Resource Center

Resource Center

Glossary of Terms

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1/1 (perfecting):
The leaf is printed with the same color of ink on both sides.
2/0 (printing):
The leaf is printed with two colors on one side. The second side of the leaf is blank.
2/2 (perfecting):
The leaf is printed with the same two colors on both sides.
2-D Bar code (Two-Dimensional code):
A code used in digital printing and inserting that stores information along the height as well as the length of the symbol.
4/2 (printing):
The leaf is printed with four-color process on one side and two colors on the other side.
508 Compliant:
In accordance to Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Section 508 deals with the accessibility and usability of electronic information.
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Accordion fold:
This is also called a Z-fold. It is assembled when each panel is the exact same size and they are folded behind one another in alternating directions to form a Z when viewed from top to bottom.
Address Change Service (ACS):
An automated process that provides change-of-address information to participating mailers who maintain computerized mailing lists. The information is captured in the Computerized Forwarding System (CFS) units and sent to mailers on electronic media which reduces the volume of manual change-of-address notices.
Address Element Correction (AEC):
A process that identifies and revises incomplete and incorrect addresses and then attaches ZIP+4 and carrier route codes. It involves matching of records that cannot be coded using CASS-certified address matching software.
Advance Function Printing (AFP):
The ability of programs to use the all-points addressable concept to print text and images on a printer.
adhesive bind:
This is another term for perfect binding.
Airport Mail Center/Airport Mail Facility (AMC/AMF):
A postal facility at an airport that receives, concentrates, transfers, dispatches, and distributes mail transported by air.
All-Points Addressable (APA):
In computer graphics, pertaining to the ability to address and display or not display each picture element on a display surface.
alteration:
Any change made by the customer after sending files to the printer.
ancillary service:
In mail, forwarding, return, or address correction service included within a mail class. Depending on the mail class, these services are performed at a charge or at no additional charge, if and when the service is actually rendered.
ancillary service endorsement:
A marking used by a mailer to require the new address of an addressee and to provide the USPS with instructions on how to handle mail that is undeliverable as addressed.
aqueous coating:
Coating in a water base and applied like ink by a printing press to protect and enhance the printing underneath.
Area Distribution Center (ADC):
A mail processing facility that receives and distributes mail destined for specific ZIP Codes under the managed Mail program (MMP). An ADC is one of the points within the national MMP distribution network.
aspect ratio:
The dimension of a mail piece expressed as a ratio of length (the direction parallel to the address) divided by the height. For example, a postcard 5-1/2 inches long by 3-1/2 inches high has a aspect ratio of 1.57. An aspect ratio between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive, is required for automation compatibility.
auto drill:
A machine that drills holes in printed products. These products are often used in ring binders.
Automated Area Distribution Center (AADC):
An area distribution center that uses multilane optical character readers, bar code sorters and other equipment designed for processing automation-compatible mail.
automation discount:
A postage reduction offered to mailers who pre-barcode their mail pieces and meet addressing, readability, and other requirements for processing on automated equipment.
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balloon rate:
A rate charged for Priority Mail and Parcel Post items that weigh less than 15 pounds and measure between 84 inches and 108 inches in combined length and girth. Girth is the distance around the thickest part of the package.
banding:
The process of securing a stack of materials with either rubber bands or strips of paper. The bands are wrapped around the middle of a stack of materials to secure them in a specific quantity. Sometimes two bands are used, one lengthwise and one widthwise around the material.
bar code:
A series of vertical bars and spaces that represent any numerical series. In mail, these often reflect the ZIP Code for the delivery address on a mail piece and are used to automate processing. In digital printing and inserting, these are used to contain coding directing collating processes.
bar code clear zone:
A rectangular area in the lower right part of a letter-size mail piece that must be kept free of printing and symbols, except for the bar code itself. The requirement allows automated processing machines to read or apply a bar code.
bar coded discount:
A postage discount available for certain Standard Mail and Package Services machinable parcels and Bound Printed Matter flats that bear a correct bar code and meet other size, shape, and volume discounts.
barrel fold:
See wrap-around fold.
basic size:
The standard measurements for paper after manufacturing.
basis weight:
The weight, in pounds, of a ream (500 sheets) in the basic size for that grade of paper.
blanket:
A fabric coated with rubber that transfers the image from the printing plate to the paper. A blanket is the area of the printing unit that makes contact with the paper.
bleed (bleed tabs):
An extra amount of printed image that extends beyond the trim edge of the sheet or page.
bluelines:
A printer's proof, actually blue on white paper.
