D

dark spot

An area containing a greater amount of pigment due to a "pooling" effect created by a depression in the substrate.

dash

A horizontal line used as a type character. Dashes are characterized by weight, design, width of image and allotted space, and vertical position. (e.g., the em and en dashes).

data compression

A technique to shrink or reduce the size of a data file so it takes up less storage space and is faster to move electronically. Compression is accomplished by removing "blank" spaces and repetitive data and using a mathematical formula to replace them. The LAUNCH! Web Helper automatically compresses files for transfer. A compressed file is decompressed before it is used. Other Term: compression.

data conversion

Changing digital data from one format to another so it can be used in another software application or printed on a specific output device. (E.g., CMYK to RGB, TIF to GIF, MS Word to Postscript, etc.).

data file

Line art, photographs, text and other graphic elements that are maintained as an electronic group.

dead matter

Typeset text or graphics that will not be reused.

debossing

Pressing an image or texture into a substrate. See also: embossing.

decompress

To take a digitally compressed data file and return it to it's original state.

definition

The sharpness or clarity of an image. The resolution of a digital image.

degradee

"Fade" in French. A halftone image where the dot size gradually changes from small to large. See also: vignette.

delete

A mark made by a proofreader. The material so marked will be removed or excised.

demand printing

Printing only the amount of material that is needed immediately, rather than printing and storing large quantities from which small quantities are drawn from time to time. Demand printing frequently uses digital printing presses. The higher cost of printing on demand is offset by the savings resulting from eliminated storage and waste costs since large quantities do not need to be stored and out of date stock thrown away. An added benefit of demand printing is the ability to make changes in the printed material more frequently. Other Term: on-demand printing.

desaturated color

A color that appears too light, faded, or whitewashed.

digital

The on/off signals that represent information within computerized systems. See also: analog.

dithering

1. The process of averaging between pixels of different colors. In practice, the result is a smoother, blended transition between the edge of two areas rather than a distinctly jagged or 'stair-step' appearance. See also: anti-aliasing. 2. A printing method used by ink jet and other nonimpact printers where colors are produced by mixing colored dots in a more randomized visual pattern.

dot gain

A condition where the size of a halftone dot is increased during the printing process. Frequently caused by ink spreading due to low viscosity or by paper absorption. Other terms: dot spread; ink spread.

Dot spread

See: dot gain; ink spread.

dropout

See knockout.

dry offset

A printing method where the areas to be inked are higher than the non-printing areas. The inked areas are then placed in contact with a rubber surface which in turn transfers the ink to the material to be printed. This process eliminates the use of water as required in the lithographic process. A similar technique is used with rubber stamps. Other terms: indirect letterpress; letterset; relief offset. See also: letterpress.

duograph

See duotone.

duotone

A two color print created from a one color image. Two halftones are created and each printed in a different color. Typically one of the two colors is black. Other term: duograph.

dye sublimation

A photographic looking color print created by heating dyes on the substrate instead of using inks. Often used for proofing.

Dylux®

A trademark for Du Pont's photosensitive polymer paper. A dry color proof is created using this paper.