 320 pixels vertically or displays one color with a resolution of 640 pixels horizontally and 200 vertically.
color schemes A method used to achieve visual unity and harmony through the prevalence of a particular color or hue. The four basic color schemes are monochromatic, analogous, complementary, and triadic.
color separation To divide the colors of a color image into four film halftones for platemaking.
color swatch Small color sample representing what a printed color might look like.
color transparency A photographic image on transparent film used as artwork. Commonly used formats include 35mm, 4 x 5, and 8 x 10.
command A user-initiated signal given to a computer program that initiates, terminates, or otherwise controls the execution of a specific operation.
communication channel The connection between two computers or automated devices used to pass data between them.
communication protocol A list of communication parameters (settings) and standards that govern the communication of information between computers using telecommunications. Both computers must have the same settings and follow the same standards for error-free communication to take place. When you use a modem to access a bulletin board or information service, such as CompuServe, you must choose the correct communication protocolthe one established by the host computer system. Your communication program enables you to choose the necessary parameters, including baud rate, data bits, duplex, parity, and stop bits.
comp Comprehensive artwork used to present the general color and layout of a page.
complementary colors Colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel.
composite art A mechanical containing all the color reproductions on only one surface.
composite film A single film made by combining images from two or more pieces of working film used for making a plate.
compositor Alternate term for typesetter.
comprehensive (comp) A visualization of an idea for a printed piece with type, graphics, and colors. Used as a guide to the finished art.
computer-aided design (CAD) The use of computers and computer-aided design programs as the environment for the design of a wide range of industrial artifacts, ranging from machine parts to modern homes.
condensed type A typeface relatively narrow in proportion to its height.
configure To set up software or hardware to match the computer's requirements and the preferences of the user.
continuous tone (CT) A file format used for exchanging high-level scan information.
contone Abbreviation for continuous tone.
copy Text and artwork used for reproduction.
CorelDRAW A software program featuring illustration, graphics, and publishing tools.
corn starch Fine dust sprinkled on sheets as they come off the press, which dries the ink and prevents smudging.
CPI Abbreviation for characters per inch.
CPM Abbreviation for 1) copies per minute; 2) characters per minute.
CPP Abbreviation for 1) characters per pica; 2) color photo paper.
CPU Abbreviation for central processing unit.
crash An abnormal termination of a computer program, usually (but not always) resulting in a frozen keyboard or an inoperable state. In most cases, the computer must be rebooted to recover from a crash.
Cromalin A color proofing system that uses powdered pigments instead of ink.
crop marks 1) Printed lines showing the dimensions of the final printed page. These guide marks are used for final trimming after printing. 2) Lines drawn on photos or proofs to indicate what part of a photo or illustration will be reproduced.
crossover Type or art that extends from one page across the gutter to the opposite page.
CrystalRaster See Agfa CrystalRaster.
CS Abbreviation for color scanner.
CT Abbreviation for continuous tone.
CTCS Abbreviation for continuous-tone color scanner.
cut score A crease formed by partially slitting the paper.
CW Abbreviation for hundred weight.

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D-to-P or D2P Abbreviation for direct-to-plate.
DAC Abbreviation for digital-to-analog conversion.
DASD Abbreviation for direct access storage device.
dash A typographic mark. A hyphen (-), the smallest dash, is used for hyphenating words or line breaks (top-notch, day-to-day, de-emphasize).
The en dash (-), a longer dash, is used between words indicating a duration (April-September; 8:30-150;10:15 A.M.).
An em dash (), the longest dash, indicates a break between thoughts. (The double hyphen doesn't have a space on either side of itneither does the em dash.)
data conversion Technique of changing digital information from its original code so that it can be used by an electronic device that uses a different code.
database manager A type of applications software used to gather, store, and organize information, and report it in meaningful ways to end-users.
DCS Abbreviation for desktop color separation.
DDCP Abbreviation for direct-digital color proof.
DDPP Abbreviation for direct-digital printing plate.
deboss To press an image into paper so that it lies below the surface. Compare with emboss.
deckle edge The feathery edge of paper formed when the papermaking machine does not make a clean cut.
default An action or menu selection that a software program reverts to, unless overridden by the operator.
densitometer A device sensitive to the density of light transmitted or reflected by paper or film. It is used to check the accuracy, quality, and consistency of output.
density The degree of opacity of a photographic image on paper or film.
descender The part of a lowercase character that extends below the main character body, as in "g," "j," and "p."
desktop publishing Using a personal computer to design and assemble images and pages, for output to a laser printer or imagesetter.
device independent A feature of specific software or hardware that enables it to work with almost any kind of computer.
die cut An irregular shape cut in paper using a die.
digital A form of representation in which discrete (separate) objects (digits) are used to represent something so that counting and other operations can be performed precisely.
digital ad management The process of converting ad media to digital files so that it can be repurposed for a wide range of applications including rapid ad changes, the ability to transmit ads to remote output locations and to be able to include ads more easily in a broader range of media.
dingbat A typographic symbol used for decoration or emphasis.
direct digital color proof A color proof made by a laser, ink jet printer, or other computer-controlled device without needing to make separation films first.
direct-to-film Final pages are imaged in position in 8-up, 16-up, or larger formats ready for platemaking. Also called wide format imposition.
direct-to-plate The process of directly downloading digitally imposed pages, in their final configuration, and directly imaging a projection-speed printing plate using a laser recorder.
direct-to-press A production environment in which electronic publications are RIPped directly to a press for imaging and printing.
Director A software program from MacroMedia, featuring multimedia production tools.
disk drive Microcomputers have two kinds of disk drives: hard (also called fixed) disk drives, and floppy disk (also called diskette) drives. The hard disk is used for storing the operating system, main applications programs, and most important, files. The floppy drive is used to load software and to off-load files from the hard disk.
display type Type used for headlines or other displayed elements.
dithering The process of specifying color to adjacent pixels in order to simulate a third color in a bit-mapped image. This technique is used when a full range of colors is not available.
Dmax The highest level of density.
DOLEV A high speed, high resolution (3,500 dots per inch) film recorder that can accept PostScript data and generate halftone screens using the Scitex screen generator.
DOS (disk operating system) Used to refer to PC-DOS and MS-DOS, the operating systems of IBM Personal Computers and compatibles.
dot gain A printing defect in which dots print larger on the page than intended, causing darker colors or tones.
dot pitch The size of the smallest dot that a monitor can display. Dot pitch determines a monitor's maximum resolution.
dots per inch (dpi) A measure of screen and printer resolution that counts the dots that the device can produce per linear inch.
double density A widely used recording technique that packs twice as much data on a floppy or hard disk.
double-dot halftone Combining two halftone negatives onto one plate. One halftone is for highlights and shadows and the other for middletones.
downloadable font A printer font that must be transferred from the computer to the printer through data communications links.
downloading The reception and storage of a program or data file from a computer to another device through data communications links.
downtime Time when a machine or system is not working due to a malfunction.
draw program A draw program stores the components of a drawing, such as lines, circles, and curves, as mathematical formulas rather than as a configuration of bits on-screen. Unlike images created with paint programs, line art created with a draw program can be sized and scaled without introducing distortions. Also, a draw program can produce output that prints at a printer's maximum resolution.
driver A disk file that contains information needed by a program to operate a peripheral, such as a monitor or a printer.
drum scanner Scans an original image that is wrapped around or attached inside a transparent drum.
dummy A mockup of the final printed piece, ranging from a rough layout to a comprehensive model of the page or publication.
dump To transfer the contents of memory to a printing or secondary storage device.
duotone A two-color halftone produced from a one-color photograph.
dupe Abbreviation for duplicate.
Dylux Brand name for photographic paper used to make blueline proofs.

