Art / Imprinting / Production Terms

Term	Definition
Absorption	Property which causes paper to take up liquids or vapors in contact with it. In optics, the partial suppression of light through a transparent or translucent material.
Ad Copy	Lettering imprinted on any item. Usually an advertiser's name, sales message, trademark or slogan.
Airbrush	Graphic technique in which ink is applied with compressed air, similar to spray painting, to render a soft, airy effect.
Analog color proof	Off-press color proof made from separation films.
Art	All illustration copy used in preparing a job for printing.
Art proof	Artwork submitted for client approval, usually a black-and-white stat of the camera-ready art.
Author's alterations (AAs)	Changes in type at the proof stages, made by and chargeable to the client.
Blind embossing	Design stamped without metallic leaf or ink, giving a bas-relief effect.
Blind Stamping	Hot-stamping without fail. The approach, used often with leather, gives a more subtle imprint than hot-stamping and a shallower imprint than debossing.
Break for color	To separate, by color, elements to be printed in different colors.
Bug	Manufacturer's identification mark printed on a form or product, usually in an inconspicuous area.
Camera-ready art	Any drawing, photos, illustration or lettering suitable for photographic reproduction.
Casting	Method in which molten metal is forced into a mold of rubber or plaster, then cooled into the desired shape.
Clean-up charge	Factory charge added for the labor costs involved in cleaning the printing press after using a nonstandard ink. Also known as a wash-up charge.
Cloisart	Hot-stamp procedure where the desired logo/copy is foil hot-stamped on a solid brass or metal base, then covered with epoxy dome.
Cloisonne	Product in which a colored paste, made from ground glass, is applied to recessed areas, then fired at 1400 degrees and polished by stone and pumice to achieve brilliant color. Since gullies and ridges separate each individual color, fine lines between them are difficult to achieve.
CMYK	Cyan, magenta, yellow, black subtractive colors for process color reproduction.
Color correction	Any method, such as masking, dot-etching, re-etching and scanning, used to improve color rendition.
Color proof	First or early printing of a finished color ad, combining impressions from each of the separate progressive color plates.
Color separation	Separation of multicolored original art by camera or laser-scan techniques to produce individual separated colors. There are four common separations: yellow, magenta, cyan and black.
Comprehensive layout	Final stage of a layout, finished to very closely resemble how the printed piece will look.
Continuous tone art	Photography, painting or other piece of art in which black-and-white tones gradually merge into one another.
Copy	Written content of advertising or editorial matter in the media.
Cromalin proof	Chemically created facsimile of a full-color reproduction.
Crop	To eliminate a portion of a picture, illustration or photography that contains unnecessary material, or to highlight a certain area of the image.
Crop marks	Indicators on artwork to show where an illustration is to be cut or sized.
Cut	Broad term encompassing all plates associated with letterpress and hot-stamp printing.
Deboss and color-fill	Combing hot-stamping with debossing, so foil fills an image that is pushed down into the product.
Debossing	Depression of an image into a material such as paper, leather or suede, so the image sits below the product surface.
Decal transfer	Imprinting method in which the decal is printed on an offset or letterset press, submerged in water and placed on the product. Excess water and air squeegeed off and the product is kiln-fired, a process that fuses the decal with the glaze.
Die	Mold into which molten metal, plastic or other material is forced to make a specific shape. Also, a tool of very hard material used to press a particular shape into or onto a softer material.
Die charge	Charge by the supplier for creating a die from artwork supplied by the supplier.
Die-casting	Process where molten metal is injected into the cavity of a carved die.
Die-cutting	Using sharp steel blades to cut shapes from printed sheets.
Die-stamp	Steel plate engraved with the desired image, generally used to apply a gold or silver imprint.
Die-striking	Method of producing emblems and other flat specialties. A blank, cut from a metal sheet, is struck with a hammer that holds the die.
Digital artwork	Artwork created using computer-assisted design software.
Digital color proof	Off-press color proof produced from digital data without the need for separation films.
