Resources - Glossary
Email – Electronic Mail; Messages sent via a computer link or network from one computer to another.
Embedded fonts – A process that allows fonts to be viewed by all computers – even if they don’t have the same font installed. Essential for printing.
Embossing – A process which produces images or decorations that are raised above the surface of the paper.
Encapsulation – A method of laminating items, this method leaves a clear 2 – 3mm border around the whole edge of the object.
Encoding – The act of recording electronic information on to a magnetic strip.
Epson Proof – An Epson proof is an inkjet proofing method that produces a CMYK (Full or Four Color Process) proof using your files. It allows you to view your artwork before sending it to print. It is not 100% colour accurate.
EPS – Abbreviation for Encapsulated Postscript File. EPS is the preferred format for many computer illustrations because of its efficient use of memory and colour control.
Eware – Melbourne Mail Management provides an online warehouse where clients can log on to their own account and view stock levels and inventory. In addition, a campaign transaction report may be printed outlining material usage.
File Maintenance – Keeping a file up to date by adding, changing or deleting records.
Finishing – Any process that follows printing, including folding, stitching, binding and laminating.
Flysheet – Commonly used for print post, it is the top sheet with mailing details that goes behind plastic wrapping.
Form cut or die cut – The process of cutting paper and card into different shapes (other than a square or rectangle) after it has been printed.
Foamcore board – A lightweight board made of rigid plastic foam.
Four-colour process – Printing using four colour separation plates; yellow, magenta, cyan and black. The inks are translucent and can be combined to produce a wide range of colours.
FTP – File Transfer Protocol, a method of transferring files from one computer to another over the internet without using email.
Fulfillment – The activities performed once an order is received.
Full Rate – Letters or parcels that are going at full rate costs, with no postage discounts.
Gatefold – A type of fold where two sides of paper are folded inwards, towards each other, effectively creating a gate-like appearance.
Gatorfoam – A rugged, durable board with an exceptionally hard and smooth surface that resists dents and punctures.
Generic – An item that is not personalized.
GIF – Graphics Interchange Format, a highly compressed file format. GIFs shouldn’t be used for files to be printed on an offset printing press.
Gloss cello – A clear, shiny finish plastic coating applied using heat. It brings out and emphasizes colours. It makes images look brighter and adds definition.
Gluing – a permanent method of fixing multiple items together.
GSM – Grams per square metre, a standard measure of the weight of paper.
Guillotine – A machine used to trim stacks of paper. The guillotine-cutting blade moves between two upright guides and slices paper evenly as it moves down.
Gumming – Similar to gluing, however it is not permanent. The gum becomes sticky when wet.
ICC – International Colour Consortium, established by the printing industry to create, promote and encourage the standardisation of colour.
ICC Profiles – Standard guidelines for colour management. The profile allows one piece of software or hardware to “know” how another device created its colours and how they should be interpreted or reproduced.
Image – A digitalized version of a graphic element.
Image area – Any part of the design to be printed, stamped or embossed.
Imposition – The arrangement or layout of pages on a printed sheet.
Import – The process of transferring data or software from one system into another.
Impression – Refers to the number of plates hitting the press sheet.
Inkjet printing – Inkjet printing is a style of printing where drops of ink are sprayed onto a substrate to form an image.
Insert – An item, i.e. brochure or flyer, placed inside a package.
Internal bleed – This refers to space inside the trim edge containing no important information. 3mm of internal bleed is preferred to allow for a small amount of movement in the printing process.
Job Bag – A physical envelope containing all the paperwork and records relating to a job.
JPEG – Abbreviation for Joint Photographic Experts Group, a file compression format allowing high quality full colour or grey-scale digital images to be stored in relatively small files.
Label – An adhesive sticker addressed and placed on a letter/parcel.
Laser printing – A method of printing using a laser beam to produce an image on a photosensitive drum.
Leading Edge – The folded edge that goes into the envelope first. Melbourne Mail Management requires the leading edge to be the roll folded edge that doesn’t open.
Line screen – The resolution of a halftone, expressed in lines per inch (lpi). The standard line screen that offset printers use is: 175lpi for coated stocks. Newspapers and lower quality uncoated papers are printed at a lower line screen to stop bleed and set off.
List Maintenance – The ongoing practice of updating, adding, editing or deleting parts of a database.
Lithography – A printing process based on the principle of the natural aversion of water to oil. The printing plate is treated chemically when being made so the image will accept ink and reject water.
Lodgement – The handing over of processed mail pieces to Australia Post for delivery.
Logo – Short for ‘logotype’, it is a company or product identifier; whether a symbol, name or trademark.
Machineable – Items of mail within certain specifications, making it possible to use automated machinery to process.
Machine varnish – A thin, protective coating applied to a printed sheet to reduce marking, scuffing and to help the ink dry quickly.
Mail Merge – The process of merging records from a database file, name & address details onto a letter or envelope template, effectively personalizing it.
Manifest – A list of the goods being transported by a carrier.
Match Mail – the process of matching more than one personalized item.
Matt cello – A non-reflective plastic sheet coating applied with heat. Used to protect the surface it is adhered to, it has a waxy feel and enhances the quality and longevity of the piece.
Matt paper – A coated paper with a dull smooth finish.
MDB – (Multidimensional Database) a product that can store and process multidimensional data.
MIC – An in-house program designed to meet all of Melbourne Mail Management’s needs regarding client details and job processing.
Microperf – A very finely cut perforated edge, designed to replicate the effect of a guillotine cut edge.
Mounting – Attaching artwork to another (usually more solid surface) to present it in an attractive way.
Nesting – The process of placing one insert inside another insert.
Numbering –Printing sequential numbers on your printed material; an example would be raffle tickets or gift vouchers.
Offset – A printing method that transfers an image from an inked plate onto a rubber blanket covered cylinder and then onto the printed surface.
Overs – Excess materials left over once a job has been completed.
Overprinting – The process of printing over an area that’s already printed. Used by Melbourne Mail Management to personalize the printed materials.