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E Abbreviation for emulsion.
E-to-B Abbreviation for emulsion-to-base.
E-to-E Abbreviation for emulsion-to-emulsion.
edge acuity See acutance.
EGA Abbreviation for enhanced graphics adapter.
electronic page assembly Assembly and manipulation of page design elements using a computer.
electronic screening Screening patterns based on computer programs that drive an imagesetter. The programs provide a means of enhancing detail in the reproduction since they can include random dot generation. Example: stochastic screening.
elhi Elementary and high school textbook publishing.
elliptical dot A type of halftone screen dot with an elliptical rather than circular shape, which produces better tonal gradations.
em dash/space A dash/space approximately the width of the capital letter em (M) in that particular font and size. See also dash.
emboss To press an image into paper to achieve a raised surface. Compare with deboss.
emulation The ability of one device to imitate another, allowing programs to run between incompatible systems.emulsion The coating of light-sensitive material on a piece of film or photographic paper.
emulsion down This specifies a readable film image with the emulsion side facing away from the viewer. The printer usually decides whether the emulsion should be up or down.
en dash/space A dash or space approximately the width of the capital letter en (N) in that particular font and size. See also dash.end matter Alternate term for back matter.
EOC Abbreviation for end of chapter material.
EOM Abbreviation for end of message.
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) A file format used to transfer PostScript image information from one program to another.
ergonomic design Equipment designed to improve convenience, ease of use, and operator comfort.
EtherNet A local area network hardware standard, originally developed by Xerox Corporation, capable of linking up to 1,024 nodes in a bus network.expanded type A typeface relatively wide in proportion to its height. Also called extended type.
expansion bus An extension of the computer's data bus and address bus that includes a number of receptacles (slots) for adapter boards.
expansion slot A receptacle connected to the computer's expansion bus, designed to accept adapters to enhance the computer's functions.
export To output data in a form that another program can read. Most word processing programs can export a document in ASCII format, which almost any program can read and use.
extended color See bleed.
extended type Alternate term for expanded type.

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f & g Abbreviation for folded & gathered book signatures.
feathering Loss of sharpness of an image, or the edges of an image, resulting in reduced detail or clarity.
field (data field) In a database management program, a space for a specified piece of information in a data record. In a table-oriented database management program, in which all retrieval operations produce a table with rows and columns, data fields are displayed as vertical columns.
file A named collection of information stored as an apparent unit on a storage medium such as a disk drive.
file server A centralized, network system with large, fast, hard drives which provide data storage.
file transfer utility A utility program that transfers files between different hardware platforms, such as the IBM Personal Computer and the Macintosh, or between a desktop and a laptop computer.
finishing The final steps of print production including folding, trimming, assembling, binding, and die-cutting.
flat 1) A sheet of film or goldenrod paper with negatives or positives taped on, ready for platemaking. 2) An image lacking contrast.
flat color 1) An ink specially formulated to produce a desired hue. Flat color inks are not designed to be overprinted with other inks, as are process color inks. Also called Pantone Matching System Colors (PMS). 2) An image that only contains color at a uniform density in any one segment.
flatbed scanner Color scanner that holds original art on a flat surface, rather than a rotary drum, while scanning.
floppy disk A removable and widely used secondary storage medium that uses a magnetically sensitive flexible disk enclosed in a plastic envelope or case. Floppy disks are a common way in which programs and text files are communicated from one computer to another.
FM 1) Abbreviation for frequency modulated (screening). See also stochastic screening.
2) Abbreviation for front matter.
foil stamp Printing a foil image using letterpress and dies.
folio 1) The number assigned to a page, usually odd-numbered folios on right pages and even-numbered folios on left pages. The folio can be expressed or blind. It may be located at the top or bottom of the page in the center or at the outside edge. A dropped folio appears at the bottom of the page below the last line of text. 2) A sheet of paper folded once. 3) A large book about 12" x 15" made from sheets folded once.
font The assortment of characters with the same typeface and point size.
for position only (FPO) A low-resolution scan used to indicate the position of the actual art that is to be stripped in.
form Either side of a signature. See also imposition.
format The design of a printed piece, including size, style, shape, layout, and typography.
four-color process The use of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks in printing to produce a wide variety of colors.
FPO Abbreviation for for position only.
FrameMaker A software program featuring desktop publishing tools.
FreeHand A software program from MacroMedia, featuring design and illustration tools.
French fold Two folds made at right angles to each other.
front matter The pages preceding the main text of a book, such as title, dedication, preface, foreword, acknowledgments, table of contents, and introduction. Traditionally numbered with lowercase Roman numerals; with each section beginning on a right-hand page.
fulfillment The preparation and mailing of printed materials to the client's customers or distribution list.

