The Glossary of the Printing Business and Industry

In typography, an ascender is the part of a letter that extends above the x-height. It is typically found in letters such as “b”, “d”, and “h”. Ascenders are an important consideration in typography and design, as they can affect the legibility and appearance of printed materials. In the web-to-print industry, designers pay close attention to the ascenders in fonts and typography to ensure that they are clear and easy to read.

Artwork refers to the images, graphics, and other visual elements used in print and web design. In the web-to-print industry, artwork is an important component of printed materials, as it can help to convey a message or brand identity. Artwork can be created in a variety of mediums, including digital illustration, photography, and hand-drawn sketches. In the web-to-print industry, artwork is typically created in digital formats, such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, to ensure that it can be easily and accurately reproduced in printed materials.

Anti-aliasing is a digital technique used to smooth out jagged edges in images and graphics. It works by blending the edges of pixels together, creating a smoother and more natural look. Anti-aliasing is commonly used in graphic design and printing, as it can improve the quality of images and make them look more professional. In the web-to-print industry, anti-aliasing is used to improve the appearance of images and graphics, ensuring that they look their best when printed.

Airbrushing is a painting technique that uses a special tool to spray paint onto a surface. It is commonly used in graphic design and printing, especially for creating illustrations and artwork. In the web-to-print industry, airbrushing can be used to enhance images and graphics, creating a unique and professional look for printed materials. Airbrushing can be done digitally as well, using specialized software and tools.

An accordion fold is a type of fold that is used to create multiple panels and pages in printed materials. You may make this easy fold by folding a flat sheet of paper in a zigzag pattern. Brochures, booklets, and other printed items with a need for multiple panels or pages commonly employ this fold style. The accordion fold is made by folding a flat sheet of paper in opposite directions.

A4 paper is a standard size of paper commonly used in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world for printing documents, photos, artwork and other printed materials. This standard paper size is the most used in the web to print sector, and it measures 210 mm by 297 mm (8.27 inches by 11.69 inches). If you need to print anything that people will immediately be able to read, A4 paper is the way to go.