Jargon buster

Paper coated with chemicals that enable transfer of images from one sheet to another with pressure from writing or typing.

A hardback book made with stiff outer covers. Cases are usually covered with cloth, vinyl or leather.

Coated paper with a very high gloss enamel finish.

A method of altering the thickness of a shape by over exposure in processing or by means of a built-in option in some computer applications.

A fast proofing system which uses powder as opposed to ink.

Graphics saved in ready-to-use computer files. These are normally vector illustrations and not photographic images.

An outline, embedded into the file, that tells an application which areas of a picture should be considered transparent.

Abbreviation for cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black), the 4 process colours, which when combined together in varying proportions can be made to produce the full colour spectrum.

Gathering together sheets of paper from a book, magazine or brochure and placing them into the correct order.

Process by which a continuous tone colour image is separated into the four process colours (CMYK) for print production.

A method of folding in which each fold opens in the opposite direction to its neighbour, giving a concertina or pleated effect.

Forms which are produced from reels of paper and then fan folded. these can be either single or multi-part forms.

Numbering paper by pressing an image on the first sheet which is transferred to all parts of the printed set.

To mechanically press a rule into heavy paper or board to enable it to be folded without cracking.

Phenomenon when middle pages of a folded section extend slightly beyond the outside pages.

To trim the edges of a picture or page to make it fit or remove unwanted portions.

Lines near the margins of artwork or photos indicating where to trim, perforate or fold.

Abbreviation of computer-to-plate; a process of printing directly from a computer onto the plate used by a printing press.

One of the four process colours.