Bound Printed Matter (BPM):
A subclass of Package Services that consists of permanently bound sheets of which at least 90% are printed with advertising, promotional, directory, or editorial matter (or a combination of such matter).
brightness:
The measure of the amount of light reflected from a sheet of paper.
bulk:
Final thickness of a book measured in pages per inch (ppi) for any given basis weight.
Bulk Mail Center (BMC):
A highly mechanized mail processing plant that distributes Standard Mail and Package Services in piece and bulk form.
Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU):
The area of a postal facility where mailers present bulk, presorted, and permit mail for acceptance. The BMEU includes dedicated platform space, office space, and a staging area on the workroom floor.
Business Reply Mail (BRM):
A service that allows a permit holder to receive First-Class Mail and Priority Mail back from customers and pay postage only for those pieces returned. These pieces must have a specific address and format. Postage and fees are collected when the mail is delivered back to the permit holder.
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c-fold:
See wrap-around fold.
calender:
The act of increasing the smoothness and gloss of a paper by performing the process of running paper through a set or stack of horizontal cast-steel rolls with polished ground surfaces at the end of a paper machine.
caliper:
The thickness of paper, usually expressed in thousandths of an inch (mils).
camera-ready:
Type and/or artwork that has been pasted into position and is set to be photographed for platemaking.
carrier-route:
The addresses to which a carrier delivers mail. In common usage, carrier route includes city routes, rural routes, highway contract routes, post office box sections, and general delivery units.
carrier-route file:
The official listing of all city and non-city delivery post offices, available to mailers in a standardized format. It contains schemes for city routes, rural routes, highway contract routes, post office box sections, and general delivery units. The data are formatted by Zip Code, street name, and street number range.
carrier-route presort mail:
Mail sorted by carrier route to qualify for discount postage. The mail requires no primary or secondary distribution.
coating:
A finish that can be applied on a sheet of paper.
Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS):
A service offered to mailers, service bureaus, and software vendors that improves the accuracy of matching to delivery point codes, ZIP+4 codes, 3-digital Zip codes, and carrier route codes on mail pieces. CASS provides a common platform to measure the quality of address matching software and to diagnose and correct software problems.
coldset web offset presses:
These are presses that do not have dryers. Stocks generally used on coldset, web offset presses are uncoated offsets and bonds. The substrates have to be absorbent enough to set the ink quickly.
collating:
The steps taken to put multiple elements in order into a carrier or folder. This can be done by hand or by machine, depending on the elements to be gathered and the number of units to be assembled.
combined mailing:
A mailing in which individually addressed mail pieces of periodicals or editions are merged and sorted together, usually using two or more postage payment methods.
commingle:
To integrate dissimilar mail (such as subscriber and non-subscriber copies, machinable and irregular parcels) into the same mailing.
conversion:
Transformation of data from one format to another.
copalletize:
To combine and present together on pallets mail from two or more different or separately produced mailstreams.
Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM):
Envelopes or postcards that a mailer provides to its customer to expedite delivery of their responses. The customer affixes the reply postage before mailing.
creep:
Phenomenon of middle pages of a folded signature extending slightly beyond outside pages. Also called feathering, outpush, push out and thrust.
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dampening system:
A series of rollers that moisten the printing plate with a metered flow of a water-based solution containing such additives as acid, gum arabic, isopropyl alcohol, or other wetting agents.
Delivery Confirmation:
A USPS service that provides the date and time of delivery or, if the delivery was attempted but not successful, the date and time of the delivery attempt.