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G Abbreviation for green.
gate fold A fold that opens like a gatefrom each side of the center.
GB Abbreviation for gigabyte.
GCR (Gray Component Replacement) A technique for reducing the amount of cyan, magenta, and yellow in an area and replacing them with appropriate levels of black.
generation Each successive step in reproduction from the original.
ghosting A faint image appearing on a printed sheet, either intentionally or not intentionally.
gigabyte (Gb) A unit of memory or storage measurement approximately equal to one billion bytes (1,073,741,824). One gigabyte equals 1,000 megabytes.
gild To apply a fine dusting of gold- or silver-colored metal to the trim edges of a book.
glassine Glossy, translucent, or transparent paper for such uses as windows in envelopes.
gloss paper Paper with a coating that reflects light well, as compared to dull- or matte-coated paper.
goldenrod A yellowish-orange colored sheet of paper or plastic used to prepare film flats.
Gopher Client/server software that supports a "menu-driven" interface to access information on the Internet.
grain The predominant direction of fibers in a sheet of paper.
grain long paper Paper with fibers running parallel to the long dimension of the sheet.
grain short paper Paper with fibers running parallel to the short dimension of the sheet.
gray scale A means of measuring shades from black to white for reproduction in electronic images.
gripper edge Edge of a press sheet held by grippers on a sheetfed press, where no copy may be printed.
gripper margin An 1/8 inch to 3/4 inch margin of paper onto which the press cannot print.
grippers Metal fingers that grasp a sheet of paper and guide it through a sheetfed press.
gutter The space from the inner edge of the printed area on a publication page to the binding.

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H Abbreviation for hue.
H&J Abbreviation for hyphenation and justification.
hairline register The precise butting or joining of two or more printed colors without one color trapping into the other.
halftone screen A pattern of dots of different sizes used to simulate a continuous tone photograph, either in color or black and white.
hard copy Copy on a sheet of paper or film.
hard disk A secondary medium that uses several nonflexible disks coated with a magnetically sensitive material and housed, together with the recording heads, in a hermetically sealed mechanism.
hard dot A dot in a halftone screen that has smooth, crisp edges.
hard wired Connected by cable, usually copper, but increasingly optical fibers.
hardware The electronic components, boards, peripherals, and equipment that make up a computer systemdistinguished from the programs (software) that tell these components what to do.
head crash A serious malfunction that occurs when a hard disk's read/write head comes into contact with the rapidly spinning disk, resulting in the loss of data or even the destruction of the read/write head and disk.
hickeys Spots or imperfections in printing caused by dirt on the plate or blanket.
high-key photo A photo with the subject matter lying in the highlights.
highlight The lightest part of an image.
HLS Abbreviation for hue, lightness, and saturation.
HSV Abbreviation for hue, saturation, and value.
HT or H/T Abbreviation for halftone.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) A specific subset of SGML for documents on the World Wide Web.
hue The wavelength of light of a color in its purest state (without the additions of white or black).
hundredweight One hundred pounds of paper. The weight by which the price of paper is quoted.
HyperCard An authoring language bundled with the Macintosh that makes storing and interactively retrieving on-screen cards containing text, bit-mapped graphics, sound, and animation easier.
A HyperCard application, a stack, is a collection of one to several thousand cards. HyperCard comes with several prewritten stacks, but the program's significance is that it provides a way to create individual HyperCard applications in a complete application development environment for nonprogrammers.
hypertext The nonsequential retrieval of a document's text. The reader is free to pursue associative trails through the document by means of predefined or user-created links.
A hypertext application seeks to provide readers with tools to construct their own connections among the component texts of the document. In true hypertext application, the user can highlight virtually any word in a document and immediately jump to other documents containing related text. For example, if this document were presented in hypertext format, the mouse could be clicked on one of the cross references, and a window would pop-up displaying the cross-referenced entries.
Hypertext Markup Language See HTML.
hyphen The smallest dash; used for hyphenating words or line breaks. See also dash.
hyphenation In word processing and page layout programs, an automatic operation that hyphenates words on certain lines to improve word spacing; sometimes used in the phrase "h&j," meaning hyphenation and justification.

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icon In a graphical user interface, an on-screen symbol that represents a program file, data file, or some other computer entity or function. For example, using a mouse to drag unwanted files to a graphic of a trash can will delete them.
Illustrator A software program from Adobe, featuring illustration and page design tools.
imagesetter A recording device used to output a complete page or pages of a publication with the contents (text, art, headings) accurately placed and registered without manual stripping. The output is exposed onto photographic paper or film at high resolution.
import To load a file created by one program into a different program.
imposition Arranging pages in proper sequence for binding, folding, and trimming.
in-line An operation performed as part of a sequence of operations for a single job.
indicia Postal payment information printed on bulk mail pieces; used in place of stamps. Plural of indicium.
Infini-D A software program from Specular, featuring 3D graphics and animation tools.
interactive processing A method of using the computer in which the computer's processing operations are monitored directly on a video display, so that the user can identify and correct errors before the processing operation is completed.
interface A software or hardware connection between two devices or operations that enables them to exchange data reliably.
internet With a lowercase i, an internet is a group of connected networks.
Internet The collection of all the connected networks in the world, although it is sometimes better called WorldNet or just the Net.
interpreter A translator for a high-level programming language that does not create an executable version of a program; instead an interpreter translates and runs the program at the same time.
IPP or IP Abbreviation for in-plant printing.
IRIS A digital proofing device that produces a continuous tone non-film proof prior to generating films.
ISO Abbreviation for International Organization for Standardization.
ISO paper sizes Sizes for printing papers designated by the International Organization for Standardization and used throughout the world except in the U.S. and Canada.
IT Abbreviation for image technology.

