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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
ragged
Not justified. Text that is set flush left can be described as ragged right, or just ragged, and text that is set flush right can be described as ragged left.
rag paper
High quality paper made completely or partially from cotton fibers.
RAID
Abbreviation for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. RAID is a storage technology that uses two or more disks working in parallel. They appear as one drive to the user, and offer enhanced performance and/or security.
railroad board
A thick, coated paper used for signs; usually waterproof.
RAM
Abbreviation for Random Access Memory. This is the memory your computer uses to store the programs and data you are currently working with. Random Access Memory loses its content as soon as power is switched off.
random proof
A color proof consisting of many images ganged on the substrate, randomly positioned no relation to the final page imposition. It is a cost-effective way to verify the correctness of completed scan prior to further stripping or color correction work.
RAS
Abbreviation for Remote Access Server
rasterize
The act of converting a document from a page definition language (e.g. PostScript) to an arrangement of pixels on the page or screen.
RC paper
Abbreviation for Resin-Coated paper, the photosensitive paper generally used to record the output of typesetters and imagesetters. RC paper is more permanent than stabilization paper, another type of typesetting paper.
readers pair or readers spread
Two consecutive pages as they appear in a printed piece.
real time
Responding to digital signals as they are received. For example, an image processing device is said to work in real time when it instantly responds to changes in the high resolution file during an operator’s manipulations, rather than processing the changes at a later time.
ream
500 sheets of paper.
recto
The right-hand page of a bound publication such as a book or magazine. Page 1 is always a recto page, and recto pages always bear the odd numbered folios. Recto can also be referred to as the front or obverse. The page on the left-hand side is called the reverse or verso.
red
- Describes the color of apples and cherries. – The portion of the color spectrum between orange and russet (a reddish brown). – The portion of the visible spectrum with the longest wavelengths. – In printing, a secondary color resulting from overprinting dots of magenta and yellow process color inks.
red, green & blue
- The three additive primary colors blended to create the spectrum of colors displayed on a color monitor. – In printing, red, green, and blue are colors made from a combination of cyan, magenta and yellow dots. Magenta and yellow dots make red; cyan and yellow dots make green; cyan and magenta dots make blue.
reducer
Any substance that softens and reduces the tack of ink.
reel
The master roll of paper as it comes off the papermaking machine. It is in its original width and is then cut into smaller rolls.
reflectance
The ratio of reflected light to incident light. It is measured with a reflection densitometer and expressed as a percentage.
REGEDIT
Abbreviation for Registry Editor, an application for Windows computers to manipulate the registry, a database that stores settings of the operation system and applications.
register
The arrangement of two or more images in exact alignment with each other.
register marks
Any crossmarks or other symbols used on layout to assure proper registration. Also called a registration mark.
registration
The exact positioning of images with reference to each other or to margins, folds, etc., by the use of precision visual reference lines (register marks) on the copy but outside the trimmed area or by a mechanical system using pins and dies.
registration mark
A cross-hair target outside the page or image area that is used to help align film separations or to align the printed images on the press sheet. The mark should appear on all separations. Apparently in some countries, registration marks without a cross in them are used because of religious reasons.
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