Glossary beginning with C

Glossary of Print Terms

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C

CMYK

This is an acronym for the four process color inks used in 4-color printing: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. Although the K commonly stands for black it does not have to. K is for "Key" plate. The Key plate holds the detail for the printed image, in 4-color printing this is usually black ink.

Coated Paper

Coated paper is paper which has been coated by a compound to give the stock certain unique qualities, including weight, surface gloss, smoothness or reduced ink absorbency. Coatings can be designed purely for aesthetics, for durability, or to create food-safe packaging. Printing on coated paper can give your piece added brilliance and character.

Color Bars

The strip of little colored squares on a press sheet or plate. These bars are a guide for pressmen to measure the amount and density of ink needed.

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RGB

RGBi is an acronym for the three colors used to create the broad array of colors displayed on an electronic monitor. The three primary additive colors are Red, Green and Blue. RGB colors are used for electronic displays but do not reproduce well in print. RGB images should be converted to CMYKi before your files are sent to the printer or it will be done during the pre-press process.