saddle stitching:
A binding method for pamphlets, folders, leaflets and magazines where the signature is opened and stapled at the center.
sample:
A printed piece of the finished product.
sans serif:
A typeface that has no serifs, small strokes at the end of the main stroke of the character. Times Roman is a serif typeface, helvetica is sans serif.
saturation:
One of the three attributes of color, the other two being hue and brightness. Saturation is the intensity of a hue at a given lightness. The closer a color is to neutral gray or white, the less saturated the color. The farther away it is, the more saturated it is.
scanner:
A device used to scan reflective art and/or transparencies to convert the image into a color separated digital file format for color correction, sizing, and page assembly.
score:
To compress paper along a straight line so it folds more easily and accurately.
screen angle:
Angles at which screens are placed with relation to one another to avoid undesirable moiré patterns. The most common angles are black, 45 degrees, magenta 75 degrees, yellow 90 degrees, and cyan 105 degrees.
screen density:
Refers to the percentage of ink coverage that a screen tint allows to print. Also called a screen percentage.
screen font:
A data file used by a computer to create an image font to be displayed on the monitor. The screen font stores character information for style, hyphenation and justification.
screen frequency:
The number of halftone cells per unit of measurement in a screen; the higher the frequency, the finer the screen. A screen of 30 lines per inch is made up of dots that are one-third the size of the dots in a screen of 10 lines per inch.
screen ruling:
Number of rows or lines of dots per inch in a screen for making a screen tint or halftone.
serif:
A small cross stroke at the end of the main stroke of the letter, Times Roman is a serif font style.
shadow:
The darkest area of an image or photograph; represented as the largest dots in a halftone.
sharpen:
1) In color correction and platemaking, to make halftone dots smaller by adjusting the exposure of the film or plate. Sharpening dots to decrease color is one of the dry dot etching techniques for color correction. Sometimes printers will sharpen incoming film ready for platemaking to counteract mechanical dot gain on press. 2) In detail enhancement, to electronically exaggerate the difference between tones or colors at their edges. During scanning, the function of unsharp masking can be adjusted to increase edge contrast and artificially enhance the detail overall. Certain paint and color manipulation programs have special tools to selectively sharpen isolated areas of an image.
Sheet-fed press:
A printing press that uses sheets of paper, rather than a continuous paper roll or web.
side stitching:
A binding method where two or three staples are passed through signatures, usually on the left side of the book.
signature:
Printed sheets folded to become part of a publication. Signatures always contain pages in increments of four, such as 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 or 32 pages.
silhouette:
Eliminating the background from behind an object in a photograph or piece of art.
Specifications Web Offset Publications (SWOP):
SWOP specifies film densities, screen rulings, reverses, surprinted type, proofing, color bars, and proofing stock. The purpose of SWOP is to encourage uniform communication among those involved in the production workflow to promote quality color in web offset publications.
spine trim:
Area on the binding edge of an insert that will be ground off during perfect binding.
spooler:
A utility that manages printers on a network by intercepting files until the printer is ready to print them.
spot color:
Individual color or colors that are utilized to highlight illustrations or type. Spot color is frequently printed with nonprocess color inks, although process inks can be used.
spot varnish:
Press varnish applied to a portion of the sheet as opposed to an overall application of the varnish.
step-and-repeat:
The procedure of exposing a digital file repeatedly in different places on the printing plate.
stochastic screening:
An alternative to conventional halftone screening that creates tonal graduations by placing same-size microdots (typically 12 to 30 microns) in a computer-controlled, random order within a given area. The computer uses frequency modulation to vary the number and placement of same-sized dots. The random dot pattern eliminates many moiré problems and allows more than four colors to represent the tones in an image.
style sheet:
A collection of tags specifying page layout styles, paragraph settings and type specifications which can be set up by the user and saved for use in other documents.
surprint:
To print over another image. In photography, two images are exposed on one piece of film creating a double exposure. In a layout for printing, an image (usually type) would be planned to print over another area of an image, e.g. a black headline could surprint a light area of an image instead of removing all color below the type (dropping out). That would eliminate the need to mechanically trap (create overlapping edges) the type to the image.
swatch:
A color sample.
tack:
The stickiness of an ink. Tack is the relative measurement of the cohesion of an ink representing its resistance to splitting between two rapidly separating surfaces.
