Yearbook Basics Vocabulary

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering key yearbook production and layout terms based on the lecture notes.

Closing

Final pages of the yearbook (typically three pages or more) where the theme is concluded, following ads and index.

Colophon

A list of technical printing information about the yearbook, including price, number of copies, colors, fonts, photography company, and awards won by the previous year's book, often appearing at the end of the index.

Contents

Listing of the pages containing the opening, sections, index, and closing, usually printed on the front endsheet or in the opening.

Copy

The story on a spread, also called a copy block, which can include traditional narrative, lists, quotes, personal narratives, or surveys.

Cover

Outside of the yearbook which protects the printed pages.

Coverage

Refers both to the topics featured on individual spreads and how those topics are highlighted.

Depth Coverage

Using more than one spread for a topic and linking the additional spreads to the first with a headline or similar design; also called jump coverage.

Divider

A spread used to separate each section of the yearbook, usually theme-related in design with copy linking the main theme to the ensuing section.

Endsheet

Heavier sheets of paper which hold the pages of the yearbook to the cover.

Flat

Eight pages printed on one side of a signature.

Folio Tabs

The page number and the topic of a spread placed as a unit, traditionally at the bottom left and bottom right of the spread.

Four Color

Printing in magenta (reddish pink), cyan (blue), yellow, and black to create full-color pictures.

Front Lid

Front cover of the yearbook which includes the name of the book, the year, and the theme; also called the front flap.

Graphics

Elements such as color, white space, rule lines, gray screens, large initial letters, and special type treatments which enhance the book's design.

Index

A complete alphabetical listing of all students, teachers, advertisers, topics, and events covered in the yearbook.

Ladder

A page-by-page listing of the yearbook's contents used by staff to stay organized and plan for deadlines.

Opening

The first two to four pages (or more) of the yearbook which introduce the theme.

Section

An organizational structure typically breaking a traditional yearbook into six parts: student life, academics, organizations, people, sports, and ads/index.

Signature

A 16-page grouping made up of two 8-page flats that are folded, stitched, and trimmed to be collated.

Spine

Area of the yearbook connecting the front and back covers, displaying the school name, book name, city/state, volume number, and year.

Spin-off

A 'mini theme' used as a section title to help carry the theme throughout the book.

Spot Color

Printing in at least one additional color besides black to add emphasis to a black and white page.

Spread

Two facing or side-by-side pages in the yearbook.

Theme

A verbal statement and a visual look which tie all parts of the yearbook together.

Title Page

Page one of the yearbook, including the name of the book, name of the school, complete school address, volume number, and year.