Delivery Point Barcode (DPBC):
A POSTNET barcode that consists of 62 bars with beginning and ending frame bars and 5 bars each for the nine digits of the ZIP+4 code, the last 2 digits of the primary street address number (or post office box, etc.) and a correction digit. The DPBC allows automated sortation or letter mail to the carrier level in walk sequence.
delivery sequenced mail:
Mail that is arranged by a mailer in delivery order for a particular carrier route. This mail requires no primary or secondary distribution.
densitometer:
A tool that is placed on the printed sheet and provides a calibrated reading of the ink density.
de-skewing:
The process of straightening skewed (off-center) images.
Destination Area Distribution Center (DADC) rate:
A rate for Periodicals mail that is prepared and entered by the mailer at the area distribution center (ADC) that services the delivery address on the mail.
Destination Bulk Mail Center (DBMC) rate:
A rate available for Standard Mail, Parcel Post, and Bound Printed Matter that is properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the BMC or other designated postal facility that services the delivery address on the mail.
Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) Ratio:
A rate available for Periodicals and Standard Mail that is properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the delivery unit that services the delivery address on the mail.
Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) rate:
A rate available for Periodicals, Standard Mail, Parcel Post, and Bound Printed Matter that is properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the sectional center facility (SCF) (or, for certain parcel Post, at the BMC) that services the delivery address on the mail.
digital printing:
plateless imaging using digital data.
digitizing:
The act of processing documents through the scanner creating digital files or images of the paper being processed.
dimensions:
The size of any two-dimensional printed piece. Whether it is a book or form, always state the size as width x height.
dithering:
To give the effect of variable-sized dots, digital output devices use a technique called dithering. Dithering provides the appearance of gray scale.
document management:
A system storing and retrieving both digital document images and electronic documents such as spreadsheets and word processing files. Document Management systems often possess "librarian" type functions such as check-in/out or version control.
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM):
The USPS manual that contains the basic standards governing domestic mail services; description of the mail classes and services and conditions governing their uses; and standards for rate eligibility and mail preparation.
dot gain:
A condition in which dots print larger than they should, causing darker tones or stronger colors. Small dot gain is generally unnoticed. Excessive dot gain can cause quality issues.
dots per inch (dpi):
A measurement of resolution. Each dot represents a pixel. The more dots per inch, the better the clarity and higher the resolution.
double parallel:
In press set-up, a configuration of web offset presses that delivers twice as many half-size signatures per impression.
double parallel fold:
The paper is folded in half and then folded in half again with a fold parallel to the first fold. To allow for proper nesting, the two inside folded panels are smaller than the two outer panels.
drilling:
The process of placing holes in a printed material so that it can be fastened into another book or with specific fasteners.
drop shipment:
Typically the movement of a mailer's product on private (non-postal) transportation from the point of production to a postal facility located closer to the destination of that product.
duplex:
In scanning, the ability of a machine to read both the front and the back sides of a document simultaneously, decreasing the effort to capture both images.
Dylux:
Brand name for photographic paper used to make blueline proofs. Often used as an alternate term for blueline.
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electronic document:
A document that has been scanned, or was originally created on a computer.
endorsement:
An authorized marking on a mail piece that shows handling instructions, a service, or a request for an ancillary service.
entry BMC:
A bulk mail center (BMC), including its satellite auxiliary service facility (ASF) unless specified otherwise, at which mail is entered by the mailer.
entry facility:
The USPS mailing processing facility (e.g., BMC, SCF) that serves the post office at which the mail is entered by the mailer. Also called origin facility.
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript):
A file format used to transfer graphic images into compatible applications.
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facing identification mark (FIM):
A series of five or six vertical bars used by automated postal equipment to identify, orient, and separate reply mail.
FASTforward:
A USPS-licensed automated system that updates addresses by identifying names and addresses for which current change-of-address orders are on file. A piece updated with FASTforward can be delivered directly to the new address rather than forwarded from the old address.
finish:
The surface characteristics of a piece of paper.
finishing:
Also known as binding, this is a collective term referring to the post-press processes required to convert a flat sheet to the final size and shape of the printed piece.
