DPI
Dots Per Inch; the standard measurement of resolution for printers, photo type setting machines and graphics screens. The higher the value, the finer the detail of the finished print.
Dampening
An essential part of the printing process whereby cloth covered rubber rollers distribute the dampening solution to the plate.
Deckle Edge
The rough or feathered edge of paper when left untrimmed.
Deep Etching
The etching or removal of any unwanted areas of a plate to create more air or white space on the finished product.
Delete
An instruction given to remove an element from a layout.
Densitometer
An optical device used by printers and photographers to measure and control the density of color.
Die
Design, letters or shapes cut into metal (mostly brass) for stamping book covers or embossing. An engraved stamp used for impressing an image or design.
Die Cutting
A method of using sharp steel-ruled stamps or rollers to cut various shapes (e.g. labels, boxes or image shapes) either post press or in line. The process of cutting paper in a shape or design by the use of a wooden die or block in which are positioned steel rules in the shape of the desired pattern.
Die Stamping
An intaglio process for printing from images engraved into copper or steel plates.
Digital Proof
Color separation data is digitally stored and then exposed to color photographic paper, creating a picture of the final product before it is actually printed.
Direct Screen Halftone
A color separation process using a halftone negative made by direct contact with the halftone screen.
Display Type
Any type that stands out from the rest of the type on a page which attracts attention of the reader.
Distribution Rollers
In the printing process, the rubber coated rollers responsible for the distribution of ink from the fountain to the ink drum.
Dog Ear
Occurs when you fold into a fold (such as a letter fold). At the side of one of the creases you get an indentation. It may look like a small, inverted triangle.
Dot
The smallest individual element of a halftone.
Dot Gain
Darkening of halftone image due to ink absorption in paper causing halftone dots to enlarge. Terms to describe the occurrence whereby dots are printing larger than they should.
Draw-down
A method used by ink makers to determine the color, quality and tone of ink. It entails the drawing of a spatula over a drop of ink, spreading it flat over the paper
Drier
A term that describes any additives to ink which encourages the drying process.
Drill
The actual drilling of holes into paper for ring or comb binding.
Drop Folio
Page number printed at foot of page.
Dry Offset
Process in which a metal plate is etched to a depth of 0.15 mm (0.006 in), making a right-reading relief plate, printed on the offset blanket and then to the paper without the use of water.
Ductor Roller
Ductor Roller – The roller between the inking and the dampening rollers.
Dull Finish
Any matte-finished paper.
Dummy
A term used to describe the preliminary assemblage of copy and art elements to be reproduced in the desired finished product; also called a comp.
Duotone
A term used to describe the preliminary assemblage of copy and art elements to be reproduced in the desired finished product; also called a comp.
Duplex Paper
Paper which has a different color or finish on each side.
Dye Sublimation
The process by which an image is printed onto a specially coated paper and from there transferred onto the final media (e.g. a piece of fabric) through the application of heat.
Dye-Based Ink
Any ink that acquires its color by the use of aniline pigments or dyes. Reference: aniline.
