We take great pride in making our clients feel confident about their jobs during the production process. To help you gain a better understanding of what’s happening to your project, we’ve compiled a glossary of terms that we commonly use in our industry. If you have any further questions just call one of our customer service representatives, they will help you all the way through so you understand what is happening with you job.
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Laid Finish
Finish on bond or text paper on which grids of parallel lines simulate the surface of handmade paper. Laid lines are close together and run against the grain; chain lines are farther apart and run with the grain.
Laminate
A thin transparent plastic sheet (coating) applied to usually a thick stock (covers, post cards, etc.) providing protection against liquid and heavy use, and usually accents existing color, providing a glossy (or lens) effect.
Landscape
Artist style in which width is greater than height. (Portrait is opposite.)
Lap Register
Register where ink colors overlap slightly, as compared to butt register.
Laser Bond
Bond paper made especially smooth and dry to run well through laser printers.
Layout
A sample of the original providing (showing) position of printed work (direction, instructions) needed and desired.
Leading
Amount of space between lines of type.
Leaf /strong>
One sheet of paper in a publication. Each side of a leaf is one page.
Ledger Paper
Strong, smooth bond paper used for keeping business records. Also called record paper.
Letter fold
Two folds creating three panels that allow a sheet of letterhead to fit a business envelope. Also called barrel fold and wrap around fold.
Letter Paper
In North America, 8 1/2' x 11' sheets. In Europe, A4 sheets.
Legend
Directions about a specific matter (illustrations) and how to use. In regard to maps and tables, an explanation of signs (symbols) used.
Letterpress
Method of printing from raised surfaces, either metal type or plates whose surfaces have been etched away from image areas. Also called block printing.
Lightweight Paper
Book paper with basis weight less than 40# (60 gsm).
Lignin
Substance in trees that holds cellulose fibers together. Free sheet has most lignin removed; groundwood paper contains lignin.
Linen Finish
Embossed finish on text paper that simulates the pattern of linen cloth.
Lithography
Method of printing using plates whose image areas attract ink and whose nonimage areas repel ink. Nonimage areas may be coated with water to repel the oily ink or may have a surface, such as silicon, that repels ink.
Live Area
Area on a mechanical within which images will print. Also called safe area.
Logo (Logotype)
A company, partnership or corporate creation (design) that denotes a unique entity. A possible combination of letters and art work to create a "sole" entity symbol of that specific unit.
Looseleaf
Binding method allowing insertion and removal of pages in a publication (e.g., trim-4-drill-3).
Loupe
Lens built into a small stand. Used to inspect copy, film, proofs, plates and printing. Also called glass and linen tester.
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