This document defines common terms used in graphic design and printing. It provides concise explanations of key concepts such as CMYK color process, spot colors, paper weights, offset lithography, and digital proofs. Specific terms are grouped into categories including graphic arts, color/ink, printing, and paper to provide essential information on techniques, materials and production processes in a clear and organized manner.

1. DESIGN LINGO MADE EASY
Commonly Used Terms
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GRAPHIC ARTS COLOR/INK
bleed Extra amount of printed CMYK or four-color process
image extending beyond the trim Technique used in offset printing
edge of the sheet which assures that creates the full-color spectrum
good coverage when the paper is using primary colors—cyan (blue),
trimmed after printing magenta, and yellow plus black.
Tiny dots of these colors are placed
color comp The comprehensive side by side, fooling the eye into
or tight rendering of the idea in seeing mixed color.
color that closely approximates the
final piece. This may be an inkjet half-tone The use of dots of one
or digital proof or an Adobe pdf. color with varied tonal values to
build a photographic image that
dummy A set of blank pages looks like continuous tone.
constructed to show the size, duo-tone and tri-tone Also uses
shape, form, and paper stock of dots as in a half-tone but uses
the proposed piece. two to three colors instead of one.
rough Initial rendering or comp of RGB Color system using red,
the idea in black and white as an green, and blue. Primarily used for
inkjet proof or ink drawing which on screen or desk top printing.
may be smaller than the final size
of the finished piece. spot color Pantone Color Solid
color from Pantone System, often
thumbnails Quick preliminary referred to as PMS color.
sketches that are rarely shown to
the client but serve as a creative tint Various tones, ranging from
starting point for the designer. light to dark of a solid color.
A “20 percent” or “70 percent” tint
indicates intensity of the color.
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2. DESIGN LINGO MADE EASY continued
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PRINTING PAPER
blueline (blueprint) Supplied weight Determines range of
by the printer or prepress, it is thickness of the sheet. Weight is
a photoprint created from film. configured by pounds. 24# is
lighter than 100#.
digital color proof A color proof
produced directly from digital text or book Typically used for
data without need of film. letterhead, envelopes, and notes.
digital printing Printing by cover Used for business cards and
plateless imaging systems that brochure covers.
are imaged from digital data.
coated finish Coating of clay or
offset lithography The most other materials provides a range of
typical of commercial printing surfaces such as smooth, gloss, or
techniques, it uses plates and semi-gloss.
rollers.
uncoated finish Variety of matte
press check Proofing the job finishes from smooth to textured.
as it is being printed.
press proof A color proof made on
the printing press in advance
of the production run.
sheetfed press A commercial
press that runs single sheets.
web offset A high-speed
commercial press used for large
print runs. Rolls of paper are fed
through the press rather than
single sheets.
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© 2003 Susan Bercu Design Studio
susan@bercudesign.com
www.bercudesign.com
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