Case binding

In binding and finishing, a means of binding pages together involving the sewing of printed signatures together with thread, followed by encasing the signatures between cloth-covered cardboard covers. Case binding is used for hardcover – or case bound – books.

Coated paper

Paper with a coating of clay and/or other substances that improves reflectivity and ink holdout. Coated paper can be produced in 4 major categories: cast, gloss, dull and matte.

Colour control bar

Strip of small blocks of color on a proof or press sheet to help evaluate features such as density and dot gain.

Crop marks

Small printed lines around the edges of a printed piece indicating where it is to be cut out of the sheet. Sometimes referred to as cut marks.

Cutting die

Usually a custom ordered item (made of wood and thin steel blades) to trim specific and unusual sized printing projects.

Cyan

One of the four process colours – indicated with the letter C in CMYK.