First-Class MailT (FCM):
A class of mail that includes all matter wholly or partly in writing or typewriting, all actual and personal correspondence, all bills and statements of account, and all matter sealed or otherwise closed against inspection. First-Class Mail comprises three subclasses:
postcards, letters and sealed parcels, and Priority Mail. Any mailable matter may be sent as first-class mail. First-Class Mail is a USPS trademark.
flatbed:
A machine used to cut large stacks of products to exact sizes. It has a back gauge that is controlled by computer settings.
flood:
To print a sheet completely with an ink or varnish.
folder:
A machine that can fold, slit, and perforate paper, sometimes placed on the presses.
forms processing:
The act of extracting information from documents after being captured.
four-color process (4CP):
The four colors consist of Cyan-Magenta-Yellow-Black. CMYK is a color model in which all colors are described as a mixture of these four process colors. CMYK is a color model used in offset printing for full-color documents. Because such printing uses inks of these four basic colors, it is often called four-color printing.
free sheet:
Paper made from cooked wood fibers mixed with chemicals and washed free of impurities. Also called wood-free paper.
fully customized:
Documents that use no static template where every element in the layout can change between impressions.
full-text indexing and search:
Process enabling the retrieval of documents by either their word or phrase content. Every word in the document is indexed into a master word list with pointers to the documents and pages where each occurrence of the word appears.
full web:
Press using rolls 35 x 40 inches wide to print 16-page signatures whose flat size is typically 23 x 35 inches.
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gathering:
Assembling signatures, one on top of the other, in proper sequence.
ghosting:
Phenomenon of a faint image appearing on a printed sheet where it was not intended to appear.
grade:
A generic paper category, such as offset, cover, tag, and index paper, each designed for a specific purpose that is usually reflected in the name.
grain:
The direction in which more fibers lie in a sheet of paper.
groundwood:
A mechanically prepared wood pulp used in the manufacture of newsprint and publication papers.
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halftones:
A continuous tone image, such as a photograph, that has been converted into a black-and-white image. Halftones are created through a process called dithering, in which the density and pattern of black and white dots are varied to simulate different shades of gray.
half web:
Press using rolls 17 to 20 inches wide to print eight-page signatures whose flat size is typically 17 x 22 inches.
hard proof:
A proof on paper or other substrate. heatset web offset presses:
Presses that have dryers. Stocks generally used on heatset, web offset presses are coated or higher quality uncoated material that requires superior quality and color. The dryer removes solvents from the ink.
hickey:
Spot or imperfection in printing, most visible in areas of heavy ink coverage, caused by dirt on the plate or blanket.
holdout:
A property of coated paper with low ink absorption that allows ink to set on the surface with high gloss.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language):
The code language that is used to create Hypertext documents for use on the World Wide Web.
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imagesetter:
A device used to output fully paginated text and graphic images at a high resolution onto photographic film, paper or plates.
imaging:
the process of capturing information (usually by scanning) from its hardcopy form to digital information that is stored in the form of pixels that can be read and manipulated by a computer.
impression:
Referring to an ink color, one impression equals one press sheet passing once through a printing unit; referring to the speed of a press, one impression equals one press sheet passing once through the press.
imposition:
The positioning of pages on a signature so that after printing, folding and cutting, all pages will appear in the proper sequence and location on the page.
in-line:
Refers to processes that can be accomplished on the press, either as a finished or folded process, thereby eliminating the need to send the material through another piece of equipment or to a bindery for finishing.
index fields:
Database fields used to categorize and organize documents. Often user-defined, these fields can be used for searches.
indexing:
A form of data entry creating a linked database using alphanumeric input. A search of the indexed data will retrieve the relevant scanned document.
indicia:
Imprinted designation on mail that denotes postage payment (e.g. permit imprint).
