Glossary of Common Terms A–F

Author's Alteration [AA] Changes requested by the client toa printer's proof which incur additional charges not included in the initial estimate.

Bleed When the printed image extends beyond the trim edge of the sheet or page.

Blueline Generic term for a pre-press proof made from stripped negatives where all colors show as blue images on white paper. May also be referred to as a blue, silverprint and Dylux®.

Body Copy The main text of a printed piece, as distinguished from the heading.

Caliper The caliper of the paper is the thickness of a single sheet of paper measured by a micrometer. Papers of similar weights may have different calipers which affect the efficiency of certain binding processes.

CMYK [Cyan, Mangenta, Yellow Black] CMY are the subtractive process colors used in color printing. black [K] is added to enhance color and contrast.

Color Correction An adjustment made to color separation proofs to better represent the original artwork.

Common Binding The term used for the most frequently speciied binding option and the simplest method to accomplish. Saddle stitching is the most specified common binding, but other variations of common binding include loop stitch or side stitch.

Comp A "comp" is short for a comprehensive or tight layout or design. Usually produced at full size, but may also be undersized.

Composed Color Proof Proof of color separations in position with graphics and type. Also called a composite proof or final proof.

Creep Also called push out. As the bulk of a book increases, the inside pages of a book will creep out further from the spine than the outside pages.

Crossover An image that straddles two pages or runs across a spread. This is critical for bindery work, particulary when the crossover image is created from two separate pages. Not all bindery methods are good candidates when crossovers need to match exactly.

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Die-cutting The process of using sharp steel rules to cut special shapes for labels, boxes and containers, from printed sheets.

Die Strike Used for proofing the accuracy of intricate die-cuts and for proofing the effect of a die imprint on the specified stock.

Digital Pre-press The preparation of information in the digital environment, which encompasses more than 85 percent of the pre-press work done today.

Digital Printing Any reproduction technology that receives electronic files and uses dots for replication. This covers almost every current system for outputting information to film, plate or paper.

Dot-gain When halftone dots print larger on paper than they appear on proofs, film or plates. the result is a darkeing of the image, reduction in detail and loss of contrast unless adjustments have been made to optimize dot-gain.

Dylux® Brand name for paper used to make blueline proofs and often used as an alternate term for blueline.

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Embossing Method of impressing an image in relief to achieve a raised surface. When this is done on blank paper it is called blind embossing.

Engraving Printing method using a plate with an image [also called a die] cut into its surface.

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Finishing General term for trimming, folding and all other post-press operations. binding is often included in this definition.

Foil Stamping printing method that releases foil from its backing when stamped with the heated plate or die.

Folded Paper Dummy A mock-up of the job using the actual paper trimmed and folded to exact specifications.

Fulfillment House Or mail house. Companies that perform a range of mail preparation services, including, but not limited to, mailing list development, labeling and addressing, and preparation of mailings.

FPO Acronym for For Position Only. Typically used to describe photos or art on a comp to indicate placement, but not intended for reproduction. In digital printing, used to indicate a low-resolution image positioned in a layout to be replaced later with a higher resolution version of the same image.