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

Saddle Stitch

To bind by stapling sheets together where they fold at the spine, as compared to side stitch. Also called pamphlet stitch, saddle wire and stitch bind. 


Satin Finish

Alternate term for dull finish on coated paper. 


Scale

To identify the percent by which photographs or art should be enlarged or reduced to achieve, the correct size for printing. 


Score

To compress paper along a straight line so it folds more easily and accurately. Also called crease. 


Selective Binding

 Placing signatures or inserts in magazines or catalogs according to demographic or geographic guidelines. 


Self Cover

Usually in the book arena, a publication not having a cover stock. A publication only using text stock throughout. 


Self Mailer

A printed item independent of an envelope. A printed item capable of travel in the mailing arena independently. 


Separated Art

Art with elements that print in the base color on one surface and elements that print in other colors on other surfaces. Also called preseparated art. 


Separations

Usually in the four-color process arena, separate film holding qimages of one specific color per piece of film. Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow. Can also separate specific PMS colors through film. 


Setoff

Undesirable transfer of wet ink from the top of one sheet to the underside of another as they lie in the delivery stack of a press. Also called offset. 


Shade

Hue made darker by the addition of black, as compared to tint. 


Shadows

Darkest areas of a photograph or illustration, as compared to midtones and high-lights. 


Sheetfed Press

Press that prints sheets of paper, as compared to a web press. 


Sheetwise

Technique of printing one side of a sheet with one set of plates, then the other side of the sheet with a set of different plates. Also called work and back. 


Shingling

Allowance, made during paste-up or stripping, to compensate for creep. Creep is the problem; shingling is the solution. Also called stair stepping and progressive margins. 


Side stitch

To bind by stapling through sheets along, one edge, as compared to saddle stitch. Also called cleat stitch and side wire. 


Signature

Printed sheet folded at least once, possibly many times, to become part of a book, magazine or other publication. 


Size

Compound mixed with paper or fabric to make it stiffer and less able to absorb moisture. 


Slip Sheets

 Separate sheets (stock) independent from the original run positioned between the "printed run" for a variety of reasons. 


Specifications

Complete and precise written description of features of a printing job such as type size and leading, paper grade and quantity, printing or binding method. Abbreviated specs. 


Spectrophotometer

Instrument used to measure the index of refraction of color. 


Spine

Back or binding edge of a publication 


Spiral Bind

To bind using a spiral of continuous wire or plastic looped through holes. Also called coil bind. 


Standard Viewing Conditions

Background of 60 percent neutral gray and light that measures 5000 degrees Kelvin the color of daylight on a bright day. Also called lighting standards. 


Stat

Short for photostat, therefore a general term for an inexpensive photographic print of line copy or halftone. 


Statistical Process Control

Method used by printers to ensure quality and delivery times specified by customers. Abbreviated SPC. 


Step and Repeat

Prepress technique of exposing an image in a precise, multiple pattern to create a flat or plate. Images are said to be stepped across the film or plate. 


Stocking Paper

Popular sizes, weights and colors of papers available for prompt delivery from a merchant's warehouse


Stock Order

Order for paper that a mill or merchant sends to a printer from inventory at a warehouse, as compared to a mill order. 


String Score

Score created by pressing a string against paper, as compared to scoring using a metal edge. 


Strip

To assemble images on film for platemaking. Stripping involves correcting flaws in film, assembling pieces of film into flats and ensuring that film and flats register correctly. Also called film assembly and image assembly. 


Substance Weight

Alternate term for basis weight, usually referring to bond papers. Also called sub weight. 


Substrate

Any surface or material on which printing is done. 


Subtractive Color

Color produced by light reflected from a surface, as compared to additive color. Subtractive color includes hues in color photos and colors created by inks on paper. 


Superblack

Technology trick to get on the printed imprints of intense black color when printing triad. It is by putting for layout objects under the black background of the other three colors in a certain ratio.


Supercalendered Paper

Paper calendered using alternating chrome and fiber rollers to produce a smooth, thin sheet. Abbreviated SC paper. 


Surprint

Taking an already printed matter and re-printing again on the same.


Swash Book

A book in a variety of forms, indicating specific stock in specific colors in a specific thickness.