Tag Image File Format (TIFF):
A file format for graphics suited for representing scanned images and other large bitmaps.
tape backup:
File storage and transfer medium used for protecting and transferring files.
template:
A standard layout usually containing basic details of the page dimensions.
trap:
1) In printing, the ability to print a wet ink film over previously printed ink. 2) In pre-press, trap refers to the amount of overlap needed to eliminate white lines between colors.
trapping:
1) A technique in which abutting colors are slightly overlapped to minimize the effects of misaligned registration of printing plates. 2) On a press, the way various colors of ink adhere to one another when wet vs. the way one layer of ink adheres to the paper.
trim:
To cut the excess paper from the edges of a press sheet. In proofing to cut down a proof to a specific size.
trim marks:
Marks that indicate where a piece is to be cut.
trim size:
The final size of a book after binding and trimming.
true type:
A registered trademark for an outline font format with built-in screen and printer fonts, it frequently causes output problems, and is not recommended.
type face:
A style or design of type encompassing shape, weight and proportions that make it distinct from other type faces.
type family:
All sizes and weights of basic type design; members may vary in weight, width, or other treatment. For example, a family may include roman, italic, extended and boldface treatments of a type face. (also called font family)
uncoated paper:
Paper that has not had a final coating applied for smoothness. Uncoated paper is absorbent and soft in appearance.
Under Color Removal (UCR):
Reducing the cyan, magenta, and yellow inks independently within the darkest neutral shadow areas in an image reproduction and replacing them with a controlled amount of black to reduce the total tonal density. The three colors are reduced so the shadows have better detail, improved trapping, and more consistent reproduction.
unsharp masking:
A function of image editing software that increases the overall contrast at the edges of density or color changes by exaggerating the differences. In the scanner or color manipulation work-station, the computer reads the digital signals to locate where the color changes occur and then adjusts the tones and colors to create a more sudden change. If carried to an extreme, the exaggeration can result in an outline effect between some colors. During photographic color correction procedures, an unsharp mask simultaneously compresses the tones and makes the corrections. In either case, unsharp masking, despite its name, globally increases the detail of an image.
up:
In printing, two-up, three-up, etc. refers to imposition of material to be printed on a larger size sheet to take advantage of full press capacity.
A binding method for pamphlets, folders, leaflets and magazines where the signature is opened and stapled at the center.
sample:
A printed piece of the finished product.
sans serif:
A typeface that has no serifs, small strokes at the end of the main stroke of the character. Times Roman is a serif typeface, helvetica is sans serif.
saturation:
One of the three attributes of color, the other two being hue and brightness. Saturation is the intensity of a hue at a given lightness. The closer a color is to neutral gray or white, the less saturated the color. The farther away it is, the more saturated it is.
scanner:
A device used to scan reflective art and/or transparencies to convert the image into a color separated digital file format for color correction, sizing, and page assembly.
score:
To compress paper along a straight line so it folds more easily and accurately.
screen angle:
Angles at which screens are placed with relation to one another to avoid undesirable moiré patterns. The most common angles are black, 45 degrees, magenta 75 degrees, yellow 90 degrees, and cyan 105 degrees.
screen density:
Refers to the percentage of ink coverage that a screen tint allows to print. Also called a screen percentage.
screen font:
A data file used by a computer to create an image font to be displayed on the monitor. The screen font stores character information for style, hyphenation and justification.
screen frequency:
The number of halftone cells per unit of measurement in a screen; the higher the frequency, the finer the screen. A screen of 30 lines per inch is made up of dots that are one-third the size of the dots in a screen of 10 lines per inch.
screen ruling:
Number of rows or lines of dots per inch in a screen for making a screen tint or halftone.
serif:
A small cross stroke at the end of the main stroke of the letter, Times Roman is a serif font style.
shadow:
The darkest area of an image or photograph; represented as the largest dots in a halftone.
sharpen:
1) In color correction and platemaking, to make halftone dots smaller by adjusting the exposure of the film or plate. Sharpening dots to decrease color is one of the dry dot etching techniques for color correction. Sometimes printers will sharpen incoming film ready for platemaking to counteract mechanical dot gain on press. 2) In detail enhancement, to electronically exaggerate the difference between tones or colors at their edges. During scanning, the function of unsharp masking can be adjusted to increase edge contrast and artificially enhance the detail overall. Certain paint and color manipulation programs have special tools to selectively sharpen isolated areas of an image.
Sheet-fed press:
A printing press that uses sheets of paper, rather than a continuous paper roll or web.
side stitching:
A binding method where two or three staples are passed through signatures, usually on the left side of the book.
signature:
Printed sheets folded to become part of a publication. Signatures always contain pages in increments of four, such as 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 or 32 pages.
silhouette:
Eliminating the background from behind an object in a photograph or piece of art.