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jaggies In computer graphics, the undesirable ragged edges on slanted or curved lines, or on boundaries between colors. Also called aliasing and sawtoothing.
JND Abbreviation for just-noticeable difference.
justification The alignment of multiple lines of text along the left margin, the right margin, or both margins. The term justification often is used to refer to full justification, or the alignment of text along both margins.

K (back to top)

kerning Reducing the space between two characters so they appear better fitted together.
keyline An outline indicating the shape, size, and position of art to be stripped in.
kilobyte (K) One thousand characters of information; for example, the most common floppy disk used on the IBM-PC holds about 362,000 characters or 1.3 megabytes.
knockout (K/O) A shape or object printed by eliminating (knocking out) all background
colors. Also called mask or reverse. Compare with overprinting.

L (back to top)

L300 & L330 A Linotronic-Hell film recorder that outputs type and line art elements with process screen tints.
LAN (Local Area Network) A group of connected computers in a relatively small area that shares access to printers and other peripheral devices.
lap register The overlapping of colors to create register traps. Also called trapping.
laser printer A high resolution printer that uses a version of the electrostatic reproduction technology of copying machines to fuse text and graphic images to the page.
LC Abbreviation for lowercase.
leading The amount of space between the baselines of two consecutive lines of type. Also called line spacing.
letter fold Folding a sheet several times in the same direction with two or more creases wrapping around the inner leaf. Also called barrel fold.
lift A stack of sheets that can be easily handled at one time and that are cut or trimmed together.
ligature Combining two characters, such as "f" and "i," to form a new single character.
line art An illustration composed without shades of tints, only lines and areas of single color.
line conversion of photograph The conversion of continuous-tone copy into line copy by the use of specially patterned or conventional halftone or line screens through which the art is photographed or electronically scanned.
live matter Images ready for printing, as opposed to dead matter.
local area network (LAN) The linkage of personal and other computers within a limited area, such as a building, by high-performance cables so that users can exchange information, share peripherals and printers, and draw on the resources of a massive secondary storage unit called a file server.
LogoMotion A software program featuring tools to create 3D animations of text and logos.
loose proof Alternate term for random proof.
loupe A magnifying lens used to inspect copy, film, proofs, plates, and printing.
low-key photo A photo with the subject matter lying in the shadows.
lpi (lines per inch) A measure of the frequency of a halftone screen (usually ranging from 55-200 for a conventional mechanical screen and as high as 4000 lpi for electronic screening).

M (back to top)

M Abbreviation for magenta.
M weight The weight of 1,000 sheets of paper.
MacPaint A common paint application on the Macintosh computer for creating, storing, and transferring low-resolution, bit-mapped images. It originated with the paint application of the same name.
macro instruction A sequence of commands programmed as a single command in a computer program.
main memory The part of a computer used to temporarily store data for calculation or manipulation. Also called random access memory (RAM).
mainframe A multi-user computer designed to meet the computing needs of a large organization when centralized computer processing is needed.
makeready Paper used while setting up a press or other machine, during any stage of production, which becomes part of waste.
mark up Special instructions written on a manuscript or proof about typesetting, color correcting, or printing.
mask The inactive area of a bit-mapped image that will not respond to changes.
Matchprint A 3M color proofing system that laminates color dyes onto paper to depict how the image will appear when printed.
matte finish A dull, non-glossy paper finish on coated paper.
Mb Abbreviation for megabyte.
MCGA (Multi-Color Graphics Array) A video adapter that can emulate the CGA and has two additional graphics modes: 640 x 480 pixels with 2 colors, and 320 x 200 pixels with 256 colors.
mechanical Camera-ready assembly of all page elements.
megabyte (Mb) One million characters of information; for example, 80,000,000 characters is expressed as 80 megabytes.
memory The computer's primary storage (random-access memory, or RAM, for example), as distinguished from its secondary storage (disk drives, for example).
menu An on-screen display that lists the choices available to the user.
MHz Abbreviation for megahertz.
Micro Assembler A workstation that is dedicated to page assembly. This Scitex-based assembler has complete stripping and line work manipulation capabilities in addition to global color and gradation capabilities.
microcomputer Any computer with its arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) and control unit contained on one integrated circuit called a microprocessor.
milking A coating buildup on the nonimage areas of the offset blanket that usually occurs when the coating softens because it does not adequately resist water.
mockup Alternate term for dummy.
modem Stands for MOdulator/DEModulator. A device that converts the digital signals generated by the computer's serial port to the modulated, analog signals required for transmission over a telephone line, and transforms incoming analog signals to their digital equivalents.
moiré An undesirable effect produced in printing when halftone screen patterns become visible. This is often caused by misaligned screens or subject patterns in the original photograph.
monitor The device that produces an on-screen display, including all necessary internal support circuitry. Also called a video display unit (VDU) or cathode ray tube (CRT).
monochrome A black-and-white screen display with no, or a limited number of, gray tones.
monoscanner A scanner for inputting high-resolution line work and black-and-white continuous-tone images.
Mosaic A software program developed by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications that is used on the Internet to search for and access information.
mottle A spotty or uneven appearance on an image, especially noticeable in large solids; caused by a broad range of production problems.
mouse An input device, equipped with one or more control buttons, housed in a palm-sized case and designed to roll about on the table next to the keyboard. As the mouse moves, its circuits move a pointer on-screen.
MS-DOS The standard, single-user operating system of IBM and IBM-compatible computers that runs the computer's microprocessor in real mode. Introduced in 1981, MS-DOS (short for Microsoft Disk Operating System) is also marketed by IBM as PC-DOS. The two systems are almost indistinguishable.
multimedia Providing information through two or more of the following means: animation, audio, text, and video. Used for presentation, entertainment, or educational purposes.
multiplexing In local area networks, the simultaneous transmission of multiple messages in one channel. A network capable of multiplexing can enable more than one computer to access the network at the same time.
Multiplexing increases the cost of a network, however, because multiplexing devices must be included that handle the combination of signals into a single channel for transmission, and the reverse process for receiving.
multitasking The execution of more than one program at a time on a computer system.
Multitasking should not be confused with multiple program loading, in which two or more programs are present in RAM, but only one program executes at a time. With multitasking the active or foreground task responds to the keyboard, while the background task continues to run (but without active control).

