Fine Print Knowledge Center
The online guide to print and design.
- Compositor
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A person or company doing the composition. Also known as a typesetter.
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- Compositor's Error
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An error that is made when the original copy was typeset. Also called a printer’’s error.
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- Compound Path
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The combining of two or more paths (vector shapes) so that transparent areas can be created in the overlapping paths.
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- Compression
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Reducing the size of a file for faster transmission or more compact storage of data. It achieves this by the removal of redundant information.
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- Compression Ratios
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A numeric relationships used to calibrate different image file sizes, such as 1:2, 1:4, 1:7, 1:12, etc. As the ratio increases the quality of the image decreases, causing artifacting, or degradation of the image. A compression of 1:4 will provide a sharp image with no loss of quality. The size of the compressed image will change according to the subject within the image.
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- Compression-Lossless
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Data compression method that rearranges or re-codes data in a more compact fashion and loses no information when decompressed. Because all data are preserved, there is a distinct limit to the amount of compression that can be achieved (for example, 3:1 or 5:1)
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- Compression-Lossy
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Also known as Lossy Compression – Data compression method (for example, JPEG) that selectively discards repetitive information to decrease the file size. Depending on the amount of compression requested, the lost information may or may not be noticeable. At rates of 25:1, the results are easily seen.
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- Computer Output Paper
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Paper that has strength and a surface that is good for printing, generally called form bond.
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- Computer Software
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Software, or program, enables a computer to perform specific tasks, as opposed to the physical components of the system hardware.
This includes application software such as a word processor, which enables a user to perform a task, and system software such as an operating system, which enables other software to run properly, by interfacing with hardware and with other software or custom software made to user specifications.
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- Concatenation
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Forming a single character string by linking other character strings together.
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- Concertina Fold
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A method of folding a sheet of paper, first to the right and then to the left, so that the sheet opens and closes in the manner of a concertina.
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- Condensed Type
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1. A typeface that has characters that have been reduced in width but not height. The characters are more tightly spaced so you can get more characters per inch.
2. A style of typeface in which the characters have a vertically elongated appearance.
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- Condition Guide for Books
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Fine/Very Good: F/VG
Fine Book in Very Good jacket.
Fine/Like New: F
No defects, little usage. May show remainder marks. Older books may show minor flaws.
Very Good: VG
Shows some signs of wear and is no longer fresh. Attractive.
Good: G
The average used book with all pages present. Books with loose bindings, highlighting, cocked spine, torn dust jackets, can fall into this category.
Fair: FR
Obviously well-worn and handled but no text pages are missing, however, it may be without endpapers or a title page.
There might be markings, but they do not interfere with readability.
Poor: P
All text is legible but may be soiled and have binding defects.
Reading copies and binding copies fall into this category.
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- Conditioning
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1. The process of allowing paper to set in the area in which it will be used so that it can adjust to the environment before being used.
2. Allowing paper to acclimate in the pressroom for a few hours or days before printing, bringing its moisture level and temperature equal to that of the pressroom.
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- Conductivity
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1. The electrical property of paper which allows it to attract toner. A paper with low conductivity may produce a poor image quality in digital printing.
2. A property of fountain solutions that must be controlled along with pH.
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- Conformability
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The ability of label material to take on the shape of the object it is applied to.
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- Conical Cutters
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Those having an angled cutting edge which produce a “V” shaped cut.
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- Conifer
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A cone-bearing tree with needles, such as pines, spruces, firs and larches.
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- Conjugate Leaf
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- Consecutive Numbering
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Numbering a form where the number changes sequentially from one form to the next.
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- Consignee
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- Consignment
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Material sold on consignment are not invoiced to the customer but paid for as they are resold.
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- Contact Platemaker
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Device with lights, timing mechanism and vacuum frame used to make contact prints, duplicate film, proofs and plates. Also called platemaker and vacuum frame.
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- Contact Print
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A photographic print produced by exposing a sensitized material which is in contact with a negative or positive film.
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- Contact Screen
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- Container
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A truck trailer body that can be detached from the chassis for loading into a vessel, a rail car or stacked in a container depot. Containers may be ventilated, insulated, refrigerated, flat rack, vehicle rack, open top, bulk liquid or equipped with interior devices. A container may be 20 feet, 40 feet, 45 feet, 48 feet or 53 feet in length, 8’0” or 8’6” in width, and 8’6” or 9’6” in height.
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- Contamination
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Any foreign particles or dirt that a material is exposed to.
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- Contemporary
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A term used to describe a work that was published within the last decade or to indicate that all of the components of the book (the binding, the coloring of plates, inscriptions, and side notes) were created at the same time the book was printed.
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- Content
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Any material, other than advertisement, that appears within the context of the magazine, web site or other publishing forum.
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- Content Provider
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A business or individual supplying the data (content) to be used in creating a Web sites. This content can consist of documents, files, photos, etc.
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