Help & Info
JARGON BUSTER - The A to Z of Print Terminology
Making sense of baffling printing terms.
You know everything there is to know about your business. Yet, when it comes to dealing with print suppliers you're probably not clued up on the intricate details. Like every other industry, the Printing industry has its very own language and terminology.
To help keep things simple, we have created a Jargon Buster Guide where you can familiarize yourself with typical print terms and what they actually mean.
OBC
Outside back cover
OFC
Outside front cover
Offset
The most commonly used printing method. The image is transferred from plate to blanket to impression cylinder to paper. Thereby the image is being offset.
Offset Paper
A term used for uncoated paper stock
Offshore Paper
Any papers made outside the US and Canada
On Demand Printing
Printing done to meet immediate demand needs
Onionskin
A light bond paper used for typing. It is very uncommon these days
Opacity
Ability to prevent two sided printing from showing side to side
Opaque
A quality of paper that allows little light to pass through
Opaque Ink
Ink that completely covers through which light cannot shine through
Over Run
Surplus of quantity ordered
Overhang Cover
A cover of a book that extends over the trimmed signatures it contains
Overprinting
Any printing that is done on an area that has already been printed