N (back to top)

negative image An image on paper, film, or plate in which light and dark color tones are reversed from the original image (i.e., dark colors show up as white or clear). Compare with positive image.
network A collection of automated systems linked together for communications. The two main types of networks are LAN and WAN.
node One computer on a computer network.
noise The extraneous or random electrical content of a communications channel, unlike the signal, which carries information. All communications channels have noise and, if the noise is excessive, data loss can occur.
nonprocess printing Color printing that uses an ink of a specified color (i.e., PMS color) instead of color derived from cyan, yellow, magenta, and black (process colors).
nonreproducible colors Colors impossible to duplicate because they are outside of the color gamut.

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object-oriented A type of drawing that defines an image mathematically rather than as pixels in a bit map.
OCR software (Optical Character Recognition software) Software that scans text as an image and turns it into text that may be manipulated and processed on a computer.
offset printing Printing process that transfers ink from the plate to a rubber blanket, then to paper. Commonly used in reference to offset lithography.
OK sheet Printed sheet approved by the customer or production personnel at a press check.
one-up, two-up, etc. Printing one (two, three...) images or pages of a job or image at a time.
opaque To cover flaws in negatives with tape or opaquing paint, so as to prevent light from passing through during platemaking.
open halftone A slightly underexposed and developed halftone negative that causes the printed illustration to be fuller and darker than the original because the halftone dots formed are somewhat larger than would normally be obtained.
operating system A master control program for a computer that manages the computer's internal functions and provides a means to control the computer's operations.
optical disk A storage medium for computers in which information of extremely high density is stored.
orphan The first line of a paragraph that begins on the last line of a page or column. Generally considered poor typography. See also widow.
OS Abbreviation for 1) operating system; 2) optical storage.
overprinting Printing over areas already printed. Compare with knockout.
overrun Number of printed pieces exceeding the number ordered. Printing trade custom allows a certain tolerance for overrun or underrun.

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page description language (PDL) A programming language that describes printer output in device-independent commands.
Normally, a program's printer output includes printer control codes that vary from printer to printer. A program that generates output in a PDL can drive any printer containing an interpreter for that PDL. A PDL is therefore device-independent. A program that generates output in the PostScript page description language, for example, can drive any printer with a PostScript interpreterincluding imagesetters.
PageMaker A software program from Aldus, featuring desktop publishing tools.
paint program A program that enables users to paint the screen by switching on or off the individual dots or pixels that make up a bit-mapped screen display. Not to be confused with a draw program (a computer graphics program that uses object-oriented graphics to produce line art).
palette In computer graphics, an on-screen display containing the set of colors or patterns that are available.
Pantone Colors Brand name of colors in the Pantone Matching System.
Pantone Matching System Patented system of identifying and communicating colors.
paper sizes, international Common paper sizes used in Europe and Japan, including: A3 (11.7" x 16.5"); A4 (8.3" x 11.7"); A5 (5.8" x 8.3"); B4 (10.1" x 14.3"); B5 (7.2" x 10.1"); and B6 (5.1" x 7.2"). See also ISO paper sizes.
parallel fold A fold with the creases running parallel to each other.
parallel port A port that supports the synchronous, high-speed flow of data along parallel lines to peripheral devices, especially parallel printers. Essentially an extension of the internal data bus of the computer, the parallel port provides a high-speed connection to printing devices. A parallel port also negotiates with peripheral devices to determine whether they are ready to receive data and reports error messages if a device is not ready.
parallel printer A printer designed to be connected to the computer's parallel port.
paste-ups Artwork prepared on art boards and photographed on a process camera for printing.
PE Abbreviation for printer's error.
perf notch When folding each signature, the gutter fold is perforated. Glue is then forced between the pages for binding. For glue to hold to the paper, the printed image must be pulled from the gutter. 1/16" is the normal amount and 3/16" on first and last pages of certain signatures may be required by some printers.
perfect binding Signatures are trimmed on all four sides. There is a trim out allowance in the gutter. Pages are bound with glue or adhesive. This produces a book that opens completely to the back of the page. Image may not bleed gutter fold. Some printers require gutter bleeds to be cropped short of gutter fold, so adhesive adheres to paper.
perfecting Printing both sides of the paper during the same pass through the press.
perforate To punch a row of small holes or incisions into paper. Perforating may make it easier to detach a portion of the paper, or it may aid in folding heavy paper and prevent wrinkling.
Persuasion A software program featuring formatting, charting, and multimedia tools for creating and delivering presentations.
Photoshop A software program from Adobe, featuring design and production tools.
pica A unit of linear measure for column width and margins. There are twelve points in one pica and about six picas in one inch.
PICT file format An object-oriented graphic file format that draws on information available in the Macintosh computer's QuickDraw toolbox, which is part of the Mac's read-only memory (ROM).
pixel The smallest element (a picture element) that a device can display on-screen and out of which the display image is constructed.
plate finish A smooth finish on bond, cover, or bristol paper.
pleasing color Color considered satisfactory even though it may not precisely match the original sample.
plus cover Publication with the cover printed on paper different from the text. Compare with self cover.
PMS (Pantone Matching System) A commonly used system for identifying specific ink colors. The correct trade name of the colors in the Pantone Matching System is Pantone Colors.
port 1) An entry/exit boundary mechanism that governs and synchronizes the flow of data into and out of the central processing unit (CPU) to external devices such as printers and modems. Also called interface.
2) Reprogramming an application so that it runs on, or can be ported to another type of computer.
positive image An image on paper, film, or plate in which light and dark color tones are the same as those on the original image (i.e., dark colors show up as black). Compare with negative image.
posterization The deliberate constraint of gradation into visible steps as a special effect.
PostScript A sophisticated page description language for medium-to-high-resolution printing and imaging devices.
prepress Operations before presswork, such as design, composition, color separating, stripping, and platemaking.
Prepress Express The name of the satellite transmission network owned by GTE Spacenet. It is used by USA Today to accept digital advertising data, linking their Scitex to other Scitex systems.
prepublishing Operations performed before a publication is produced for mass distribution. It is not limited to printing (prepress) and supports multimedia production.
Presentation Manager A graphical user interface and applications programming interface (API) for OS/2, jointly developed by Microsoft Corporation and IBM.
Presentation Manager brings to IBM PC-compatible computers running the OS/2 operating system many of the graphical user interface features associated with the Macintoshmultiple on-screen typefaces, pull-down menus, multiple on-screen windows, and desktop accessories.
press check The last step of the production process during which the client may verify that the printed piece is acceptable before authorizing full production to begin.
Printer's error (PE) A mistake, e.g., a typographical error, made by compositor and fixed at their expense.
pressure-sensitive paper Paper with a self-sticking adhesive, protected by a glassine cover until used.
Prisma A Scitex-based workstation used for page make-up and color retouching and stripping. Used when extensive color modification (dot etching) and creative retouching are necessary.
process colors The four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) that are combined to print a wide range of colors. When blended, these reproduce only a small portion of all the colors found in nature, but they can reproduce the widest spectrum with the fewest inks when printing. See also CMYK.
process printing Printing technique that uses process colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) to produce a full-color image.
product match Printing colors to match those in an original product.
proof A sheet made as a guide for the pressmen and as a predictor of colors, text, and other page elements for the client to approve.
proofing Preliminary production processes such as proofreading, revising, and approval of illustrations.
proportional spacing Letterspacing relative to the width of each character. For example, the letter i would take up less space than the letter w.
proprietary systems Computer publishing systems that are designed to operate as a closed production system that cannot necessarily handle files created on other systems. They often use their own operating system to maximize overall system performance.
PS Abbreviation for 1) PostScript; 2) point size.
PS/2 Gateway An IBM interpreter for PostScript. This raster image processor converts PostScript files to Scitex linework files. The processor will also convert continuous tone files into Scitex formats.