Information-Based Indicia (IBI):
Digital indicia that includes human-readable information and a USPS-approved two-dimensional bar code with a digital signature and other required fields.
ink-jet printing:
method of printing by spraying droplets of ink through computer-controlled nozzles.
inserting:
Assembling signatures, one inside another, in sequence.
intelligent character recognition (ICR):
computer translation of manually entered text characters into machine-readable characters.
intelligent inserting:
automated inserting using a machine capable of reading bar codes that contain data to direct length of a document and which inserts are to be included for each mail piece.
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JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group):
JPEG is a compression technique for color images. Although it can reduce file sizes to about five percent of their normal size, some detail is lost in the compression.
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K:
Abbreviation for black.
kerning:
Adjusting space between pairs of letters to make them fit a space.
knockout:
An area that is left uncoated so that inking can be applied, usually for addressing.
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laser printer:
Machine using toner instead of ink to apply copy and uses light to adhere the ink to the paper.
laser imprintable ink:
Ink that does not fade or blister when its substrate is used in a laser printer.
lay flat bind:
A method of perfect binding that allows a publication to lie fully open. Also called Lay Flat Perfect Bind.
lead time:
The amount of time available prior to the due date.
leading:
Amount of space between lines of type.
leaf:
A sheet of paper that includes both sides. A page is one side of a piece of paper. A leaf consists of two printed or unprinted pages.
letter fold:
See wrap-around fold.
letter paper:
In North America, 8 ½ x 11 inch sheets; In Europe, A4 sheets.
Library Mail:
A type of USPS package service used by qualifying institutions like libraries, universities, zoos, and research institutes to mail educational and research material.
lightweight paper:
Book paper with basis weight less than 40#.
line art or copy:
Copy that contains no shades of gray and prints solid on a finished piece.
line screen:
The resolution or fineness of the line screen at which the piece is to be printed determines the size of the dots. Line screen, also called screen ruling, is the number of DPI (dot per linear inch) to be printed.
lithography:
A printing principle based on the mutual repelling of oil and water. On the image carrier, an oil-based ink is attracted to image areas while the non-image areas accept water, so the two areas remain distinct.
loose-leaf:
A binding process in which individual sheets are drilled so they may be inserted and removed at will from a section of a large document held together by a ring binder. Also known as mechanical binding.
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matte finish:
A coated material that is buffed, but not sealed. The surface is loose clay, so the ink holdout is not as good as with fully coated enamel. Matte sheets have a tactile softness, and the flat surface makes reading small type easier.
makeready:
All the activities involved in preparing a printing press for a print run, such as setting the registration, balancing the color, and adjusting the plates and blankets for paper thickness.
mechanical:
The assembly of all page elements, including text and line art, properly proportioned and positioned, in camera-ready form. Also called a paste-up.
Media Mail:
A subclass of USPS Package Services that consists of books, sheet music, printed educational material, film, video cassettes, CD-ROMS, or other computer-readable media. Advertising restrictions apply.
metered mail:
Any mail class (except Periodicals) with postage printed by a USPS-approved postage meter.
mock book:
A simulation of the printed project. For a book, this would include gathering all the signatures, collating them, folding a cover on the book and cutting it to the proper size. This mock book is used during the press run to verify accuracy during the manufacturing process.
moire:
The undesirable screen pattern caused by incorrect screen angle of overprinting halftones.
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National Change of Address (NCOA):
An address correction service that the USPS provides to mailers through USPS licensees. The licensees match mailing lists submitted to them on tape or disk against change-of address information for the entire country from all Computerized Forwarding System units. If a match is made, NCOA can correct the address before it is used on a piece of mail.
negative:
A film containing an image in which the values of the original are reversed so the subject appears light on the film and vice versa.
nonmachinable:
the incapacity of a mail piece to be sorted on mail processing equipment address legibility. Such mail must be processed manually.
nonmachinable surcharge:
A surcharge on some First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, and Parcel Post pieces that have physical characteristics that prevent the pieces from being processed on automated equipment. Characteristics that make a piece nonmachinable include weight, rigidity, and uneven thickness.
