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FAQs
Do you offer design services?
Our Electronic Prepress department offers comprehensive services to support your design needs.
How long does it take for you to complete my order?
There really is not a short answer to this question. Some jobs can be produced in minutes and some jobs may take days. Let us know when you need your job completed and we will let you know if it can be done. We go to great lengths to meet your most stringent demands.
What are your shipping methods?
For shipments in the Chicago area, JD Graphic provides its own delivery service. For shipments sent national, we typically use Custom Companies, Inc. or Map Trucking, LTD.
How do I submit my files to be printed?
  1. Submit them via FTP. Please contact us to obtain access.
  2. Mail files on disk via your preferred shipping method.
    JD Graphic
    1101 Arthur Avenue
    Elk Grove Village, IL 60707
    Tel: 847.364.4000
  3. If the file size is small(Under 2MB) enough to send via email
    send them to
What is a "proof"?
A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type accurately and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you via email or mail.
What do I use to compress my files?
If you are downloading files off the Internet, or sending project files to our customer service representatives, you will need a compression utility to make your files smaller. These programs will help you to compress or archive your files which you can then send to us.

Windows
StuffIt Expander/DropStuff | http://www.stuffit.com/win/expander/index.html
WinZip | http://www.winzip.com/index.htm
7-Zip | http://www.7-zip.org/download.html

Macintosh
StuffIt Expander/DropStuff | http://www.stuffit.com/mac/expander/index.html
How can I upload files to you?
After you have contacted us and have obtained FTP access to upload your files, you can use one of the following programs to upload your files. Later this year, JD Graphic will also be launching a client section where you will be able to upload and manage projects and files.

Windows
FileZilla | http://filezilla-project.org/download.php

Macintosh
FileZilla | http://filezilla-project.org/download.php
Fetch | http://fetchsoftworks.com/downloads.html
Where can I get other questions answered?
If there is anything about which you are uncertain, please contact us at: 1.847.364.4000 or you can e-mail us at: and we will be happy to help you.
PrintWiki | The Free Encyclopedia of Print
Print Wiki | The Free Encyclopedia of Print | http://www.printwiki.org/
Glossary of Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T V W
Accordion Fold
In binding, a term used for two or more parallel folds which open like an accordion.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=A&id2=AccordionFold
Against the Grain
Folding or feeding paper at right angles to the grain direction of the paper.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=A&id2=AgainsttheGrain
Align
To line up typeset or other graphic material as specified, using a base or vertical line as the reference point.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=A&id2=Align
Aqueous Coating
Coating in a water base and applied like ink by a printing press to protect and enhance the printing underneath.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=A&id2=AqueousCoating
Artwork
All original copy, including type, photos and illustrations, intended for printing.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=A&id2=Artwork
Bindery
Usually a department within a printing company responsible for collating, binding, folding and trimming various printing projects.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=B&id2=Bindery
Bleed
Layout, type or pictures that extend 1/8" beyond the trim marks on a page.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=B&id2=Bleed
Blueline
Prepress photographic proof made from stripped negatives where all colors show as blue images on white paper.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=B&id2=Blueline
CMYK
Abbreviation for cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black), the four process colors used in full color printing.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=CMYK
Caliper
The thickness of paper, usually expressed in thousandths of an inch (mils).
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=Caliper
Coated Paper
Paper with a coating of clay and other substances that improves reflectivity and ink holdout. Mills produce coated paper in the four major categories cast, gloss, dull and matte.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=CoatedPaper
Collate
To organize printed matter in a specific order as requested.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=Collate
Color Correction
The process of adjusting an image to compensate for scanner deficiencies or for the characteristics of the output device.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=ColorCorrection
Color Proof
A representation of what the final printed composition will look like. The resolution and quality of different types of color can vary greatly.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=ColorProof
Comb Bind
To bind by inserting the teeth of a flexible plastic comb through holes punched along the edge of a stack of paper.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=CombBind
Cover Paper
Category of thick paper used for products such as posters, menus, folders and covers of paperback books.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=CoverPaper
Coverage
Extent to which ink covers the surface of a substrate. Ink coverage is usually expressed as light, medium or heavy.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=Coverage
Crop Marks
Lines that are printed on a sheet to indicate where it needs trimming.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=CropMarks
Crossover
Type or art that continues from one page of a book or magazine across the gutter to the opposite page. Also called bridge, gutter bleed and gutter jump.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=Crossover
Cyan
The blue color that is one of the four standard process colors used in printing.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=Cyan
Color Separations
A preparation process for artwork, photos, etc., that breaks down images into the four primary printing colors: magenta, cyan, yellow, and black.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=C&id2=ColorSeparations
Duotone
An image composed of two printed colors referred to as a halftone.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=D&id2=Duotone
Dylux
A term DuPont uses to describe an inexpensive photographic proof from negatives where all colors are shown in blue.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=D&id2=Dylux
Drill
To drill a whole in a printed matter.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=D&id2=Drill
Dull Finish
Flat (not glossy) finish on coated paper; slightly smoother than matte.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=D&id2=DullFinish
Emboss
A method for pressing images into paper that creates a raised relief effect.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=E&id2=Emboss
EPS
Encapsulated Post Script, a known file format usually used to transfer post script information from one program to another.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=E&id2=EPS
Fifth Color
Ink color used in addition to the four needed by four-color process.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=F&id2=FifthColor
File Transfer Program (FTP)
Computer software that permits the exchange of information between computers.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=F&id2=FTP
Finished Size
Size of product after production is completed, as compared to flat size. Also called trimmed size.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=F&id2=FinishedSize
Flood
A method that uses ink, plastic coating, or varnish to completely cover a printed page.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=F&id2=Flood
Foil
A type of coating for rolls or plastic sheets that contains pigment or metallic ink used for embossing or stamping foil.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=F&id2=Foil
Four-Color Process Printing
Technique of printing that uses black, magenta, cyan and yellow to simulate full-color images. Also called color process printing, full color printing and process printing.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=F&id2=FourColorProcessPrinting
Ghosting
An unintended faint image on a printed sheet usually caused by transfer of an image from the back of one sheet to the front of another sheet.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=G&id2=Ghosting
Gloss
A type of finish or coating that makes an image or photo shine and reflect light.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=G&id2=Gloss
Grade
General term used to distinguish between or among printing papers, but whose specific meaning depends on context. Grade can refer to the category, class, rating, finish or brand of paper.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=G&id2=Grade
GSM
The unit of measurement for paper weight (grams per square meter).
