B

back margin

The space between the edge of the text matter and the fold edge. Alternative terms: binding margin, gutter margin.

back matter

The material printed at the back of a book (e.g., agenda, appendix, bibliography, glossary, index, etc.). Alternative term: end matter.

Back printing

Printing on the underside of transparent paper or film. Alternative terms: reverse printing; second-surface printing.

backbone

The part of a book connecting the front cover to the back cover. Alternative term: spine. See also: rounding and backing.

background

The area appearing behind the main subject or upon which the main subject is placed.

backing

See rounding and backing.

backlining

The material that strengthens the back of a book after it's been rounded and backed (e.g., paper, muslin, etc.).

back-trap

mottle Blotchy spots or streaks in an overprinted ink.

backup

Creating an archive copy of digital information as insurance in the event the original information is lost or damaged.

backward broadside

A page on which the text is printed sideways.

bad break

Awkward visual composition resulting from ending a page with a single word; ending a page with a hyphenated word; ending a page with the first line of a paragraph; using a hyphenated line of text in the first line of a page; or dividing a word incorrectly. See also: orphan; widow.

base material

See face material Alternative terms: body stock; face stock.

binding margin

The space between the text matter and the fold edge. Alternative terms: back margin, gutter margin.

bitmap

An image that is digitally produced using dots rather than a mathematical formula. See also: line art; object oriented; raster; vectors.

bleed

1. Used when an image is meant to extend completely to the edge of the finished sheet. Printing a color beyond the trim edge of a sheet to ensure that there is no white space at the edge after the substrate on which the image is printed is trimmed to finish size. See also: extended color; full bleed. 2. Adding a small border of the same color to an image detail so the color overlaps a different, adjacent color. The intention is to ensure that no white space is visible where the two colors meet even if there are slight variations in registration (x y positioning) of the two colors. See also: choke; registration; spread; trapping.

blueline

1. A proof made on special paper producing a blue on white print when exposed to a negative overlay. The paper used has been treated with iron. See also: brownprint; silverprint; Van dyke. 2. A blue colored print created from an offset printing plate and used in the production process. 3. A line or image created with special blue ink that is not reproduced in photographic negatives or positives. Often used for positioning notes or instructions.

body stock

1. The paper on which coatings are laid down to create coated printing papers. 2. Any material such as paper suitable for converting into sheet goods. Alternative terms: base material; face material; face stock.

breakacross

A continuous image that covers two facing pages without any visible gutter. Other terms: crossover; reader's spread. See also: spread.

bristol

A heavy paper used for printing. The paper's thickness can range from 6 points or higher.

brownprint

A brown colored print made by contacting a negative on a special sensitized paper. The paper used has been treated with silver and iron. Not to be confused with sepia prints or black colored photographs. See also: blueline; silverprint; Van dyke.

business paper

A general category of paper used for everyday business purposes (e.g., copy paper, bond letterhead paper, etc.).