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offset printing:
A printing technique where ink is spread on a printing plate, transferred to an intermediary surface such as a rubber blanket, and applied to paper by pressing the paper against the intermediary surface. Most print shops use offset printing to produce large volumes of high-quality documents.
opacity:
A measure of how much light penetrates a sheet of paper. When a sheet of paper has more fibers in it, it allows less light to pass through it. This makes it more opaque, allowing less of the printed image to show through on the back side or next page.
opaque:
The property that makes paper less transparent. An opaque paper allows almost no light to come through.
optical character reader (OCR):
An automated mail-sorting machine that interprets the address information on a letter-size mail piece and sprays the corresponding ZIP Code information onto the piece as a bar code. The OCR consists of a mail feed unit, transport unit, stacker modules, computer with a control system, video monitor, and printer.
optical character recognition:
The recognition of printed or written text characters by a computer. It involves scanning the text character-by-character, analysis of the scanned image and the translation of the image to character codes.
Origin Bulk Mail Center (OBMC) Presort rate:
A rate available for Parcel Post that is properly prepared and entered by the mailer at BMC or other designated postal facility. over run:
Additional printed matter beyond order. Overage policy varies in the printing industry.
oversized rate:
Parcel Post rate for pieces exceeding 108 inches by not more than 130 inches in combined length and girth.
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padder:
A machine that applies a hot-melt adhesive to one edge of a product to produce notepads.
padding:
Applying a flexible adhesive to one edge of a stack of clamped loose sheets to create a "pad" of sheets when the glue dries.
page count:
When counting pages for books or forms, count each side of the sheet as a page.
pagination:
This is the process of placing pages in the proper sequence. In computerized typesetting or composition/desktop publishing, the process of performing page makeup is automated.
Pantone® Matching System (PMS):
Pantone Matching is an international printing, publishing and packaging color language. It provides an accurate method for the matching and control of color.
paper weight:
The weight, in pounds, of a ream (500 sheets) in the basic size for that grade of paper.
parallel fold:
A fold where paper is simply folded in half. Also refers to any folding technique where the folds all run the same direction, parallel to each other.
parcel:
Mail that does not meet the mail-processing category of letter-size mail or flat-size mail. It is usually enclosed in a mailing container such as a carton.
Parcel Post:
A type of USPS Package Service used for mailing merchandise, books, circulars, catalogs and other printed matter.
paste-on-fold:
The process of folding, gluing and trimming a book as it comes off the back of the press.
PDF (Portable Document Format):
A proprietary format developed by Adobe® Systems for the transfer of documents across multiple computer platforms. perfect bind:
A binding style produced by collating signatures, applying glue and trimming the edges.
perfecting:
The process of printing on both sides of the paper with one pass through the press.
perforation:
A row of small holes or incisions placed into or through a sheet of paper. A perforation is used to assist in folding a signature or to allow a part of a leaf to be easily detached.
perfs:
metal strips with sharp areas that cut through the paper to form a perforation.
periodicals:
A class of mail consisting of magazines, newspapers, or other publications formed of preprinted sheets that are issued at least four times a year at regular, specified intervals (frequency) from a known office of publication. Periodicals usually must have a legitimate list of subscribers and requesters.
permit:
Any authorization required for specific types of preparation or postage payment. Specifically, it is an authorization to mail without using postage affixed by indicia or an imprint. Payment is made against an advance deposit account that is established with the USPS for postage and services.
permit imprint:
Printed indicia, instead of an adhesive postage stamp or meter stamp, that shows postage prepayment by an authorized mailer. Also see permit.
personalization:
Placing variable text, usually based on a few key data elements like name and address, on a static background. often used in letter printing, this is also known as mail merge.
pick-and-pack:
Gathering materials such as forms, booklets, and books for packaging, then shipment.
pixel:
A single dot in an image.
postage statement:
Documentation provided by a mailer to the USPS that reports the volume of mail being presented and the postage payable or affixed, and certifies that the mail meets the applicable eligibility standards for the rate claimed.
