Resolution

The quality of a graphic file is measured by the number of pixels or dots per inch (dpi) the image contains. A high resolution file might typically be 300 dpi and is suitable for printing jobs. A 72 dpi image is considered to be a  low resolution image and is useful for website design. The image resolution changes as you scale the picture up and down in your graphics program. The term also applies to a laser printers output capabilities, which range from 300dpi to 2400dpi plus form imagesetters.

RGB

A color model using red, green, and blue - the additive primary colors. Computer monitors and televisions use RGB data to create screen images.

RTF

Rich Text Format. A format that accepts both text and images, and retains text formatting and page layout.

Saddle Stitch

A method of binding where the folded pages are stitched through the spine from the outside, using wire staples. Usually limited to about 64 pages.

Scoring

Heavy card weight stock can get unsightly bumps when folded. To prevent this a score is made along the fold line using a scoring wheel on the printing press. A shallow indentation is thus made ensuring the item folds neatly.

Separations

The actual splitting of an image into the colors that will be used in the printing process. Normally, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (CMYK) are the separations for 4-color printing.

Serif/Sans-Serif

Refers to different styles of letter forms. Serif typefaces have the little hats and tails on the ends of the up and down strokes and are more typically used for large bodies of text such as in books and news articles. Sans-serif (sans meaning without) typefaces don't have the hats and are ideal for headings and titles. Times New Roman is a serif typeface. Arial is a sans-serif typeface.

Set-Off

The accidental transfer of the printed image from one sheet to the back of the sheet above it.

Signature

In offset printing, the printed sheet containing a number of different pages that have been arranged to allow; through folding, trimming, and binding; the creation of a multi-page finished piece.

Spot colours

These colours are printed as solid areas and used when fewer than four colours are needed or when the four-colour process (CMYK) is unable to accurately reproduce a colour.