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This dictionary covers graphic design, prepress and print terminology.
Stan Schwartz supplied most of the terms of this online glossary.
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saddle stitching
In finishing the binding technique in which wire staples pass through the spine from the outside and are clinched in the center. Only used with folded sections, either single sections or two or more sections inset to form a single section. This type of binding is frequently used for (cheaper) magazines.
safety paper
A paper that shows sign of erasure so that it cannot be altered or tampered with easily.
sampling rate
A scanning term that indicates the number of samples taken per inch or millimeter in both scan directions on traditional drum scanners.
SAN
Abbreviation for Storage Area Network, a technology for accessing data storage from different systems.
sans serif
A typeface that has no serifs (small strokes at the end of main stroke of the character).
satin finish
A smooth delicately embossed finished paper with sheen.
saturation
The attribute of color that describes its degree of strength and its departure from gray with the same lightness.
SC
Abbreviation for Small Caps
scaling
The process of enlarging of reducing an image, drawing or other object.
scanner
An input device for analyzing and digitizing the content of an original.
scanner lamp
The illuminator that is used inside the scanner to light the original during content analysis.
scatter proof
A proof of one single picture or a group of images, made to check color and image quality.
SCITEX
Abbreviation for Scientific Textiles – Scitex evolved into one of the largest suppliers of prepress equipment, was bought by Creo which itself was later purchased by Kodak.
score
A crease put on paper to help it fold better.
scoring
Creasing paper mechanically so it will fold more easily. This is usually necessary when paper is even moderately stiff or when the fold goes across the grain.
Screen
Dainippon Screen, formed in 1943, is one of the largest companies supplying scanners, workflows and output devices to the graphic arts.
screen angle
The position of the two rows of halftone dots relative to degrees of a circle. When outputting the four films of reproduction, the dots of each process color are placed at a distinct and different angle, one to another. Usually, the major strong colours of cyan, magenta and black are placed at a distance of 30 degrees, although some software generates other screen angles.
screen curve
A graph that illustrates the relationship between the stored gray level for a pixel and the dot size that will result on output. Screen curves are established during linearization of an output device.
screened print
A photo print made by using a halftone negative; also called a velox.
screen fonts
Computer files containing the bitmap outlines of digitally rendered typefaces for display on a computer monitor. Screen fonts offer high fidelity to the printed output.
screen frequency
An expression of the number of lines or dots per unit of length in a screen for producing a halftone screen.
screening
Screening is the technique that is used in printing to simulate tinits or continuous-tone images such as photographs using dots. Allmost all printing technologies such as offset, gravure or inkjet printing simulate shades of colors using dots.
screen printing
A fairly simple and inexpensive printing technique that is well suited for low volume printing on highly irregular surfaces, like binders or clothing. The colors of screen printing tend to be vibrant and long-lasting which also makes the process suitable for outdoor displays and printing on frequently used items. Billboards and t-shirts are almost always printed in this process. Due to the long time the heavy ink takes to dry as well as registration problems, screen-printing may never be a viable option for high-quality print jobs.
screen ruling
A measurement equaling the number of lines or dots per inch on a halftone screen.
screen tint
A halftone that contains a uniform dot size over the entire area.
script typeface
Typeface that resembles handwriting. Sometimes the characters are connected. The style can vary from classic to whimsical.
Script typefaces are often used for invitations, greetings and ads.
SCSI
Abbreviation for Small Computer Systems Interface, a technology to connect hard disks, scanners or other peripherals to a computer. Nowadays replaced by USB and FireWire.
scuffing
Ink that smears or comes off a printed sheet. Also known as rub-off.
scum
Unwanted ink marks in the non-image area.
scumming
A printing problem that occurs when the non-image areas of a plate take on some ink. This often causes streaks on printed material.
scum dots
Small dots that appear in areas that should be white (e.g. because of JPEG compression artifacts)
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