E

edge acuity

The degree to which the edge of an image appears sharp and precise, not fuzzy. Uniform ink coverage will positively affect an image's edge acuity.

edge gilding

The utilization of gold leaf to coat page borders.

Edge staining

Using various pigment(s) on a document, pamphlet or book’s finished edge.

edit

To alter information in form or substance.

edition

The quantity produced during a print run. Often applied to signed fine-art prints of a limited run.

Edition binding

See case binding.

eggshell finish

A rough textured paper.

electron beam coating

A clear coating that dries when exposed to an electron radiation. Electron beam coatings are generally glossy when cured and very durable.

electronic color correction

Using a computer system to adjust, change or otherwise alter or manipulate a color image. Examples include changing a CMYK image to RGB or vice versa, retouching, adjusting color balance, color saturation, contrast, etc.

electronic color scanner

An electronic device similar to a photocopier that converts a physical color image into four separate, single color images, one for each of the three process colors plus black. The four digital images are used to create four printing plates. When the four ink colors are combined on the printing substrate a full color reproduction of the original is produced.

Electronic composition

Using a computer system to copyfit and paginate a printing project. The finished project is output on paper or film on an imagesetter.

em dash

A line the width of a font's uppercase m.

embossing

Producing a raised surface on a substrate. When deliberately created, a metal die is used to press a pattern or image into the material. Sometimes embossing is an unintended and unwanted effect created when the wet ink is pulled up from the surface of the substrate as the printing plate is lifted away. See waffling.

en dash

A line the width of a font's uppercase n.

end matter

The appendix, agenda, glossary, index, and bibliography and other material's printed at the rear of a book. Other Term: back matter.

engraving

Using an acid or other chemical to form an elevated image on a printing plate or cylinder. See also: letterpress; relief plate; relief printing.

extended color

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: bleed; full bleed.