A
A Size
Paper sizes used as standard in the UK. A0 is one square metre, A1 is half of A0, A2 is half of A1 etc.Art Paper
This paper is available in both gloss and matt, art paper would typically be used for jobs that require a fine finish due to their smooth filled surface.Artwork (A/W)
The digital representation of the printed product, the file we print from.
B
B & W
Black and white.B Size
A range of sizes, similar to, but bigger than both A sizes and SRA sizes.Backed Up
This refers to the second side of a sheet being printed. Alternatively a white back up on a clear/coloured stock, is white ink placed behind the image to make it more vibrant.Bank
Bank is a lightweight paper usually under 50gsm.Binding
Process of fastening together loose pages, this is commonly done with either stitched, perfect and wiro binding.Bitmap
A grid of pixels or printed dots generated by computer to represent text, images etc. Also known as Raster files.Blanket
A rubber sheet which transfers ink from a plate to the paper on a press.Bleed
The printed area extends beyond the trim edge of a sheet or page. We use bleed to ensure that if the cut is off by a couple of millimetres there is no white edge if the colour goes right to the edge.Blind Emboss
A logo, text or design that has been relief stamped into a sheet of paper, onto which no printing ink has been added.Blind Embossing
A process which stamps a raised (or depressed – see deboss) image into the surface of the paper, usually done with pressure and heat, to make it stand out. Blind embossing specifically refers to embossing an unprinted sheet. Or embossing on an area of no ink.Bond
This is basic uncoated paper which is most commonly used for copying or with laser printers.BPOP
Bulk packed on pallets.Bridge Book
A pantone book that shows colours as they appear as a spot colour v how they appear out of full colour. Used to show the client how close their 4 colour breakdown will appear to their original spot colour.
C
Calendared Paper
Paper that has been put through heavy rollers during the manufacturing process in order to achieve a completely smooth finish.Case Binding
Section sewn books bound with hard board covers.Colour Separation
Process by which an image is separated into the four colours (CMYK) for print production.Comb Binding
The pages are bound together using a plastic comb, this type of binding enables pages to be opened completely flat.CMYK
The four colours that make up a standard set of inks used on a modern lithographic press. Cyan, Magenta, Yellow & Key (Black).Coating
In line water-based surface coating that protects the ink from rubbing and enables quick handling.Collating
The process of bringing together multiple elements of a job. Also used to describe bringing together multiple pages in the correct order.Crease
Mechanically creasing a printed job will make folding the sheets easier.Creep
When you fold multiple pieces of paper and arrange them as you would a stitched book, the inner pages will be longer than the outer ones. We adjust the pages to make sure this doesn't happen.Crop Marks
Printed lines on the edge of paper indicating where the paper should be cut to produce the correct page size.Cross Over
Text or image that continue from the left-hand page of a book across the spine on to the right hand page.CTP
Computer to Plate. This term refers to the practice of transferring an image onto a plate using laser technology.Cut to Shape
Print is cut out to a specific shape (this includes rounded corners).
D
Deboss
A process after the printing process which stamps a depressed or (raised – see emboss) image into the surface of the paper, usually done with pressure and heat, to make it stand out.Die Cut
A process to cut, score of perforate a flat printed sheet using a metal cutter.Digital Printing
This printing avoids the stage of films and works directly from a digital file, making it cost effective and popular for short run jobs. The quality of Digital Printing is not as good as litho printing but it is continuously improving.Digital Proof
An on screen dummy copy of a publication which is used to check the running order and proofread the publication on screen.Dot Gain
When dots print larger than intended, resulting in darker colours. Caused by the spreading of ink on the paper, more common on uncoated due to the absorbency of the stock. Different inks can increase/reduce the amount of dot gain.DPI
Stands for Dot Per Inch which refers to the frequency of dots appearing on the plate, the more dots per inch the higher quality the print. DPI is restricted depending on process. Large format DPI will always be lower than small format.Drawdown
Testing the printed colours before going to press.Drilling
Refers to holes being made in a product.Dummy
This is a plain white mock up without any printing, using the same paper and finishing process as your final product.Duplex
Printing both sides of a material in one pass, often used by clients to describe double sided print.Dust Jacket
A loose cover to protect the boards on a case bound book.
E
Endorse Folding
This is the term given for folding a sheet of paper twice. Newspapers for example are folded once down the spine, and then once again in half for posting.Endpapers
Printed or plain sheets of paper that attach the inside pages of a book to its cover.Embedding Fonts
Font embedding is the inclusion of font files inside an electronic document. If fonts are not imbedded then when text is printed it may differ from the PDF version.Emboss
A process after the printing process which stamps a raised (or depressed – see deboss) image into the surface of the paper, usually done with pressure and heat, to make it stand out.End Papers
Page leaves at the front and end of a hardback book. These are pasted to the inside front and back covers.Ex works
Delivery is not included in the price.