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=G&id2=GSM
Gutter
The central blank area between left and right pages.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=G&id2=Gutter
Hard proof
Proof on paper or other substrate, as compared to a soft proof.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=H&id2=HardProof
Heat-set Web
Web press equipped with an oven to dry ink, thus able to print coated paper.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=H&id2=HeatSetWeb
Halftone
A method that converts dots into a continuous tone for printing.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=H&id2=Halftone
Imagesetter
A device used to output a computer image or composition at high resolution onto photographic paper or film.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=I&id2=Imagesetter
Imposition
Refers to the arrangement of pages on a printed sheet, which when the sheet is finally printed on both sides, folded and trimmed, will place the pages in their correct order.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=I&id2=Imposition
In-house
Refers to an activity, such as graphic design or printing, performed within an organization, not purchased from outsiders.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=I&id2=Inhouse
Justified type
Type set flush right and left.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=J&id2=JustifiedType
K
Abbreviation for black in four-color process printing. Hence the 'K' in CMYK.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=K&id2=LetterK
Kern
To reduce space between two or three characters so those characters appear better fitted together.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=K&id2=Kern
Kiss Die-Cut
A method for cutting the top layer of a thin sheet of paper without cutting the bottom layer.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=K&id2=KissDieCut
Landscape
Artist style in which width is greater than height. (Portrait is opposite.)
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=L&id2=Landscape
Leading
Amount of space between lines of type.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=L&id2=Leading
Letter Fold
Two folds creating three panels that allow a sheet of letterhead to fit a business envelope. Also called barrel fold and wrap around fold.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=L&id2=LetterFold
Letter Paper
In North America, 8 1/2' x 11' sheets. In Europe, A4 sheets.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=L&id2=LetterPaper
Lightweight Paper
Book paper with basis weight less than 40# (60 gsm).
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=L&id2=LightweightPaper
Letterspacing
The addition of space between the letters of words to increase the line-length to a required width or to improve the appearance of a line.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=L&id2=Letterspacing
Margin
Imprinted space around the edge of the printed material.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=M&id2=Margin
Magenta
The red color that is one of the four standard process colors used in printing.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=M&id2=Magenta
Matte Finish
A type of ink finish that creates a "dull" or flat look on paper.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=M&id2=MatteFinish
Metallic Ink
Ink containing powdered metal or pigments that simulate metal.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=M&id2=MetallicInk
Mock Up
A reproduction of the original printed matter and possibly containing instructions or direction.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=M&id2=MockUp
News Print
Paper used in printing newspapers. Considered low quality and "a short life use."
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=N&id2=NewsPrint
Nested
Signatures assembled inside one another in the proper sequence for binding, as compared to gathered. Also called inset.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=N&id2=Nested
Novelty Printing
Printing on products such as coasters, pencils, balloons, golf balls and ashtrays, known as advertising specialties or premiums.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=N&id2=NoveltyPrinting
Offset Printing
Printing technique that transfers ink from a plate to a blanket to paper instead of directly from plate to paper.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=O&id2=OffsetPrinting
Output
Computer image transferred to color proof, paper, film, or temporary plate material by an imagesetter device.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=O&id2=Output
Overprint
To print one image over a previously printed image, such as printing type over a screen tint.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=O&id2=Overprint
Page Count
Total number of pages that a publication has.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=PageCount
Perfect Bind
A method for attaching pages of a printed piece to its cover and spine, usually by a gluing process.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=PerfectBind
Perf Marks
On a "dummy" marking where the perforation is to occur.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=PerfMarks
Perforating
Taking place on a press or a binder machine, creating a line of small dotted wholes for the purpose of tearing-off a part of a printed matter.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=Perforating
Pica
A unit of measure in the printing industry. A pica is approximately 0.166 in. There are 12 points to a pica.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=Pica
Pixel
Short for picture element, a dot made by a computer, scanner or other digital device. There are 72 pixels for every inch.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=Pixel
Plate
Piece of paper, metal, plastic or rubber carrying an image to be reproduced using a printing press.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=Plate
PMS
Obsolete reference to Pantone Matching System. The correct trade name of the colors in the Pantone Matching System is Pantone colors, not PMS Colors.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=PMS
Point
(1)Regarding paper, a unit of thickness equating 1/1000 inch. (2) Regarding type, a unit of measure equaling 1/12 pica and .013875 inch (.351mm).
