Glossary

60%c, 50%m, 50%y, 100%k also called Super Black.

The sticky substance applied to the back of labels to adhere them to various surfaces. Adhesives can vary in strength, permanence, and suitability for different applications.

A coated board stock in between matt and gloss finish.

The part of a lowercase letter that extends above the x-height, such as the upward stroke in "b" or "h."

The proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or design. Maintaining the aspect ratio ensures that the image is not distorted when resized.

A large, printed display typically made of vinyl or fabric material used for advertising or promotional purposes. Banners are commonly used for indoor and outdoor signage.

The imaginary line on which the base of each character in a line of text rests.

The process of fastening printed sheets together to form a book or other multi-page document. Common binding methods include saddle stitching, perfect binding, wire-o binding, and spiral binding.

An image format that consists of a grid of individual pixels, where each pixel represents a specific color or shade. Bitmap images are resolution-dependent and can appear pixelated when enlarged.

A rubber-covered cylinder in an offset printing press that receives the ink from the printing plate and transfers it onto the paper. The blanket helps ensure even ink distribution and protects the paper from direct contact with the plate.

A printing term that refers to the area of a printed document that extends beyond the finished size, allowing for trimming. It ensures that the ink extends all the way to the edge of the paper.

Laser stock

The process of creating and maintaining a consistent and recognizable identity for a product, company, or organization. Branding involves designing logos, selecting colours, creating visual guidelines, and establishing brand voice and values.

A technique used to slightly decrease the size of the background colour or image to prevent misregistration issues when printing on top of it with another colour or element.

Stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black). It is the standard colour model used in printing, where different combinations of these colours are used to create a full range of colours.

Paper that has been treated with a coating to enhance print quality and achieve a smooth and glossy finish. The coating helps prevent ink absorption, resulting in sharper images and vibrant colours.

The process of arranging printed sheets or pages in a specific order. For example, if you have a multiple-page document that needs to be collated, it means arranging the pages in the correct sequence.

The process of controlling and maintaining consistent colour accuracy throughout the prepress and printing workflow. Colour management involves calibrating devices, creating colour profiles, and ensuring proper colour conversions.

The process of dividing a full-colour image or design into separate colour channels (usually CMYK) for printing. Colour separation creates individual plates or screens for each colour, enabling accurate reproduction of colours during the printing process.

Thin lines or tick marks placed at the corners of a printed piece to indicate where it should be trimmed. Crop marks help guide the trimming process and ensure accurate cutting.

Computer to Plate – Plate processing technology

The process of combining a layout or design template with variable data from a database or spreadsheet. Data merge enables the creation of customized, data-driven designs for items such as personalized letters, envelopes, or event tickets.

The part of a lowercase letter that extends below the baseline, such as the downward stroke in "g" or "p."

A process that uses a sharp, custom-shaped die to cut unique shapes or designs out of printed materials. It allows for the creation of intricate and custom-shaped products like business cards, packaging, and promotional items.

A printing method that involves directly transferring digital files onto paper or other printing substrates without the need for traditional printing plates. Digital printing is suitable for short print runs, variable data printing, and quick turnaround times.

The phenomenon that occurs when ink dots printed on paper spread slightly, resulting in larger dots and overall darker printed images. Dot gain is influenced by factors such as paper type, ink density, and printing press characteristics.

Adjustments made in the prepress or printing process to compensate for the inherent dot gain that occurs when the ink spreads slightly during the printing process. Dot gain compensation ensures accurate reproduction of image details and colours.

Dots Per Inch. It is a measure of printing resolution, indicating the number of dots that can be printed per inch. Higher DPI results in finer detail and sharper images.

A type of toner or ink used in digital printing that does not require additional drying time after being applied to the substrate. Dry ink allows for faster turnaround times and immediate handling of printed materials.

A printing process that uses heat to transfer dye onto various materials, such as fabric or coated substrates. Dye sublimation printing results in vibrant, durable, and long-lasting prints, especially for textiles and apparel.

Fonts that are embedded while creating PDF.

Decorative enhancements or finishes applied to printed materials to enhance their visual appeal. Examples include foiling (adding metallic or reflective accents), spot UV coating, or specialty coatings like soft-touch or textured finishes.

A technique used to create a raised, three-dimensional effect on a printed surface by pressing the paper from behind. It adds texture and enhances the visual appeal of a design.

The front-facing material of a label, which carries the printed design and text. Facestock materials can include paper, film, vinyl, or other substrates.

The process of preparing digital files for print production. This includes tasks such as checking file formats, resolution, colour spaces, and ensuring proper image and text placement.

Refers to the surface texture or coating applied to printed materials. Common finishes include glossy, matt, satin, and varnish, each offering different visual and tactile effects.

All processes that follow the sheets being printed.

A type of wide format printer that utilizes a flat printing surface instead of rolls of media. Flatbed printers can print on rigid materials.

A printing process commonly used for label printing, utilising flexible rubber or polymer plates to transfer ink onto the label material. Flexographic printing is known for its high-speed production and cost-effectiveness.

A blank sheet of paper placed at the beginning and end of a print run in an offset printing press. The flysheet helps protect the printed sheets from potential damage during the start-up and shutdown of the press.

A process that uses heat and pressure to apply metallic or coloured foils onto printed materials. Foil stamping adds a luxurious and eye-catching effect.

A roller in the inking unit of an offset printing press that transfers ink from the ink fountain to the distribution rollers. The fountain roller helps maintain a consistent ink flow and distribution.

A mixture of water and chemicals used in offset printing to dampen the non-image area of the printing plate. The fountain solution helps maintain the balance between ink and water on the plate, preventing unwanted ink from transferring to non-image areas.

Part recycled / part forest plantation paper.

The range of colours that a device can reproduce. Gamut is influenced by factors such as the colour space, inks or toners used, and the printing technology employed.

Faint or unwanted images that appear on a printed piece due to residual toner or ink on the printing equipment or when printing over an area that was not properly cleaned.

Shiny looking stock.

The creative process of visually communicating ideas and messages through the use of typography, images, colours, and layout. Graphic designers use various software and design principles to create visually appealing and effective designs.

A range of grey shades between black and white. It is commonly used for black and white images or when colour is not necessary.

A framework or structure used in graphic design to organize and align elements on a page. Grid systems provide consistency, structure, and aid in maintaining visual harmony across a design.