A device that allows a computer to read printed information.
opaque:
Does not allow light to pass through.
optical drive:
A secondary storage medium for computers. Information is stored on high-density disks in the form of tiny pits "read" by laser.
out of register:
Two or more colors not exactly aligned when printed.
outline:
A typeface in which the characters are formed with only the outline defined rather than from solid strokes.
output:
Processed optical or electronic data transferred to another device such as a secondary storage unit, a laser printer, an electronic manipulation station, or an analog or digital proofing device.
output resolution:
The dots per inch (dpi) of the output device.
outserts:
This term includes onserts, polybag label carrier cards, or cover tips, which only cover one side (usually the cover) of the publication. These pieces typically do not include publication printer trims because they are applied after the magazine is bound.
overlay:
A tissue over the base keyline for writing corrections and instructions such as indicating color breaks.
overprint:
To print over an area that has previously been printed on.
P/U (pick up):
To repeat film from a previous job. (a.k.a. repeat)
packing:
Paper used to underlay the image or impression cylinder in letterpress or the plate or blanket in lithography to get the proper squeeze and pressure for printing.
page buffering:
The ability to spool an entire image to disk and print in a continuous motion.
pagination:
The automated process of numbering pages consecutively.
palette:
The collection of colors or shades available to a graphics system or program.
PE:
Printer error.
perfect binding:
A binding method where the binding edge of a book or magazine is ground down about 1/8 in. and coated with a flexible adhesive. Then a flexible cover is attached creating a squared-off backbone.
perfecting press:
A press that prints on both sides of the paper during a single pass.
perforations (perfs):
A series of small dots or dashes made in paper that allows and controls the tearing of paper. Perfs are indicated on the marksheet by dashed lines.
pica:
A typographic measurement. There are 12 points to a pica and approximately 6 picas to an inch.
picking:
Removing emulsion on a negative so that light can pass through, creating an image.
PICT:
A standard data format in which most Macintosh illustrations are encoded. PICT data can be created, displayed on the screen, and printed by routines incorporated in the Macintosh system.
pinholes:
Tiny areas that are not covered by ink.
pixel:
Abbreviation for picture element, the smallest unit that can be sensed, manipulated, or output by a digital system or displayed on a computer screen.
plate:
Reproduction of type and images on metal, plastic, rubber, or other material to form a printing surface.
plate information:
A section on of the job ticket that indicates the correct number and color plates needed for each job.
plate instructions:
A series of instructions pertaining to the order and number of negatives to be used to expose images on plates.
PMS (Pantone Matching System):
A system for assigning numbers too specific colors and shades of ink. It is used to choose and communicate color so exact matches can be obtained.
point:
Unit of measurement commonly used to specific type sizes. There are 12 points in a pica and 72 points in an inch.
porosity:
The open or closed characteristics of a paper's surface that allows air to pass through and ink to penetrate. Generally, coated papers have very closed surfaces, low porosity, and hold ink on the surface well. Some papers used for blow-in cards are porosity rated for bindery use.
portrait:
An upright image or page where the height is greater than the width.
PostScript:
A page description language for medium-to high-resolution printing devices. Consists of a specific set of software commands and protocols and film recorders when translated through a raster image processor. The key feature of PostScript is device independence, allowing different output devices from different manufacturers, which may not be compatible through any other means, to print the same file the same way.
PPI (Pixels Per Inch):
A measurement referring to the number of pixels in every linear inch of a digital image.
pre-flight:
A pre-press sub-division whose responsibility is to check customer supplied art prior to production. This is done to assure that all material is correct and matches prep instruction sheets and pre-press information on the job ticket.
pre-press (prep):
Prepares material for press, includes pre-flight, electronic pre-press, typesetting, camera, stripping, proofing, plating and trimming.
press run:
The actual running of the press to print the job following makeready - the number of copies of a publication printed.
press schedule:
An orderly list of jobs scheduled to run on each press. The status of each job is updated at the beginning of each shift. This is the responsibility of the scheduling department.
printer font:
A file sent to the printer which instructs the PostScript interpreter how "to draw" the characters of the font. Printer fonts generally have matching screen fonts.
printing:
Any process that transfers to paper or another substrate an image from an original such as film, electronic memory, die or plate.
process colors:
The substractive primaries: cyan, magenta, and yellow, plus black that are used in four-color process printing also called primary colors.
proof:
Light sensitive paper or electronic phasers that represent what the finished product will look like.
RAM (Random Access Memory):
RAM temporarily "holds" programs and files while in use.
raster image processor (RIP)::
A device or program that translates the instructions for a page in a page description or graphics output language to the actual pattern of dots (bitmap) supplied to a printing display system.
record:
In a database, one complete entry consisting of one or more fields of data.
reflective art:
Originals such as photographs or illustrations which are on a reflective surface as opposed to transparent film.
register (registration):
To fit two or more printing images on the same paper in exact alignment with each other. The correct positioning of one color over another during the printing process. (a.k.a. fit)
register marks:
Crosses or other targets applied to original copy prior to photography, to ensure proper alignment.
resolution:
In electronic imaging, the number of dots (lines or pixels) per square inch (DPL, LPI, PPI). The higher the number the higher the resolution.
retouching:
Altering artwork or color separations to correct faults or enhance the image.
RGB:
Abbreviation for red-green-blue; a method of displaying color video by transmitting the three primary colors as three separate signals. There are two ways of using RGB with computers: TTL RGB, which allows the color signals to take on only a few discrete values; and analog RGB, which allows the color signals to take on any values between their upper and lower limits, for a wide range of colors. Also, RGB refers to a method of specifying color by its component proportions of red, green, and blue.
ROM (Read Only Memory):
Special instructions and programming permanently imbedded in the ROM chips of a computer.
rosette pattern:
The pattern created when all four CMYK color halftone screens are printed at traditional angles, shown to produce the best results in printed color output. The rosette pattern is noticeable only under magnification.
rule:
A straight line of any thickness or a line used as a graphic element to separate or organize copy.
run:
A group of cards or inserts that are printed together. There may be more than one run per press ticket.
run around:
Type that wraps around a picture or art.