printing glossary

Bindery

2008-03-12T21:38:00.003-07:00

An establishment that binds books, pamphlets, etc.

Binder board

2008-03-12T21:38:00.001-07:00

High-quality, single-ply, solid pulp binding board.

Binder

2008-03-12T21:37:00.005-07:00

Person who does bindery work. Also, a device equipped with metal rings for holding looseleaf sheets.

Binary code

2008-03-12T21:37:00.003-07:00

In computer systems, a code that makes use of two distinct characters, usually 0 and 1.

Binary

2008-03-12T21:37:00.001-07:00

In computer system, a base-2 numbering system using the digits 0 and 1.

Bible paper

2008-03-12T21:36:00.003-07:00

A thin, opaque, high-tensilestrength book paper used where low bulk is essential: for bibles, insurance rate books, encyclopedias, etc. Basis weights normally range from 14 to 30 pounds.

BF

2008-03-12T21:36:00.001-07:00

Boldface (which see).

Bevel

2008-03-12T21:35:00.002-07:00

Sloping edge around the outside of an engraving or electrotype that permits it to be locked with hooks onto a patent base (which see).

Benday process

2008-03-12T21:35:00.001-07:00

Application of dot or line patterns to line plates in order to create the effect of flat tones or shadings. Named after the man who developed the process, Ben Day. Now an obsolete process, superseded by laying photographic screen tints.

Bed

2008-03-12T21:34:00.003-07:00

In letterpress printing, the flat part of the press that holds the type form during printing: a job that is ready for the press is ready to be "put to bed."

Bearers

2008-03-12T21:34:00.001-07:00

In composition, strips of type-high metal placed around the type form to protect the printing surface when the form is to be electrotyped. In photoengraving, the excess, or "dead" metal left on the printing plate to protect the live matter from excess pressure when molding for electroplating. On printing presses, metal rims beside the gears on which the printing cylinder rides. In reproduction proofing, strips of typehigh metal placed outside the live matter of the form to even up the printing pressure and prevent the ink rollers from slurring the form.

Bastard size

2008-03-12T21:33:00.001-07:00

A non-standard size of any material used in the graphic arts.

Bastard progressives or progs

2008-03-12T21:32:00.002-07:00

Also called Hollywood progs. A set of progressive proofs showing every possible color combination of the four process colors. The exact and specific effect of any two or three colors can be determined and intelligent comments formualted for correction by the platemaker. Sequence of a normal set of bastard progs is: yellow, red, yellow-red, blue, yellow-blue, red-blue, yellow-redblue, black, yellow-black, red-black, blueblack, yellow-red-black, yellow-blue-black, red-blue-black, and yellow-red-blue-black.

Basis weight

2008-03-12T21:32:00.001-07:00

Weight in pounds of 500 sheets (a ream) of paper cut to a given standard size (this size is called the basissize and varies depending on the grade of paper).

Baseline

2008-03-12T21:31:00.003-07:00

Horizontal line upon which all the characters in a given line stand.

Base

2008-03-12T21:31:00.001-07:00

See Patent base.

Baronial envelope

2008-03-12T21:30:00.002-07:00

Square type of envelope used for announcements, formal correspondence, and many kinds of greeting cards.

Bank

2008-03-12T21:30:00.001-07:00

Cabinet or bench on which type is made up or stored in readiness for makeup.

Bag paper

2008-03-12T21:29:00.001-07:00

Usually kraft paper (which see), used for making bags. Paper weight varies depending on bag size.

Bad break

2008-03-12T21:28:00.002-07:00

In composition, when the first line of a page is hyphenated. Also, incorrect end-of-line hyphenation.

Back lining

2008-03-12T21:28:00.001-07:00

Paper or fabric that adheres to the backbone, or spine, of a hardcover book.

Backing-up

2008-03-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

In presswork, printing the reverse side of a sheet.

Backing

2008-03-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

A metal backing soldered to duplicate printing plates to make them 11 points (0.1524") thick for use on patent blocks or printing bed bases.

Backbone

2008-03-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

Also called spine. In binding, that part of a book binding that connects the front and back covers.

Author's Alterations (AA's)

2006-10-12T23:50:00.004-07:00

At the proofing stage, changes that the client requests to be made concerning original art provided. AA's are considered an additional cost to the client usually.

Artwork

2006-10-12T23:50:00.003-07:00

All original copy, including type, photos and illustrations, intended for printing. Also called art.

Aqueous Coating

2006-10-12T23:50:00.001-07:00

Coating in a water base and applied like ink by a printing press to protect and enhance the printing underneath.

Antique Paper

2006-10-12T23:49:00.005-07:00

Roughest finish offered on offset paper.

Anti-offset Powder

2006-10-12T23:49:00.003-07:00

Fine powder lightly sprayed over the printed surface of coated paper as sheets leave a press. Also called dust, offset powder, powder and spray powder.

Anodized Plate

2006-10-12T23:49:00.001-07:00

An offset printing plate having a treated surface in order to reduce wear for extended use.

Alteration

2006-10-12T23:48:00.003-07:00

Any change made by the customer after copy or artwork has been given to the service bureau, separator or printer. The change could be in copy, specifications or both. Also called AA, author alteration and customer alteration.

Alignment

2006-10-12T23:48:00.001-07:00

The positioning of a body of text. Text can be positioned to the left, right, or centre of a page. For the best, consistent alignment, Web graphic designers use tables and embedded tables.

Against the Grain

2006-10-12T23:47:00.001-07:00

At right angles to the grain direction of the paper being used, as compared to with the grain. Also called across the grain and cross grain. See also Grain Direction.

Additive Colour

2006-10-11T01:40:00.002-07:00

Colour produced by light falling onto a surface, as compared to subtractive colour. The additive primary colours are red, green and blue.

Acid-free Paper

2006-10-11T01:40:00.001-07:00

Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age. Also called alkaline paper, archival paper, neutral pH paper, permanent paper and thesis paper.

Acid Resist

2006-10-11T01:39:00.004-07:00

An acid-proof protective coating applied to metal plates prior to etching.

Acetate

2006-10-11T01:39:00.003-07:00

A transparent sheet placed over originals or artwork, allowing the designer to write instructions and\or indicate a second colour for placement.

Accordian fold

2006-10-11T01:39:00.001-07:00

In binding, a term used for two or more parallel folds which open like an accordian

Absorption

2006-10-11T01:38:00.000-07:00

In paper, the property which causes it to take up liquids or vapours in contact with it.

A4 Paper

2006-10-11T01:37:00.000-07:00

ISO paper size 210 x 297mm (8 1/4" X 11 3/4") used for Letterhead.