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Graphic Communications Terms Glossary
Data Shift substrate without creating separation films first. Proof made with
In process color printing, it describes a shift in one of the channels of computer output device, such as laser or inkjet printer.
data that comprise the image file and could cause inconsistent color in Digital Media Data
some areas in the image. Digital data stored in a file. It can be either data that was digitized,
Data Transfer Rate such as video frame data and audio samples, or data created in digital
The sustained speed at which data can be written or read and form, such as title graphics or animation frames. It can be stored in
conveyed by a device, generally given in kilobytes per second (KBps) or either a Media Data object or a raw data file. Also called Digital Asset.
megabytes per second (MBps). Digital Plates
Database High-speed or spark discharge plates that can be exposed by digital
An electronic program that is used to efficiently organize, store, data from a prepress system.
retrieve, and modify information, such as a mailing list. The data Digital Printing
can be quickly rearranged and sorted or searched alphabetically or Printing by plateless imaging systems that are imaged by digital data
numerically. from prepress systems.
Deboss Digital Soft Proof
To press an image into paper so it lies below the surface. A color video monitor display of a picture file, data file or text file.
Deckel Edge Digital Workflow
The untrimmed feathery edges of paper formed where the pulp flows Workflow that relies on electronic processes that eliminate the need
against the wire of a paper-making machine. for traditional film materials.
Decompress Digitize
To return compressed data to its original size and condition. To convert an image or signal into binary form.
Delivery Dimensional Stability
(1) The section of a printing press that receives, jogs and stacks the Ability of a film to hold size throughout its cycle of use. Polyester-
printed sheet. (2) The output end of bindery equipment. based films are more dimensionally stable than acetate bases; glass is
Densitometer more stable than polyester.
Instrument used to measure density. Reflection densitometers Direct Digital Color Proof (DDCP)
measure light reflected from paper and other surfaces. Transmission A proof made directly from the stored data file onto a substrate using
densitometers measure light transmitted through film and other a peripheral device such as a photographic exposure, dot matrix
materials. printer or ink jet printer without producing intermediate films.
Density Direct-to-plate
The amount an object absorbs or reflects light is called “density level.” Often used as a synonym for computer-to-plate but less desirable to
High-density objects absorb or stop light; low-density objects reflect or use because the acronym DTP is also used for desktop publishing and
transmit light. they can be confused. Also see: computer-to-plate (CTP).
Descender Direct-to-press Imaging
The part of a lower case letter which extends below the main body, as Unimaged plates are automatically mounted on the plate cylinder and
in p. then imaged with laser beams from digital data.
Desensitizer Dither
Chemical agent used to make non-image areas of a printing plate To fill the gap between two pixels with another pixel having an
repellent to ink. average value of the two to minimize the difference or add detail to
Detail Enhancement smooth the result.
The technique of exaggerating picture image edges with unsharp Dot
masking or peaking, so the observer can easily see the detail of the The individual element of a halftone.
original in the final reproduction. Dot Area
Die The size of the dot is indicated by the percentage of the area it
Device for cutting, scoring, stamping, embossing or debossing. occupies from zero to one hundred percent.
Die Stamping Dot Etching
Printing from lettering or other designs engraved into copper or Applying chemicals by hand to either negatives for increasing dot
steel. Also called the intaglio process, it is used for the production of size which adds color; or, to positives for decreasing dot size which
letterheads, business cards, etc. subtracts color.
Diecutting Dot Gain
Using sharp steel rules to cut special shapes from printed sheets. The increase in the printing dot size from the halftone film to the
Diecutting can be done on either flatbed or rotary presses. printed substrate resulting in darker tones.
Digital Dots Per Inch (DPI)
Method of representing information in numerical (binary) code. A unit that describes the resolution of an output device or monitor.
Unlike analog signals, digital ones are either “on” or “off.” Drawdown
Digital Asset Management A sample of inks specified for a job applied to the substrate or various
File or asset storage and retrieval by a company for its customer. substrates specified.
Digital Color Proof Drier
Proof printed directly from computer data to paper or another A substance added to ink to hasten drying.
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