Help & Info
JARGON BUSTER - The A to Z of Print Terminology
Making sense of baffling printing terms.
You know everything there is to know about your business. Yet, when it comes to dealing with print suppliers you're probably not clued up on the intricate details. Like every other industry, the Printing industry has its very own language and terminology.
To help keep things simple, we have created a Jargon Buster Guide where you can familiarize yourself with typical print terms and what they actually mean.
Eggshell Finish
Finish of paper surface that resembles an eggshell achieved by omitting the calendar process. Toothy feel or rough
Electronic Composition
Composition of text, graphics and pictures
Electronic Proof
Proof generated from the computer file directly -Inkjet, dye sublimation, digital halftone.
Elliptical Dot
Dots are actually elongated to produce improved middle tones
Em
A unit of measurement equaling 12 points
Embossed
Paper finishing where a pattern is pressed into the paper when it is dry which also applies to using die and counter die to impress image into substrate
Emulsion
A light sensitive substance used as a coating for film; made from a silver halide compound
Enamel
A term that describes coating on paper
Engraving
A printing process whereby images are etched onto a plate
When ink is applied, the etched areas act as small well to hold the ink; paper is forced against this die and the ink is injected into the paper creating raised images
Etch
Producing an image on a plate by the use of acid
Exposure
That stage of the photographic process where the image is produced on the light sensitive material