Digitize	1. to transform graphical input data into digital form for computer processing; to transform graphical input data into digital form for computer processing. 2. to assign a discrete numeric value to an analog variable by analog-to-digital conversion; to assign a discrete numeric value to an analog variable by analog-to-digital conversion.
Drop Shadow	Graphic device in which type is reproduced with an offset second image on one edge, giving a shadow effect that visually lifts the primary type and makes the image appear three-dimensional.
Dummy	Simulation of a finished printed piece.
Dye transfer	In photography, a process of producing color prints by tanning photographic emulsions and using them to transfer dye solutions to film or paper coated with gelatin.
Electronic (Engraving)	Any artwork from child's signature to newspaper is reproduced as long as it can be wrapped around a cylindrical drum.
Embedment	Medallion, logo or everyday object is buried deep in what appears to be solid glass but instead is acrylic
Emboss and color-fill	Combining hot-stamping with embossing (opposite of debossing). A raised image is stamped with foil. True embossing cannot be performed on vinyl.
Embossing	Raising of an image on a product, accomplished by pressing the material between concave and convex dies.
Embroidery	Design stitched onto fabric through the use of high-speed, computer-controlled sewing machines.
Engraving	Cutting an image into metal, wood or glass by one of three methods; computerized engraving, hand tracing or hand engraving.
Etched	Imprinting method in which the product to be imaged is coated with a protective coating that resists acid. The image is then exposed, leaving bare metal and protected metal. The acid attacks only the exposed metal, leaving the image etched onto the surface.
Fired decals	Decal that actually becomes part of the piece to which it is applied.
Flexography	Imprinting method for paper in which a flexible rubber plate is wrapped around a cylinder. As the paper moves under the plate, it is pressed against it by another roller, and the ink is transferred on the paper.
Foil stamping	Process in which a metal plate or die is heated and then pressed against foil into a surface, causing the pigments of the foil to transfer to the surface. Also called hot-stamping.
Four-color process	Printing process that creates color productions by overprinting screens that individually print reds, yellows, blues and blacks of variable specified intensities.
Halftone	Engraving made by photographing through a glass screen that breaks the subject into small dots of varying intensities of gray, ranging from white to black.
Hand or manual (Engraving)	Used for detailed work on materials ranging from metal to eggshells. Not practical for volume orders.
Heat-transfer printing (direct-transfer process)	Imprinting method in which an image is screened onto a transfer substrate, which is then laid directly on the material to be imprinted. The image is transferred from the substrate to the material through heat and pressure.
Heat-transfer printing (sublimation)	Process in which a design is transferred to a synthetic fabric by heat and pressure. The heat causes the inks to turn into a gas so that they penetrate the fabric and combine with it to form a permanent imprint. Also called a plastocal transfer.
Hologram	Combination of several layers of refractive material that causes the image to have a three-dimensional effect.
Hot stamping	Dry imprinting process in which a design or type is set on a relief die that is subsequently impressed by heat and pressure onto the printing surface.
Hot type	Type composed by machine and made from molten metal.
Injection molding	Process in which molten metal or plastic is injected into the cavity of a carved die.
Ink jet	Printer that reproduces by projecting ink onto paper without the mechanical impact of plates.
Intaglio	Design that is impressed into its base material.
Kern	To add or delete space between pairs of adjacent characters. Also known as letterspacing.
Keyline drawing	Outline drawing on finished art to indicate the exact shape, position and size for such elements as halftones, line sketches, etc.
Laminated	Coated with clear plastic, or two separate sheets of paper joined together as a single sheet to provide a special thickness or varying colors from side to side.
Laser (Engraving)	Imprinting method by which art or lettering is cut into a material by a laser beam that vaporizes the portion exposed through openings in a template.
Lenticular printing	Process of creating multidimensional, animated or bi-view effects by photographing with an extremely fine screen and placing plastic made up of tiny lenses over the top.
Letterpress printing	Printing method in which ink is carried on a raised surface to the page or object being printed.
Line art	Black-and-white illustration of reproduction quality.
Line conversion	Photograph reproduction as a line illustration, accomplished by shooting the photo without a screen and omitting the middle tones.
Liquid crystals	Technology used to produce temperature reactive products which change colors, going through a range of reddish browns, greens, and blues.
