Glossary - S

S/S (Same size)

An instruction to reproduce to the same size as the original.

Saddle stitching

A method of binding where the folded pages are stitched through the spine from the outside, using wire staples. Usually limited to 64 pages size.

Sans serif

A typeface that has no serifs (small strokes at the end of main stroke of the character).

Satin finish

Alternate term for dull finish on coated paper.

Scale

The means within a program to reduce or enlarge the amount of space an image will occupy. Some programs maintain the aspect ratio between width and height whilst scaling, thereby avoiding distortion.

Scanner

A hardware device that reads information from a photograph or other graphic and converts it into a computer-readable bit-mapped image.

Screen

To convert a continuous-tone image into a halftone or a solid into a screen tint.

Screen angels

The angles used to offset the different films in process colour separations. Proper screen angles are critical to minimize moire patterns.

Screen ruling

Number of rows or lines of dots per inch or centimeter in a screen for making a screen tint or halftone. Also called line count, ruling, screen frequency, screen size and screen value.

Section

A printed sheet folded to make a multiple of pages.

Self-mailer

Printed piece designed to mail without an envelope.

Separations

The four screens corresponding to the percentages of cyan, magenta, yellow and black used to define colours that are used to create the final printed colours, usually for a colour photograph.

Serif

A small cross stroke at the end of the main stroke of the letter.

Set off

The accidental transfer of the printed image from one sheet to the back of another.

Sheet

A single piece of paper. In poster work refers to the number of Double Crown sets in a full size poster.

Sheet fed

A Printing press which prints single sheets of paper, not reels.

Signature

A letter or figure printed on the first page of each section of a book and used as a guide when collating and binding.

Sixteen sheet

A poster size measuring 120in x 80in (3050mm x 2030mm).

Slurring

A smearing of the image, caused by paper slipping during the impression stage.

Small caps

A set of capital leters which are smaller than standard and are equal in size to the lower case letters for that typesize.

Soft back/cover

A book bound with a paper back cover.

Softproofing

Softproofing is a proofing process that involves a visual inspection using a PDF file that has been processed through the workflow system. This allows you to view the file as it will be printed on press.

Specifications

Complete and precisely written description of features of a printing job, such as type size and leading, paper grade and quantity, printing quality or binding method. Abbreviated specs. Specifications can include the following: type specs define typeface, size, line measure, indentations, headlines, and other features of typography. Printing specs concentrate on press work, such as quantities, ink colors and dot gains, but often include prepress, paper and finishing. Finishing specs tell folding requirements and trim size.

Spell check

A facility contained in certain word processing and page makeup programs to enable a spelling error check to be carried out. Dictionaries of American origin may not conform to English standards and the option should be available within the program to modify the contents. Dictionaries usually contain between 60,000-100,000 words.

Spine

The binding edge at the back of a book.

Spiral Wire (Binding)

A type of mechanical binding using a continuous wire of corkscrew or spring-coil form run through round holes punched into the binding edge.

Spot Colour

A second colour, usually in addition to black, to add colour to your printed piece. The ink is usually Pantone Matching System (PMS) consisting of named or numbered colours. PMS is generally accepted throughout the printing and graphic arts industry as the standard.

Spread

Two pages that face each other and are designed as one visual or production unit.

SRA

A paper size in the series of ISO international paper sizes slightly larger than the A series allowing the printer extra space to bleed.

Stet

Used in proof correction work to cancel a previous correction. From the Latin; 'let it stand'.

Subhead

Small heading within a story or chapter. Also called crosshead.

Subscript

The small characters set below the normal letters or figures.

Supercalendered paper

A smooth finished paper with a polished appearance, produced by rolling the paper between calenders. Examples of this are high gloss and art papers.

Superscript

The small characters set above the normal letters or figures.

Swatch

A colour sample.