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QC Abbreviation for quality control.
quality control (QC) The day-to-day operational techniques and activities that are used to fulfill requirements and maintain consistent quality, such as intermediate and final product inspections, testing incoming materials, and calibration instruments used to verify product quality.
QuarkXPress A software program featuring desktop publishing tools.
queue A list of jobs to be printed and the printing order.

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R Abbreviation for red.
R&D Abbreviation for research and development.
Rainbow proof A filmless direct digital color proofing system that emulates tone reproduction, reveals trap and overprint information, and indicates the quality of fine lines in illustrations and text printing conditions.
RAM Abbreviation for random-access-memory.
random proof An image placed randomly on a sheet with other unrelated images for proofing. Also called first proof, loose proof, scatter proof and show-color proof.
random-access memory (RAM) The computer's primary working memory in which program instructions and data are stored so that they are quickly accessible directly to the central processing unit (CPU).
raster Images created in pixel or bit-mapped format.
raster display The display technology used in television sets and computer monitors. Dozens of times each second, the screen is scanned from top to bottom by a tightly focused electron beam that follows a zigzag pattern as it moves line-by-line down the screen.
raster image processor (RIP) In a laser printer or an imagesetter, a device that interprets the instructions of the page description language to compose and transfer the image to the imaging engine of the output device.
rasterization The process of converting mathematical and digital information for the production of negative or positive film.
Raystar Large format, high speed, flatbed film recorder with an exposure area of 18.5 x 23.5 inches. Resolutions range from 1,250 to 2,540 lines/inch, with screen ruling up to 175 lines/inch. Black-and-white line work scanning feature incorporated.
RC Abbreviation for photographic resin-coated (paper).
read-only memory (ROM) The portion of a computer's primary storage that does not lose its contents when the current is switched off and contains essential system programs, which cannot be erased by the operator or the computer.
ream 500 sheets of paper.
reboot To restart the computer and applications programs after a system crash.
recto The right-hand page. Opposite of verso.
reducers In printing inks, varnishes, and solvents, oily or greasy compounds used to reduce the consistency for printing.
reflective art Artwork prepared so that it may be photographed or input into a computer by scanning.
register marks Cross-hair lines on mechanicals and film used for positioning.
registration The precise alignment of different films or printing plates to produce one printed image.
repurpose The reuse of digital data and files that were originally configured for print production. Repurposing configures digital information so that it can be used for multiple media publishing such as CD-ROM, on-line databases and on-demand publishing.
resolution A measurementusually expressed in linear dots per inch (dpi), horizontally and verticallyof the sharpness of an image generated by an output device such as a monitor or printer.
In monitors, resolution is expressed as the number of pixels displayed on-screen. For example, a CGA monitor displays fewer pixels than a VGA monitor, and, therefore, a CGA image appears more jagged than a VGA image.
retouch To correct imperfections or enhance the appearance of an image, by spotting, airbrushing, or dot etching.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) The additive primary colors used for computer monitor displays. See also additive primaries.
right reading 1) Orientation of a sheet when copy reads from left to right and top to bottom. 2) Orientation of a photo that looks like the original scene, as compared to a flopped image.
RIP Abbreviation for raster image processor.
river The undesirable interword spaces that run down through lines of text caused by type set too loosely.
roll fold A series of parallel folds into the publication.
ROM Abbreviation for read-only memory.
ROP Abbreviation for run of press.
rosette The pattern created when all four-color halftone screens are placed at the traditional precise angles.
Rubylith Brand name for red masking film.
runaround Type adjusted to fit the contour of an image or design element on a page.

