Glossary — S
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Swash Book
A book in a variety of forms, indicating specific stock in specific colors in a specific thickness.