Glossary of commonly used terms relating to print and graphic design.

Bleed
Bleed is beyond the boundaries of a print document to ensure that when the document goes to print, the design goes all the way to the edge of the print. The standard dimensions for bleed is 3mm.

CMYK
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (or Key). These are the standard colours used in print. It can also just be called 4 colour (ie 4 Colour Process).

Comp
A comp is usually a low resolution version of an image used as an example. Comps are often used by graphic designers to show an example of an image to the client prior to sign off and before purchasing a stock image.

DPI
DPI stands fro Dots Per Inch. Images are made up of dots so the higher number of dots per inch of an image, the better quality result. The standard amount of DPI for print is 300dpi and the web is 72dpi.

Die cutting
The process of Die Cutting is to cut into or our of paper. For example if you wanted one corner of a standard business card to have a curved edge, it would need to be die cut. It can add an interesting element to a design.

EPS (Encapsulated Postscript)
Is a file format more commonly asscoiated with Illustrator (software) files and often contains vector artwork. These files don't make up the image using dots (DPI).

Folds
Printed material like leaflets for example can be folded in different ways.
Accordian or Z fold – consists of 2 or more parallel folds.
French Fold – 2 folds at right angles to each other.
Cross Fold – 2 folds, one horizontal and 1 vertical.

Paper sizes
DL – 210mm x 99mm
A6 (or postcard size) – 148mm x 105mm
A5 – 210mm x 148mm
A4 – 297mm x 210mm
A3 – 420mm x 297mm
A2 – 594mm x 420mm
A1 – 841mm x 594mm
A0 – 1189mm x 841mm

Resolution
The definition of resolution is the numbers of pixels in each measure of unit. For example a high resolution image (300dpi) would be suitable for print but a low resolution image (100dpi) would be used on the web. Using a low resolution image in a printed document is not recommended as the quality and sharpness of the image would be very poor.

Spot Varnish
Spot Varnish is the application of a varnish to a particular area of printed sheet. Logo's and photographs are usually spot varnished to make them stand out. Spot varnishing can be used on business cards too and add another interesting element to an overall design.

Stock
The paper material used in print. Business sationery (letterheads and compliment slips) are usually printed on 100gsm - 120gsm whereas business cards can be printed on heavier stock like 300gsm.

UV Coating
A liquid laminate bonded to a sheet and cured with UV light.

 

Graphic Design | Print | Stationery