S (back to top)

S.S. or S/S Abbreviation for same size.
saddle-sewn Signatures are gathered together and stitched with thread through the fold line. Image may butt to the fold.
saddle stitch Pamphlets or booklets are inserted together and bound with staple or wire through the gutter fold. Image may butt to the fold. Only used for a small amount of pages.
sans serif type Type without serifs, as compared to serif type.
satin finish 1) Slightly embossed finish on text paper. 2) Alternate term for dull finish on coated paper.
saturation The amount of gray in a color. The higher the gray content, the lower the saturation.
small caps.
scanner A device used to digitize images to be manipulated, output, or stored on a computer.
Scitex Brand name of computers and peripherals used for electronic color prepress.
score A crease formed in paper to permit easy folding and prevent ink or varnish from cracking.
screen angles The angles used to offset the different films in process color separations. Proper screen angles are critical to minimize moiré patterns.
screen frequency The number of lines or dots per inch on a halftone screen.
self cover Publication with the cover printed on the same paper as the text. Compare with plus cover.
serial port A port that synchronizes and makes communication between the computer and devices such as serial printers, modems, and other computers easier.
serif type Type with small, decorative horizontal lines crossing the beginning and end strokes of each character. Compare with sans- serif type.
server In a local area network, a computer that provides services for users of the network. The server receives requests for peripheral services and manages the requests so that they are answered in an orderly, sequential manner. Also called network server.
service bureau A business that provides discrete services, such as outputting computer files to film or paper for clients.
SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) A language for defining a markup language to describe the structure of information in a document or set of documents. SGML is designed to enable text interchange for publishing.
sheetfed press Press that feeds and prints sheets of paper, as compared to a web press.
sheetwise Printing, using a different set of plates on the front and back sides of a sheet.
shrink Alternate term for choke.
side-sewn Book is sewn with thread in the bind margin through the entire thickness of the book. Image needs to be pulled from the gutter fold or it will be lost. A side-sewn book will not lie open flat.
side-stitched Book is stitched with wire in the bind margin through the entire thickness of the book. Image needs to be pulled from the gutter fold or it will be lost. A side-sewn book will not lie open flat.
signature A printed sheet, folded to become part of a publication.
silhouette 1) Outline or shape of an object usually printed as a solid or uniform tint. 2) A halftone from which the main image has had all the background area removed through conventional or electronic masking resulting in none of the dots in the background printing.
simultaneous contrast A situation where colors look different depending on what other colors surround them.
skinny Alternate term for choke.
Small caps See caps and small caps
Smyth-sewing Consecutive signatures are sewn through their centerfold and continuously linked by threads side-by-side to each other. Such sewing produces a strong binding with pages that open fully, requiring no trim or other allowances. Image may butt to the fold.
soft dot A type of dot in a halftone screen whose edge is not smoothly circular. This can create a fuzzier image. By contrast, a hard dot has a very smooth edge.
specifications Written description of all features of a printing job, such as type size, paper grade, and binding.
spine Alternate term for backbone.
spine collator A solid block, a block with numbers, just numbers, or whatever the printer may request. This will be placed in the gutter between the low and high numbered pages of each signature. These marks will step down the spine when the signatures are stacked in order.
spine form marker Copy supplied by the printer. This copy is also placed between the low and high pages of each signature. This is used by the printer's bindery for job identification.
spiral bound Signatures are trimmed on all four sides. Single pages are then bound with spiral wire or plastic binding inserted through holes punched along the binding side. Image must bleed gutter fold and allowance must be made for crossovers.
SPOOL (Simultaneous Peripheral Operation On Line) Program or device controlling data flow to an output device; "spooler" or buffer.
spooler A program, often included with an operating system's utility programs, that routes printer commands to a file on disk, or in RAM instead of to the printer and then feeds the printer commands out of the file when the central processing unit (CPU) is idle.
A print spooler provides a variation on background printing; the program thinks that it is printing to a superfast printer, but the printer output is being directed to RAM or a disk file. The operator can continue working with the program, and the spooler guides the printer data to the printer during those moments when the CPU is not busy.
spot color printing Addition of a non-process color ink to selected areas of a printing job for highlight effect.
spread To increase the size of an image, as compared to choke.
spreadsheet Application software on a microcomputer that allows entry of numbers, text, or formulas in separate cells, and can produce calculations of those entries in different cells. Higher-performance spreadsheets also can produce graphic representations of the data entered or calculated.
Standard Generalized Markup Language See SGML.
stet A proofreader's mark denoting that the edited copy should be ignored, thus retaining the original version.
stitch The process of pasting together scans of a single image or document that were made through separate passes of the scanner.
stochastic screening A new type of screening with all dots being the same size and the frequency of dots increasing as values increase. Also called FM (frequency modulation) screening.
stock Alternate term for paper.
stock photo A photograph from a collection available for commercial use for advertising and publicity.
stripping The preparation and assembling of film prior to platemaking.
subtractive primaries The inks (cyan, magenta, and yellow) used in printing to create different colors. In contrast to additive primaries, these produce darker colors when combined.
supercalendered paper Smooth, thin, high-gloss paper calendered off the papermaking machine by alternating chrome and fiber rollers.
synchronous communication A method of communication between devices using a fixed interval to indicate blocks of data. Clock synchronization ensures that the time interval is the same between each transmitted block. Compare with asynchronous communication.
SyQuest Removable disk used for storage.

