Glossary of Printing & Technical Terms

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G 

Gatefold :

When both sides of a page fold into the gutter one under the other.

GIF:

An image file type used for screen representation not suitable for printing.

Ghosting:

Where an image can appear faintly on a printed page due to depressions on the blanket from the previous page.

Gravure:

A process in which the printing areas are below the non-printing process. The recess is filled with ink and the surplus cleaned off the non-printing area with a blade before the paper contacts the surface and lifts the ink from the recesses.

Greyscale:

Shades of grey ranging from black to white; in printing, greyscale uses only a black halftone plate.

Grippers:

Metal fingers which hold paper and carry it through printing impression to the delivery end of the press.

GSM:

Grams per square metre (GM2). The measurement of weight of paper. Letterheadings are typically printed on 100 - 120 gsm stock, business card on 300-400 gsm.

Gutter:

Line or fold at which facing pages meet.

Gusset:

Expandable portion of a pocketed folder or envelope.