DahlgrenA dampening system for printing presses which utilizes more alcohol (25%) and less water; this greatly reduces the amount of paper that is spoiled.
DampeningAn essential part of the printing process whereby cloth covered rubber rollers distributes the dampening solution to the plate.
Dandy RollDuring the paper making process while the paper is still 90% water, it passes over a wire mesh cylinder (dandy roll), which imparts surface textures on the paper such as wove or laid. This is also the stage where the watermark is put onto the paper.
Deckle EdgeThe rough or feathered edge of paper when left untrimmed.
Deep EtchingThe etching or removal of any unwanted areas of a plate to create more air or white space on the finished product.
DeleteAn instruction given to remove an element from a layout.
DemyA term that describes a standard sized printing paper measuring 17.5 x 22.5 in.
DensitometerAn optical device used by printers and photographers to measure and control the density of color.
DensityThe lay of paper fibers relative to tightness or looseness which affects the bulk, the absorbency and the finish of the paper.
DescenderA term that describes that portion of lower case letters which extends below the main body of the letter, as in "p".
DiazoA light sensitive coal tar product used as a coating on presensitized plates, as well as overlay proofs.
DieDesign, 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 CuttingA method of using sharp steel ruled stamps or rollers to cut various shapes i.e. labels, boxes, 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 StampingAn intaglio process for printing from images engraved into copper or steel plates.
Digital ProofColor separation data is digitally stored and then exposed to color photographic paper creating a picture of the final product before it is actually printed.
Dimensional StabilityThe qualities of paper to stabilize its original size when undergoing pressure or exposed to moisture.
DiplomaA fine paper made specifically for the printing of diplomas, certificates and documents.
Direct Screen HalftoneA color separation process using a halftone negative made by direct contact with the halftone screen.
Display TypeAny type that stands out from the rest of the type on a page which attracts attention of the reader.
Distribution RollersIn the printing process, the rubber coated rollers responsible for the distribution of ink from the fountain to the ink drum.
Doctor BladeA term in gravure printing which refers to the knife-edge that runs along the printing cylinder; its function is to wipe the excess ink away from the non-printing areas.
Dog EarOccurs 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.
DotThe smallest individual element of a halftone.
Dot GainDarkening 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-downA 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.
DrierA term that describes any additives to ink which encourages the drying process.
DrillThe actual drilling of holes into paper for ring or comb binding.
Drop FolioPage number printed at foot of page.
Drop ShadowA shadow image placed strategically behind an image to create the effect of the image lifting off the page.
Dry MountPasting with heat sensitive adhesives.
Dry OffsetProcess 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 RollerThe roller between the inking and the dampening rollers.
Dull FinishAny matte finished paper.
DummyA term used to describe the preliminary assemblage of copy and art elements to be reproduced in the desired finished product; also called a comp.
Dummy ModelResembling finished piece in every respect except that the pages and cover are blank, used by the designer as a final check on the appearance and +feel+ of the book as a guide for the size and position of elements on the jacket.
DuotoneColor reproduction from monochrome original. Keyplate usually printed in dark color for detail, second plate printed in light flat tints. A two-color halftone reproduction generated from a one-color photo.
Duplex PaperPaper which has a different color or finish on each side.
DutchAny deckle edged paper, originally produced in the Netherlands. Reference, deckle edge
Dye-Based InkAny ink that acquires its color by the use of aniline pigments or dyes. Reference, aniline