Printing Glossary of Terms

Dampener fountain. Alternate term for Water fountain on a press.

Dampening solution. Alternate term for Fountain solution.

Data conversion. To change digital information from its original code so that it can be recorded by an electronic memory using a different code.

Deboss. To press an image into paper so it lies below the surface.

Deckle edge.Feathered edge on specially-made sheets of text and cover paper.

Delivery memo.Form sent by photographers and stock photo services to clients for signature to verify receipt of photos and agreement to contract terms.

Densitometer. Instrument used to measure light reflecting from or transmitted through copy.

Density.Relative darkness of copy, ink on paper, or emulsion on film, as measured by a densitometer.

Density range. Expression of contrast between darkest and lightest areas of copy.

Depth of field. Photographer term for relative sharpness of features in an image regardless of their distance from the camera when photographed.

Design brief. Written description of how a printed piece is intended to look and the requirements for reproducing it.

Diazo. Light-sensitive coating on paper or film for making contact prints of technical drawings.

Die.Sharp metal rule used for die cutting or block of metal used for embossing or foil stamping.

Die cutting. Cutting irregular shapes in paper using metal rules mounted on a letter press.

Dimensional stability.Ability of paper and other substrates to retain their exact size despite the influence of temperature, moisture, or stretching.

Direct mail.Mail designed to motivate readers to respond directly to senders with a purchase, donation, or other action.

Doctor blade. Flexible metal strip that cleans excess ink from a gravure plate prior to each impression.

Dodge.To block light from selected areas while making a photographic print.

Dot etching.Chemical or photographic method of color correcting separation negatives.

Dot gain or spread.Phenomenon of dots printing larger on paper than they are on negatives or plates.

Double bump.To print a single image twice so it has two layers of ink.

Double bum. To expose a plate or proof to two negatives to create a composite image.

Draw down. Sample of specified ink and paper, used to evaluate color.

Drill. To bore holes in paper so sheets fit over posts of loose-leaf binders.

Drop out.To eliminate halftone dots or fine lines due to overexposure during camera work or platemaking. The lost copy is said to have dropped out.

Dropout halftone. Halftone in which the highlight areas contain no dots.

Dry gum paper. Label paper with glue that can be activated by water.

Dull finish. Characteristic of paper that reflects relatively little light.

Dull ink or varnish.Alternate term for Matte ink or varnish.

Dummy. Preliminary drawing or layout showing visual elements. Also a simulation of a printed piece using paper specified for a job.

Duotone. Photograph reproduced from two halftone negatives and usually printed in two ink colors.

Duplex paper. Paper with a different color or finish on each side.

Duplicator. Small offset press using paper 12 x 18 or smaller (not to be confused with spirit duplicator).

Dylux.DuPont trade name for photographic paper used to make blueline proofs.

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Commented by Rahul ip:178.217.133.*	2013-02-20 15:39:10
Beautiful.I made a page or two for Eve's scrapbook maybe a colupe of months after she died, but it was just too hard.  So all of the stuff has been packed up.  One day...I'm glad that you could start.  I hope it's a peaceful journey.  One small step at a time... Big hugs.
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Commented by Trey ip:15.185.106.*	2012-12-10 12:31:08
Some printers aclautly use color to print black (for instance, some mix in a little yellow). So you do need the color cartridge, even if you're only printing black. If you never print color, a laser printer might be a better choice.
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Commented by Vinachecweblackjacke ip:213.157.16.*	2012-12-10 10:46:27
I agree, any topic connected with the Civil War would be a great chioce.  Try to find a more specific topic within this subject to focus on (what kind of weapons were in use, Andersonville prison camp, The Confederate States of America, etc.).
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Commented by Betty ip:200.50.161.*	2012-12-10 10:17:41
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Commented by Nireekshan ip:193.23.123.*	2012-12-10 07:13:12
How big do you want to print them, and how much money do you have to spend? Are you primarily pinntrig B W or color? Will you be pinntrig massive quantities for sale or just a few?There are far too many options for a simple answer.
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