Glossary of Printing & Technical Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

O

Origination:

A term used to describe all of the processes which prepare a job for the printing stage.

Outline paths:

A term used when converting a font or graphic into a mathematical vector format. can also be called 'curves'.

Offset paper:

Paper designed for use in offset lithography. Important properties include good internal bonding, high strength, dimensional stability, lack of curl, and freedom from fuzz and foreign surface material.

Offset printing:

The most common form of lithographic printing. A method in which the plate or cylinder transfers an ink image to an offset or transfer roller, which then transfers the image to the substrate.

OPI:

Open prepress interface. Low resolution images in a document placed for layout purposes.

Out work:

Part of a job where it is sometimes necessary to out source specialist work e.g. lamination or embossing.

Overprint:

To avoid problems with trapping the background object is printed in its entirety so the object colour sits on top of the background colour.

Overs:

Surplus material above that ordered.