D
This dictionary covers graphic design, prepress and print terminology.
Stan Schwartz supplied most of the terms of this online glossary.
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
dagger
A footnote reference that is used after the asterisk has been used.
Dahlgren
A dampening system for printing presses which utilizes more alcohol (25%) and less water; this greatly reduces the amount of paper that is spoiled.
DAM
Abbreviation for Digital Asset Management, which refers to either the process or the computer software used to collect, annotate, catalog and store digital assets, such as images, artwork, videos and music.
dampeners
Rollers on offset presses that carry and apply the dampening solution to the printing plate
dampening
An essential part of the printing process whereby cloth covered rubber rollers distributes the dampening solution to the plate.
dandy roll
During the paper making process while the paper is still 90% water, it passes over a wire mesh cylinder (the dandy roll), which imparts surface textures on the paper such as wove or laid. This is at this stage that a watermark can be put onto the paper.
dash
A horizontal rule used for punctuation .
DAT
Abbreviation for Digital Audio Tape, cassette tape that can be used to store digital information.
database publishing
The process and tools used to automatically generate paginated documents from data that are retrieved from a database. It is typically used for catalogues, all types or directories, reports or direct marketing documents.
data compression
A technique to reduce the amount of data in an image file by removing large amounts of redundant data. This process reduces the storage space and the transmission time required per file.
DB
Abbreviation for Paper Density, the density of paper to the blue filter (yellow channel). This measurement is inversely proportional to a brightness measurement and is, therefore, relative to paper grade.
DBCS
Abbreviation for Double-Byte Character Set: these are actually multi-byte font encodings, a mix of 8-bit and 16-bit characters. Modern writing systems used in the Far East region typically require a minimum of 3k-15k characters.
DC
Abbreviation for Direct Current, the type of electric power that is provided by batteries or a power supply.
DCS
Abbreviation for Desktop Color Separation, which is a particular type of EPS or encapsulated PostScript file. Check the DCS-page for more information
DCT
Abbreviation for Discrete Cosine Transform, a complex formula used in the JPEG compression algorithm.
DDAP
Abbreviation for Digital Distribution for Advertising for Publications, an approved standard for electronically communicated ad files sent to publishers and printers for reproduction. Named by Dunn Technologies.
DDCP
Abbreviation for Direct Digital Color Proof, a proof produced on a substrate directly from the digital data stored in a picture or page file in a CE’s or desktop computer. A peripheral device utilizing a photographic exposure, dot matrix, electrophotographic thermal transfer or ink jet printer is used to produce the color proof without the need for halftone films. These proofs reduce the need for some of the traditional color proofing materials that are often used during the production cycle.
DDES
Abbreviation for Digital Data Exchange Standards, a set of established protocols, formats and values that allow one vendor’s equipment to communicate with another vendor system. This is an approved ANSI/ISO standard that is used by high-end vendors.
debossing
In finishing a strong letterpress impression of an image on the front surface of a sheet of paper. The image is recessed.
debugging
Detecting and correcting defects in hardware or software that halt or alter the intended operation. The process of locating and eliminating defects in the computer program.
deck
In magazine and newspaper publishing, a smaller, secondary headline set directly beneath a larger, primary headline. Also known as a drop-head.
deckle edge
The rough or feathered edge of paper when left untrimmed.
deep etching
The etching or removal of any unwanted areas of a plate to create more air or white space on the finished product.
default
A standard computer setting designated by the system designer or by the user. The setting is permanent unless specifically changed by the operator. For example, word processing software will, by default, use a 12 point type unless the user changes the type size setting.
Loading ...