A binding method where sheets of paper are stapled or wired together at the spine.

One of the two main typefaces and composed of simple lines.

Usually on thicker paper, this is a pressed mark to make folding easier and cleaner.

When the same type of paper is used inside a booklet and on the cover, and possibly printed in the same run.

A mailing document which can be sent with using an envelope or packaging

An envelope with glue on the flap and also on part of the back of the envelope, it is not machinable and must be sealed by hand.

A semi-reflective clear layer applied during the printing process to improve the readability of images and writing on the page. See also gloss finish and matte finish.

See Also gloss finish matte finish

Small decorative marks to embellish the typeface characters.

See Also typeface

The length of time before an item (such as a catalogue) becomes obsolete.

A printed sheet folded once or perhaps multiple times, which is then bound together to create the multiple pages of a book.

Abbreviation of Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. This is a messaging protocol for emails that works on a server-to-server basis, sending text and unable to send attachments.

An area on a page totally covered in ink.

Batch data is temporarily stored until it is ready for use (for example, within a printer)

Stands for Structured Query Language. This is a programming language used with database management systems to modify and obtain information from a database.

See Also Database

Abbreviation of Secure Sockets Layer. This is a security standard which means that during a secure session, all information provided over the Internet is encrypted.

This term describes the specifics of the paper to be used for printing: The type of paper, opacity and the stock to be printed on, described by weight (e.g. 100 gsm), texture (e.g. smooth).

This can be used alongside a mailing list, and contains the names and addresses that should not be mailed.

Used in printing to refer to the various Pantone books that have samples of a whole range of colours. A PMS colour coated stock will seem much duller and deeper in tone when printed on an uncoated stock as the ink soaks further into the uncoated pulp.

See Also Pantone PMS coated stock

Text stock refers to the lighter weight, thinner papers, generally chosen for the inside pages of a book (the "text pages") and usually wrapped by sturdier cover stock.

See Also cover stock

This term describes the space on a wallet envelope between the scoreline making the top flap of the envelope and the back flap It is an important design element to consider when using inserting machines.

An area of tone made by a pattern of dots, which lightens the apparent colour of the ink with which it is printed.

(Or slide) An image on film, measuring 35mm, 4" x 5" or 8" x 10" which can be projected on a screen or scanned as artwork.

A common fold for letters, both sides of a piece are folded inwards, into thirds, to sit one on top of the other.

Often mistaken for font, the typeface represents the design for a set of characters and is just one aspect of the font.

See Also font

An individual or company creating high-resolution text and graphics to produce professional standard printed documents.

This paper is generally used for printing and copying. It is laser compatible since it has no chemical finish or coating.