GCOM 251 Study Guide: Naming Conventions & Standardization

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering file naming conventions, Adobe Workspaces, file formats, PDF flavors, prepress processes, layout terminology, color management, barcodes, and packaging specifications.

Naming Convention

A specific and consistent file naming method that includes date revision history (e.g., FoldedCarton_Dieline_V3_mm/dd/yyyy.pdf) and avoids spaces and special characters.

Workspaces

The arrangement of tools in adobe suits that help with workflow and speed.

Vector

A format where everything is lines and math, which is typically lossless. Examples include .ai, .svg, .eps, and sometimes .pdf.

Raster

A format with limits in resolution and pixel size, which is typically lossy. Examples include .psd, .png, .jpg, .Webp, .TiZ, .Gif, .bmp, .hdic, and sometimes .pdf.

Print Output Resolution

$$300\,\text{ppi}$$

Screen Output Resolution

$$72\,\text{ppi}$$

Packaging

Compressing all information into one file when preparing art for a customer.

Font Conflicts

An error that occurs when a system has more than one instance of a font with the same name, confusing the system.

PDF X-1a: 2001

Compatible with Acrobat $4.0$ (PDF $1.3$); supports CMYK, grayscale, or spot colors; no live transparency (must be flattened) and layers are not supported.

PDF X-4: 2008

Compatible with Acrobat $7.0$ (PDF $1.6$); supports CMYK, grayscale, spot, lab, or RGB content; supports live transparency and layers.

PDF/A Archive flavor

compatible with Acrobat $5$ (PDF $1.4$) for digital preservation of electronic documents; no support for transparency.

PDF/VT Variable/Transactional

compatible with Acrobat $7$ (PDF $1.6$) that supports transparency and various color spaces.

PDF/E Engineering

compatible with Acrobat $7$ (PDF $1.6$) that supports layers, $3\text{D}$, and animation.

Press Quality PDF

Appropriate for digital print; compatible with Acrobat $5$ (PDF $1.4$) and converts color to destination.

Normalized PDF

A legacy Esko standard used to standardize complex print files for consistent workflows.

PAdES. PDF Advanced Electronic Signature

an ETSI focus extension that allows for advanced secure long-term valid signatures.

Preflighting

The process of checking important elements for output intent, such as spell check, broken links, color space, image resolution, fonts, document size, and overset text.

Proofing

A sample of printed artwork used as a preview and crucial for preventing or amending problems before the final print run.

Soft Proof

Electronic samples of work (e.g., $3\text{D}$ models, PDF, or JPEG) viewed on an electronic device, primarily used for content verification.

Hard Proof

Physically printed outputs for verification, such as substrate, press, white box, color contract, and color prints.

RIP Raster Image Processor;

a system that converts vector artwork into raster/press images for printing.

Bleed

Space around the outside of a document that is printed but cut off later to give the illusion of continuous print.

Slug

Relevant information on a print file that exists outside the trim area.

Reader’s Spreads

How the reader will perceive the layout of a book.

Printer’s Spreads

How the printer perceives the layout for production.

Creep

When the thickness of multiple pages in a book causes outer pages to be further away than others.

Leading

The space in between lines of text.

Color

An event requiring interaction between light, an object, and an observer; a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

CMYK

Subtractive color model used for print.

RGB

Additive color model used for screens.

Spot Colors

Custom Mixed Colors using systems like Pantone, TOYO, FOCOLTONE, or TRUMATCH.

Densitometer

A tool that uses light and a photoelectric cell to measure ink density on a printed substrate.

Colorimeter

A tool that uses reflected light passed through filters to evaluate a color.

Spectrophotometer

A tool that uses reflected light and a prism to evaluate color.

Color Gamut

The range of reproducible color given a specific device or technology.

D50

The standard lighting for the print industry.

Rich Black

A black color created by adding Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow to black ink.

Device Independent Color

Color that is defined and mapped by an independent and calibrated tool (e.g., Lab).

Trapping

Pushing lighter color into darker color to prevent substrate from showing through gaps caused by registration issues.

GS1

The body that regulates barcodes.

FPO

For Placement Only or Position Only; used as a placeholder during design until high-resolution assets are finalized.

Eyemarks

Marks that guide machinery during post-press finishing to show where to perform an action.

Indicia

Postal information placed in the upper right corner of a mail piece.

IMB Intelligent Mail Barcode

combines routing and tracking information into one code.

Rewind

Defines how labels face (in or out) and which edge leads off the roll to match applicator requirements.

Plate Gap

The gap between the two edges of a plate when mounted on a cylinder to prevent the plate from flying off.

Moire

An effect or pattern that occurs when halftone screen angles are incorrect or clash.