Litho laminating	Process of mounting a printed lithography sheet to single-faced corrugated to produce a display-quality piece that is structural corrugated.
Logo or Logotype	Style of lettering or design of a company used as a trademark to identify itself.
Matte finish	Dull paper finish without gloss or luster.
Mechanical	Final make-up of printed advertisement before transformation onto a printing plate.
Metal casting	Production method in which jewelry or other material is shaped by covering a mold with molten metal.
Moire	Screen pattern caused by the clash of dot patterns when two or more screens are used.
Molded materials	Made by pouring molten plastic (usually polypropylene) into a cavity to make a hard, seamless shell.
Mounting and finishing	Manufacturing of a display, applying litho, die-cutting and assembly.
Nonrepro blue	Color that does not reproduce in final production, used to mark instructions and corrections on camera-ready art.
Offset lithography	Printing process in which the image is transferred to a rubber blanket, which in turn applies it to the surface to be printed.
Offset printing	Printing process in which a positive image is transferred to a rubber blanket in reverse, which in turn applies it to the surface to be printed, right reading.
Opacity	Heaviness of ink coverage.
Overlay proof	Off-press color proof produced with four dyed or pigmented overlay films.
Pad printing	Method of imprinting in which a recessed surface is covered with ink. When the plate is wiped clean, ink remains in the recessed area. A silicone pad then presses against the plate, pulls the ink out of the recesses and is pressed directly against the product.
Pantograph (Engraving)	Master letters or designs are traced with a stylus that is connected to and followed by a cutting tool that pushes the lettering or image into metal. Used in many jewelry shops to engrave silver-plated bowls and cups.
Pantone Matching System (PMS)	Color scale used to precisely match colors for printing. Each hue has a coded number indicating instructions for mixing inks to achieve that hue.
Paper proof	Impression of type or artwork on paper so the correctness and quality of the material to be printed can be checked. The least expensive is a regular black and white faxed paper proof. The most expensive is an actual physical preproduction sample of the product itself.
Paste-up	Act of producing mechanical art.
Phantom	Transparent image or ghost superimposed over a subject.
Photoetching	Printing process using an acid solution to etch a photograph onto a metal surface.
Photographic imaging (Engraving)	1. Photometal processes actually develop metal by using photosensitive, anodized aluminum in either metal stock or metal sheet stock. 2. Chemical etching uses negative or camera-ready artwork, exposes it and coats the metal using acid or other more toxic chemicals to eat away impressions on the metal not covered by film.
Photomechanical transfer IPMT)	Diffusion-transfer process used to resize or copy images.
Photostate	Black-and-white reproduction of original art, generally not acceptable as "camera-ready" art.
Plate	Rubber or metal image carrier that transfers ink to the printing surface.
Position proof	Color proofs for checking position, layout and/or color breakout of image elements.
Positive	Image reproduction with the same density values as the original.
Press Proof	Proof of a color subject made on printing press in advance of the production run.
Progressive proofs	Color proofs that show the reproduction of each color plate separately and in combination with each other. Also called color keys
Progressive proofs or 'progs '	Proofs made from separate plates in color work showing sequence of printing and result after each color has been applied.
Proof	Impression of type or artwork on paper to allow the correctness and quality of the material to be checked.
Proportion	Design concept expressing an element's relationship of length to width.
Puff prints	Screening process using puff inks. After screening, the product is exposed to heat. A chemical additive in the ink causes it to rise, creating a raised surface.
Register marks	Cross-hair marks applied to negatives, artwork, photographs or mechanicals to ensure precise register on the final product.
Registration (hot-stamping)	Process by which two or more hot-stamps are aligned, so the multicolored foils fit the image area perfectly.
Resolution	Density of dots for any given output device. The unit of measurement is dots per inch (dpi).
Retouching	Process of improving/highlighting necessary details in a picture, photograph, print or drawing.
Reverse	Mirror like inversion of elements on a printing plate in relation to their order on the surface printed from it.
Rotary	Relies on a computer and controller to send messages concerning the desired design to a flat-bed engraving table.
