4-color-process
The process of combining four basic ink colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) in a dot pattern to create a printed color picture or colors.
Accordion fold
This is a Bindery term. In an accordion fold two or more parallel folds which open like an accordion.
Against the grain
This refers to how paper is handled in the printing or bindery phase: At right angles to direction of paper grain.
Alteration
Any change to the copy or specifications of a product after production has begun. For example: Changing a phone number, an address or the weight of paper. Alterations typically result in additional charges.
Anti-aliasing
The process of averaging between pixels of different colors. This results is a smoother, more blended transition between the edge of two areas rather than a distinctly jagged appearance.
Aqueous Coating
A clear coating applied to a printed piece, used to add gloss and durability to your printed pieces.
Ascender
Any part of a lower case letter which rises above the main body of the letter such as in “d”, “b” and “h”.
Back up
Printing the second side of a sheet already printed on one side, typically done right after the first side has dried, unless specific requirements of the job necessitate the job to be done in two steps.
Balloon
In an illustration, any line that encircles copy or dialogue.
Base line
The imaginary horizontal line upon which text sits.
Bind
To fasten sheets or signatures with wire, thread, glue, or by other means.
Bindery
The department in a print shop that specializes in finishing printed products.
Blanket
The thick rubber mat on a printing press that transfers ink from the plate to paper.
Bleed
Printing that goes all of the way to the edge of the sheet after trimming.
Bond paper
The common strong durable standard grade of paper used for writing, printing and typing.
Brightness
The brilliance or reflectance of paper.
Bristol
A paper of various thicknesses that has a smooth finish and is used for printing or drawing.
Bullet
A boldface square or dot used before a sentence or item in a list to emphasize its importance.
Camera-ready copy
Non-Digital print ready mechanical art.
Carbonless
Pressure sensitive writing paper that does not use carbon to create the duplicate image.
Terminology