Specifications Web Offset Publications (SWOP):
SWOP specifies film densities, screen rulings, reverses, surprinted type, proofing, color bars, and proofing stock. The purpose of SWOP is to encourage uniform communication among those involved in the production workflow to promote quality color in web offset publications.
spine trim:
Area on the binding edge of an insert that will be ground off during perfect binding.
spooler:
A utility that manages printers on a network by intercepting files until the printer is ready to print them.
spot color:
Individual color or colors that are utilized to highlight illustrations or type. Spot color is frequently printed with nonprocess color inks, although process inks can be used.
spot varnish:
Press varnish applied to a portion of the sheet as opposed to an overall application of the varnish.
step-and-repeat:
The procedure of exposing a digital file repeatedly in different places on the printing plate.
stochastic screening:
An alternative to conventional halftone screening that creates tonal graduations by placing same-size microdots (typically 12 to 30 microns) in a computer-controlled, random order within a given area. The computer uses frequency modulation to vary the number and placement of same-sized dots. The random dot pattern eliminates many moiré problems and allows more than four colors to represent the tones in an image.
style sheet:
A collection of tags specifying page layout styles, paragraph settings and type specifications which can be set up by the user and saved for use in other documents.
surprint:
To print over another image. In photography, two images are exposed on one piece of film creating a double exposure. In a layout for printing, an image (usually type) would be planned to print over another area of an image, e.g. a black headline could surprint a light area of an image instead of removing all color below the type (dropping out). That would eliminate the need to mechanically trap (create overlapping edges) the type to the image.
swatch:
A color sample.
tack:
The stickiness of an ink. Tack is the relative measurement of the cohesion of an ink representing its resistance to splitting between two rapidly separating surfaces.
Tag Image File Format (TIFF):
A file format for graphics suited for representing scanned images and other large bitmaps.
tape backup:
File storage and transfer medium used for protecting and transferring files.
template:
A standard layout usually containing basic details of the page dimensions.
trap:
1) In printing, the ability to print a wet ink film over previously printed ink. 2) In pre-press, trap refers to the amount of overlap needed to eliminate white lines between colors.
trapping:
1) A technique in which abutting colors are slightly overlapped to minimize the effects of misaligned registration of printing plates. 2) On a press, the way various colors of ink adhere to one another when wet vs. the way one layer of ink adheres to the paper.
trim:
To cut the excess paper from the edges of a press sheet. In proofing to cut down a proof to a specific size.
trim marks:
Marks that indicate where a piece is to be cut.
trim size:
The final size of a book after binding and trimming.
true type:
A registered trademark for an outline font format with built-in screen and printer fonts, it frequently causes output problems, and is not recommended.
type face:
A style or design of type encompassing shape, weight and proportions that make it distinct from other type faces.
type family:
All sizes and weights of basic type design; members may vary in weight, width, or other treatment. For example, a family may include roman, italic, extended and boldface treatments of a type face. (also called font family)
uncoated paper:
Paper that has not had a final coating applied for smoothness. Uncoated paper is absorbent and soft in appearance.
Under Color Removal (UCR):
Reducing the cyan, magenta, and yellow inks independently within the darkest neutral shadow areas in an image reproduction and replacing them with a controlled amount of black to reduce the total tonal density. The three colors are reduced so the shadows have better detail, improved trapping, and more consistent reproduction.
unsharp masking:
A function of image editing software that increases the overall contrast at the edges of density or color changes by exaggerating the differences. In the scanner or color manipulation work-station, the computer reads the digital signals to locate where the color changes occur and then adjusts the tones and colors to create a more sudden change. If carried to an extreme, the exaggeration can result in an outline effect between some colors. During photographic color correction procedures, an unsharp mask simultaneously compresses the tones and makes the corrections. In either case, unsharp masking, despite its name, globally increases the detail of an image.
up:
In printing, two-up, three-up, etc. refers to imposition of material to be printed on a larger size sheet to take advantage of full press capacity.
varnish:
A clear, liquid, resinous coating, either matte or glossy, that is applied to a printed product for protection and appearance.
vector:
A line between two points. Vectors are created and displayed on the screen with drawing programs rather than constructing a graphic image composed of many pixels as in a scanned photo.
vignette:
Color manipulation effects in which all or a portion of an image fades gradually away until it blends into the not-imaged area. Sometimes used to refer to a graduated background tone.
virus:
A computer program, commonly imbedded in another program, that infects programs or documents and causes them to malfunction. It is often designed to destroy data and infect other programs, drives, and disks.
washup:
The process of cleaning the printing press between ink changes.
web:
A roll of paper used in a web or rotary printing.
web press:
A printing press that prints on paper from a continuous roll.
WYSIWYG:
Pronounced "wizzy-wig", stands for "What You See Is What You Get", an expression characterizing page processing and typesetting programs or systems that show on a screen what you will get as the output from a printer or imagesetter, complete with correct line breaks, pagination, and other formatting, as well as graphics, images, and color.