Rotogravure	Type of printing, utilizing an etched copper cylinder.
Rubylith	Clear orange coating on an acetate base, used in preparing camera-ready artwork when one or more colors will be used. Also know as amberlith.
Sans-serif type	Typestyle without cross strokes at the end of the main strokes.
Score	To impress a mark in a sheet of paper to facilitate folding and help it lie flat.
Screen	Series of dots used to reproduce halftones or blended colors. As the percentage of screen increases, the color prints darken.
Screen charge	Charge by suppliers for creating a silkscreen of the artwork used for imprinting products.
Screen tints	Process in which shading and tinting are added to a line reproduction.
Screenprinting	Imprinting method in which the image is transferred to the printed surface by ink squeegeed through a stenciled screen stretched over a frame. Screens are treated with a light-sensitive emulsion, then film positives are put in contact with the screens and exposed to light. The light hardens the emulsion not covered by the film, leaving a soft area on the screen for the squeegee to force ink through. Also called silkscreening.
Serif type	Any typeface with letters having a cross stroke at the end of the main stroke.
Set-up charge	Special charges added to certain products in a catalog. It covers the cost of preparing the type for the press and the actual printing.
Sketch	Initial rough drawing in pencil, ink or color to determine the arrangement of an artwork.
Solid	Printed area without type or other illustrations.
Spec sample	A product sample carrying a prospective buyers' imprint, produced with the expectation that the prospect will order it.
Spot color	Color used usually for accent
Stat paper	Photo print of an art made by a camera. Use stat paper only on final proofs before going to production.
Step-and-repeat	Same image printed continuously in a pattern on the same sheet of paper.
Stripping	Attaching, putting together or assembling in negative film from the separate elements of an ad, brochure, flyer or other printed materials into one cohesive unit.
Sublimation	Dye transfer process where the image consists of a colored dye permanently embedded into the material surface of pores. Used to imprint messages, graphics and photographs on a variety of items, primarily mousepads, mugs, T-shirts, caps and trophy medals.
Temperature reactive or thermocromatic inks	Process of applying a special ink that disappears to reveal a hidden message when heat is applied. For instance, used on a mug so that when hot liquid is poured into, the message appears or on a glass, so that when cold liquid is poured into it, the message appears.
Thermal (Engraving)	Melts an image into the metal, based on a die. Often used for small items such as name badges and small signs.
Thermal dye sublimation	Like thermal printers, except pigments are vaporized and float to desired proofing stock. Similar to Thermal Dye Diffusion Transfer, or D2T2.
Thermography	Means of imprinting in which powder is added to the image to be printed. When heated, the powder fuses with the ink, and the image appears in relief.
Tint block	A photoengraving used to print tints of any percentage of color.
Tip-on	To attach endsheets or other material to the outside of folded sections by machine applications of thin strip of adhesive.
Transparency	Full-color, translucent, photographic film positive.
Transparent ink	Printing ink that does not completely conceal the color of the carrying material beneath.
Trapping	Process of adjusting adjacent colors to account for misregistration, which occurs due to the complex machinery of the press and because materials stretch and shift during printing.
Trim size	Finished size of a printed piece after waste is trimmed away.
Type transfer	Sheet of type created through a photographic and chemical process which can be transferred onto almost any surface by burnishing the back of the sheet.
Typeface	General term used to describe the styles of lettering available in typesetting.
Typeset	To create type of a quality usable for reproduction, whether electronically or mechanically.
Varnish	Thin, protective coating applied to a printed sheet for protection, appearance or to prevent fingerprinting.
Velox	Photoprint with halftone dot pattern in place of continuous tone, ready for line reproduction. (See PMI)
Vignette	Illustration in which the background fades gradually away until it blends into the unprinted paper.
Wash drawings	Line drawings in which the middle tones have been retained.
Web-fed press	Press that prints from a continuous roll of paper.
Weight	Visual effect of the thickness or thinness of text, rules or logos.
White space	Space on a page not occupied by type, pictures or other elements.
Xerography	Formation of pictures or copies of graphic materials by the action of light on an electrically charged surface in which the image is usually developed with powders.