A
This dictionary covers design, prepress and printing topics.
It was created with the help of Stan Schwartz.
A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z
AA
Abbreviation for Author’s Alterations: changes other than corrections, made by a client after the proofing process has begun. The client is usually charged for these corrections.
ablation
Technology used in proofing devices and platesetters in which proofs or plates are created by vaporizing or blasting away a part of the emulsion, typically with a thermal laser.
abrasion resistance
The ability of ink or paper to withstand rubbing and scuffing
absorptance
The relationship of the light absorbed by a surface to the total light striking the surface expressed as a percentage. A person is able to see colors because a portion of the light striking the surface of the scene is absorbed and a portion is reflected to the eyes. In printing, for example, red is achieved because the magenta and yellow dots absorb the green and blue light respectively leaving only red light reflected from the paper. The absorbed amount of a certain color of light determines the hue and lightness or darkness of the color.
AC
Abbreviation for Author’s Corrections: corrections, made by a client during the proofing process
accent
A mark used with a letter to modify its pronunciation.
access control list
A database that holds the names of the valid system users and notes the level of access that each has been granted on the network.
accordion fold
Binding term for two or more parallel folds that open like an accordion. Leaflets and maps often use accordion folds.
accurate screens
The rational screen angle system incorporated in Adobe’s Postscript Level 2
accutance
A measure of the sharpness with which an image is reproduced. Larger numbers indicate better sharpness.
acetate
Transparent type of plastic. The term is often used to refer to a sheet made of this plastic that can be used for overhead transparencies.
achromat
A lens designed and corrected for colour distortion
achromatic
Having no colour
actinic
Used to describe radiation that will render a developable latent image
activator
An alkaline liquid to intiate image development in stabilisation processing.
A/D
Abbreviation for Analog to Digital (conversion)
ADA
Abbreviation for Apparent Dot Area: the dot area of a printed halftone.
ADC
Abbreviation for Analog to Digital Convertor
ad complaint
A publishers or advertisers formal grievance about the quality of the printed advertisement that is filled with a printer.
AdConnexion
A file format that resembles SpaceXML. It deals with display advertising specifying how the business transactions should be handled. It comes out of work done in Europe and reflects some of the particular characteristics of the Scandinavian ad industry. It has limited adoption in Europe.
additive color mixing
Color system in which red, green and blue light are mixed to form other colors. Televisions and computer monitors use additive color mixing.
additive color primaries
The colors red, green and blue. When white light is broken down into it’s componant parts, a rainbow is created. Dividing the rainbow into approximately equal thirds results in red light, green light and blue light. By combining the three colors of light together, white light is created. The above drawing shows the principle.
addressability
Refers to the capability of being addressed. For an output device, 2400 dpi addressability implies that each individual pixel that is output is no larger than 1/2400 of an inch.
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