Postal Numeric Encoding Technique (POSTNET):
The bar code system used on letter-size and flat-size mail pieces for encoding the delivery point information and ZIP+4 code information.
preflighting:
A structured series of tests performed on a page layout file before sending it to be imaged. This process will highlight potential issues. Preflight software typically looks at fonts, graphics and colors.
presort:
The process by which a mailer prepares mail so that it is sorted to the finest extent required by the standards for the rate claimed. Generally, presort is performed sequentially, from the lowest (finest) level to the highest level, to those destinations specified standard and is completed at each level before the next level is prepared. Not all presort levels are applicable to all mailings.
Presort Accuracy, Validation, and Evaluation (PAVE):
A voluntary program in which the USPS test vendors' presort software and hardware products to determine their accuracy in sorting addresses information according to USPS standards and producing standardized supporting documentation.
pre-printed rolls:
Large rolls of paper that have been printed and re-rolled so that they can be re-run and printed again. This is often used to feed web-fed digital presses in applications like statement rendering and letter printing.
press check:
Event at which makeready sheets from the press are examined before authorizing full production to begin.
press plate:
A flexible image carrier with ink-receptive image areas and ink-repellent, non-image areas. This contains the information that will be printed.
printing units:
The printing unit consists of an ink and dampening system composed of rollers, cylinders, printing plate and a blanket. This is the area of the printing press where the ink and water are applied to the paper.
print on-demand:
Term frequently used in digital, short-run printing to imply printing only what is needed at any given point in time, eliminating the need for storage.
proofs:
This represents a standard to be met between the printer and the customer regarding how the printed product will look. See also:
Hard Proof and Soft Proof.
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raster image:
An image that has been bitmapped.
ream:
500 sheets of paper.
recognition:
when hardcopy information or a digital image is processed by a recognition engine to translate the content into machine-readable form.
recognition engine:
a technology to help a computer identify data such as speech, text, or dialogue. Recognition engines are used to translate data into a format that the computer can understand.
registration:
The accurate positioning or fitting of two or more images in exact alignment with each other. Checking the registration ensures that the images and text are in the proper areas of the printed page.
resolution:
In scanning, the number of dots per inch that were stored during scanning.
RGB:
Red, Green, Blue, used to display color on most monitors.
roll:
A roll is paper wound uniformly around a central shaft or hollow core. This feeds the printing press with paper and typically weighs from 800 to 2,000 pounds.
roto crease:
This is used to score index grade paper for folding.
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saddle-stitch:
To fasten a book by wiring it through the middle folds of the sheets.
scanner:
Electronic device used to create an electronic image from a paper image.
scoring:
Pressing a channel into a sheet of paper to allow it to fold more easily.
screens:
In conventional printing, halftones are created by photographing an image through a screen. The screen frequency, measured in lines per inch, determines how many dots are used to make each spot of gray. In theory, the higher the screen frequency (the more lines per inch), the more accurate the halftone will be. However, actual screen frequencies are limited by technology because higher screen frequencies create smaller, more tightly packed dots. If you are printing on a low-resolution device, you may get better results with a lower screen frequency.
scuffing:
Scratch marks that appear on the cover of a book.
Sectional Center Facility (SCF):
A postal facility that serves as the processing and distribution center for post offices in a designated geographic area as defined by the first three digits of the ZIP codes of those offices. Some SCFs serve more than one 3-digit ZIP code range.
self-cover:
A cover of the same paper type as the inside text pages.
self mailer:
A printed item independent of an envelope for mailing.
separate cover:
A cover that is made from a different paper type than the inside text paper.
set-off:
When the ink of a printed sheet rubs off or marks the next sheet as it is being delivered.
SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language):
A language used for marking up text (i.e. tagging) in an electronic document. SGML is the underlying language behind HTML and XML.
sheeter:
The cutter at the end of a press used to cut the web paper into individual sheets.
sheetfed press:
Individual precut sheets are used to feed this type of press. Covers are typically printed on this type of press.
shrink-wrapped:
Using heat to affix a thin, plastic material around printed and bound products to prepare them for shipment.
side glue:
The glue placed on the sides of a perfect-bound book approximately 1/8 of an inch from the spine to hold the cover against the side of the book.
side-stitch:
To fasten a book by wiring it through the side of the sheets.
signature:
One or more printed sheets folded to form a section of a book or pamphlet.
single-piece rate:
A postage rate available for individual pieces of Express Mail, First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Package Services.
smoothness:
The smoothness of the surface of stock will impact the ink lay -- the smoother the sheet, the smoother the reflection of the light on the surface.
soft proof:
A proof displayed as an image on a computer monitor.
solids:
Printed areas that have 100% ink coverage.
specifications:
A description of a piece to be produced, including information about the materials and processes, the overall size, stock, images, colors, bleeds, bindery information and quantity of pieces required.