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Tagged Image File Format See TIFF.
Targa (TGA) A file format for exchanging 24-bit color files on PCs.
tear sheet A job sample removed or photocopied from a book or periodical and sent to the author as notice of publication and evidence of satisfactory printing. Sometimes used as original copy.
10-based T Unshielded twisted pair cabling for networks.
TextureScape A software program from Specular, featuring tools to create textures.
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) A bit-mapped graphics format for scanned images. TIFF simulates gray-scale shading.
tint The even shading of an image produced by a halftone dot screen or fine parallel lines.
total quality management (TQM) A company's commitment to customer satisfaction through coordinating continuous improvement in all processes, services, and products, to achieve long-term success.
TQM Abbreviation for total quality management.
trapping A prepress technique that allows for variation in registration during the press run. On the desktop, this is done primarily by allowing an overlap between abutting colors.
TRUMATCH Swatching System A swatch used to specify or predict four-color process colors for a printing job.
typeface style A set of characters with similar design features and weight. Also called font.

U (back to top)

U&LC Abbreviation for uppercase and lowercase.
UC Abbreviation for uppercase.
UCR (Undercolor Removal) A technique for reducing the amount of cyan, magenta, and yellow in neutral areas and replacing them with an appropriate amount of black.
UNIX An operating system for a wide variety of computers, from mainframes to personal computers, that supports multitasking and is ideally suited to multi-user applications.
UNIX is a comprehensive programming environment that expresses a unique programming philosophy. Rather than writing very large programs, each performing all functions, it is better to create software tools that perform one (and only one) function, and make these tools part of the operating system.
Application programs need not rely on their own features to accomplish functions, but can take advantage of the software tools in the programming environment. This philosophy helps programmers keep application programs in manageable bounds.
uploading Transferring data "up" from a terminal to the host system.
user interface The part of applications software or operating systems that end-users address for giving commands or getting messages from the computer. They can be in the form of command lines, menus, or pictures.

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varnish A clear or dull finish applied by a press to protect and enhance appearance of a printed piece.
vector Illustrations created with mathematical descriptions, rather than rows of computer pixels.
verso The left-hand page. Opposite of recto.
VGA Abbreviation for video graphics array.
Video Graphics Array (VGA) A color bit-mapped graphics display standard, introduced by IBM.
vignette An illustration in which the background gradually fades away, blending into the unprinted paper.
VIP See VIP Gateway.
VIP Gateway (Visionary Interpreter for PostScript) True Adobe interpreter that converts PostScript files into Scitex linework format. VIP Gateway runs on a Macintosh computer, connects Visionary users to the world of PostScript, and enhances the flexibility of visionary to integrate other design systems, allowing full access to the most popular desktop publishing packages. Files generated on other design workstations in PostScript format can be manipulated on Visionary. VIP is a software package option for Gateway.
virtual memory A method of extending the apparent size of a computer's random-access memory (RAM) by using part of the hard disk as an extension of RAM.
virus A computer program, designed as a prank or sabotage, that replicates itself by attaching to other programs and carrying out unwanted and sometimes damaging operations.
When embedded in its host, the virus replicates itself by attaching to other programs in the system, including system software. Like a human virus, the effects of a computer virus may not be detectable for a period of days or weeks, during which time every disk inserted into the system comes away with a hidden copy of the virus.
Eventually, the effects manifest themselves. The consequences range from prank messages to erratic system software performances or catastrophic erasure of all the information on a hard disk.
Visionary Interpreter for PostScript (VIP) Used to raster-image processor (RIP) a PostScript file into a Scitex format.
Von Case Von Hoffman's term for a Smyth-sewn book with a hard cover.

W (back to top)

WAN Abbreviation for wide-area network.
web press Press that prints from rolls of paper, compared to sheetfed press.
what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) A design philosophy for word processing programs in which formatting commands directly affect the text displayed on-screen, so that the screen shows the appearance of the printed text.
widow Poor typography, when only a few characters (usually seven or less) are left on the last line of a paragraph.
windows 1) A means of separating the video display on a computer into two or more separate simultaneous displays. 2) (Windows) An enhancement of the basic microcomputer operating system that allows for running simultaneous applications and the use of a graphical user interface to manipulate files and application software.
with the grain To print or fold paper in the same direction as its grain.
word processing A type of applications software for entering, correcting, manipulating, and producing text.
work and tumble All the images printing on both sides of the sheet are stripped and exposed on the same side of the plate as in the work and turn format but in this case the tail end of the sheet becomes the gripper or lead edge when the second side of the sheet is printed.
The advantage to using this format is that the same side guide can be used for both sides of the sheet. The main disadvantage is that as you change gripper from lead edge to tail when printing the second side, close register is lost to the extent that the sheets vary in size from the lead edge to the tail.
work and turn All the images printing on both sides of the sheet are stripped and exposed on the same side of the plate. The sheet passes through the press twice with the sheet being flipped side to side for the second pass. The advantage to using this technique is that the job only requires one plate and one makeready. The same gripper is used but the side guide must be switched left to right or right to left on the second pass. Compare with work and tumble.
work and twist Printing one half of the sheet and then going back through to print the other side. Used as a rule when picking up forms stripped one-up to eliminate the need to restrip them two-up before going to press.
write once, read many (WORM) An optical disk drive with storage capacities of up to
1 terabyte. This disk becomes a read-only storage medium after data is written to the disk.
wrong reading An image or type that is backwards when compared to its original. Also called flopped or reverse reading.
WWW Abbreviation for World Wide Web. Permits the joining of parts of one document (graphics, video, or sound) to another document, conforming to the hypertext protocol. It's one of 7 sections of the internetsort of a "global yellow pages".
WYSIWYG Abbreviation for what-you-see-is-what-you-get.

X (back to top)

x-height The vertical height of a lower case x in a typeface. Also called body height.
XGA (Extended Graphics Array) XGA can display 256 colors simultaneously. It also supports 1024 x 780 pixels. It requires a Micro Channel or faster machine.

Y (back to top)

Y Abbreviation for yellow.

Z (back to top)