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=Point
Portrait
An art design in which the height is greater than the width. (Opposite of Landscape.)
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=Portrait
Prepress
Camera work, color separations, stripping, platemaking and other prepress functions performed by the printer.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=Prepress
Prepress Proof
Any color proof made using ink jet, toner, dyes or overlays, as compared to a press proof printed using ink. Also called dry proof and off-press proof.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=PrepressProof
Press Check
Event at which makeready sheets from the press are examined before authorizing full production to begin.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=PressCheck
Process Color (Inks)
The colors used for four-color process printing: yellow, magenta, cyan and black.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=ProcessColor
Prepress
Test sheet made to reveal errors or flaws, predict results on press and record how a printing job is intended to appear when finished.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=P&id2=Proof
Quote
Price offered by a printer to produce a specific job, thus alternate for estimate. The quoted price is the printer's side of the contract based on specifications from the customer.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=Q&id2=Quote
Raster Image Processor
Device that translates page description commands into bitmapped information for an output device such as a laser printer or imagesetter.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=R&id2=RasterImageProcessor
Register
To place printing properly with regard to the edges of paper and other printing on the same sheet. Such printing is said to be in register.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=R&id2=AccordionFold
Register Marks
Marks or lines on the press sheet that guide all the people involved in the entire printing process.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=R&id2=RegisterMarks
Resolution
The number of picture elements (pixels) per unit of linear measurement (normally an inch) on a computer monitor, or the number of dots per inch (dpi) in printed form.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=R&id2=Resolution
Resolution
The measurement used in typesetting to express quality of output. Measured in dots per inch, the greater the number of dots, the smoother and cleaner appearance the character/image will have. Photographs need to be scanned at a resolution of 300 dots per inch. Screen resolution is 72 dots per inch and something that looks good on your computer screen will look terrible when printed.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=R&id2=Resolution
RGB
Abbreviation for red, green, blue, the additive color primaries.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=R&id2=RGB
Saddle Stitch
To bind by stapling sheets together where they fold at the spine, as compared to side stitch. Also called pamphlet stitch, saddle wire and stitch bind.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=SaddleStitch
Satin Finish
Alternate term for dull finish on coated paper.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=SatinFinish
Scanner
Electronic device used to scan an image.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=Scanner
Score
To compress paper along a straight line so it folds more easily and accurately. Also called crease.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=Score
Self Mailer
A printed item independent of an envelope. A printed item capable of travel in the mailing arena independently.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=SelfMailer
Separations
Usually in the four-color process arena, separate film holding images of one specific color per piece of film. Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow. Can also separate specific PMS colors through film.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=Separations
Sheet-fed Press
Press that prints sheets of paper, as compared to a web press.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=SheetFedPress
Soft Copy
Proof on viewed on screen, as compared to a hard proof.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=SoftCopy
Solid
Any area of the sheet receiving 100 percent ink coverage, as compared to a screen tint.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=Solid
Specifications
Complete and precise written description of features of a printing job such as type size and leading, paper grade and quantity, printing or binding method. Abbreviated specs.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=Specifications
Spine
Back or binding edge of a publication
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=Spine
Spot Color or Varnish
One ink or varnish applied to portions of a sheet, as compared to flood or painted sheet.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=SpotColororVarnish
Spot PMS Colors
Refers to a method of printing in which each color is printed with its own ink. In contrast, process color printing uses four inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) to produce all other colors.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=SpotPMSColors
SWOP
Abbreviation for specifications for web offset publications, specifications recommended for web printing of publications.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=S&id2=SWOP
TIFF
A graphics file that is commonly used in printing for photographs and illustrations needing high resolution.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=T&id2=TIFF
Trapping
A prepress technique which allows for variation in registration during the press run. This is done primarily by allowing an overlap between abutting colors.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=T&id2=Trapping
Trim Size
The size of the printed material in its finished stage.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=T&id2=TrimSize
Watermark
Translucent logo in paper created during manufacturing by slight embossing from a dandy roll while paper is still approximately 90 percent water.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=W&id2=Watermark
Web Press
Press that prints from rolls of paper, usually cutting it into sheets after printing.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=W&id2=WebPress
White space
Area of a printed piece that does not contain images or type. Also called negative space.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=W&id2=WhiteSpace
Varnish
A type of colorless liquid used to protect and enhance the appearance of a printed surface.
http://www.jdgraphic.com/support.aspx?id=V&id2=Varnish
Color Boxes