Spin-Jet Proofs:
A type of hard color proof that shows pagination, backup, folds and final trim of a job. It is technology-specific to HP. It is used primarily for spot color where color match is not critical.
spine:
The back or binding edge of a book or booklet.
spoilage:
The percentage of waste anticipated in each process.
spread:
Two pages that face each other and are designed as one visual or production unit.
Standard Mail:
A class of mail that weighs less than 16 ounces. It comprises the subclasses of Regular Standard Mail, Nonprofit Standard Mail, Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail, and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail. These subclasses include circulars, printed matter, pamphlets, catalogs, newsletters, direct mail, and merchandise. Standard Mail may be sent at presorted rates and at automation rates.
static:
All elements printed are the same from one piece to the next.
stock:
Any material that will be printed. To a paper mill, a "stock item" is a manufactured item that is inventoried, as opposed to a "manufacturing order," which is custom made.
style sheet:
A file used in XML with instructions for defining presentation.
substrate:
Any base material with a surface that can be printed or coated.
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thumbnails:
Small versions of an image used for quick overviews or to get a general idea of what an image looks like.
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format):
A method of storing bitmapped images in various resolutions, gray levels and colors. TIFF is considered a standard graphics format.
timelines:
The amount of time it takes to move a project through the manufacturing area.
tip-in:
In bookmaking, adding additional page(s) beyond the normal process (insertions)
toner:
Dry, powdery substance that is electrically charged so that it adheres to a substrate charged with the opposite polarity.
trap:
Overlapping two colors at their junction to improve image fit and lessen image distortion on the press.
trim Size:
The size of the printed material in its finished stage.
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unicode:
A character set that can support a wide range of international characters. Unicode requires 16 bits to encode a character.
UV Coating:
Liquid applied to a printed sheet, then bonded and cured with ultraviolet light.
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variable printing:
a form of digital printing that is used to personalize and customize each and every printed piece within a run to a very specific target audience or individual.
varnish:
A coating applied to coated stock. It is applied to prevent set-off or scuffing.
vector image:
A graphic file whereby an image is represented by continuous functions, as opposed to one represented by dots (pixels).
vellum:
A type of finish used in papermaking that is absorbent for fast ink penetration.
versioning:
Producing printed materials that are basically the same, but contain variances for different uses - for example, printed documents that differ based on language.
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washup:
A cleaning process used on the rollers, form or plate, and sometimes the ink tray of a printing press.
waste:
Unusable paper or paper damage during normal makeready, printing or binding operations.
web:
A roll of any substrate (paper) that passes continuously through a printing press.
web fed:
A description of a press that feeds rolls of paper rather than cut sheets.
weight:
The basis weight of a particular stock is the weight, in pounds, of one ream (500 sheets) of paper cut to its basic size.
wet score:
A thin line of water placed on the product to help with the folding process. When the water dries it leaves no mark behind.
whiteness:
a single number index measuring the amount of light reflected from the surface of a paper using total color spectrum across the sheet.
wrap-around fold:
Two folds creating three panels that allow a sheet of letter paper to fit into a business envelope. Also called a barrel fold, a letter fold, or a C-fold.
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XML (eXtensible Markup Language):
A language developed from SGML used to apply structure to electronic documents.
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z-fold:
See Accordion Fold.
zoned rate:
A rate structure for Priority Mail, Periodicals, Parcel Post, and Bound Printed Matter that is based on weight and distance traveled (or number of zones crossed).

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Glossary of Terms

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