Tabbing:

Adding printed tabs to a cut index. Also the operation of cutting on index or tabs.

Tabbing On:

The process by which labels are applied to computer stationery.

Tear Strength:

See Elmendorf Tear Test.

Temper:

As applicable to aluminium foils products, the relative stiffness, hardness, and workability of the metal.

Tensile Strength:

Measurement of weight required to break a strip of paper or paperboard in kilograms. Measurement is in pounds per square inch for metal.

Text Paper:

Paper grade characterized by textured surfaces, such as laid, cockle, wove, etc. May also be used to describe paper used for the text portion of a publication, as opposed to cover stock.

Text & Cover:

A class of high-quality uncoated papers in a wide variety of colours and textures. Text is usually made with a matching or coordinating cover.

Thermography:

A print finishing process producing a raised image imitating die stamping. The process takes a previously printed image which before the ink is dry is dusted with resinous powder. The application of heat causes the ink and powder to fuse and a raised image is formed. This process is not recommended if the material will subsequently be Laser printed. However, some companies are successfully UV curing thermographic letterheads to satisfy the laser copying process.

Thread Sewing:

Binding with thread, usually for hardback books.

Three Colour:

Print in three colours.

Thumb Index:

A style of index where the divisions are cut into the edge of the book, but not stepped.

TIFF -Tag Image File Format:

The most common interchange format for bitmapped graphics, which can contain images of any resolution and colour depth. It is supported by every graphics program that works with bitmaps, but because the format has several variations, an application may occasionally have trouble opening a TIFF file created by another program.

Tile:

A method used when a page is too large to be output in its entirety by the output device. The page is divided into pieces that allow for overlap so that it can be reassembled as a whole.

Tint:

Achieved by a reduction of the pure ink colour by the addition of tinting medium. The various even tone areas (strengths) of a solid colour.

Tint Laying:

The application of a tint by using a film with a number of dots per square inch which corresponds to the halftone screen if used. See also reproduction, plate making and proofing.

Tip In:

The separate insertion of a single page into a book either during or after binding by pasting one edge.

Tissue Overlay:

Usually a thin transparent paper placed over artwork for protection uses for marking colour breaks and other printer instructions.

Tolerance:

Allowable deviation from a nominal or specified dimension.

Top Cut:

To die cut the top layer, but not the backing layer, of self-adhesive paper.

Transfer Tape:

A peel and stick tape used in business forms.

Translucent Paper:

Paper made by beating the paper fibres until they are very short and translucent. Some translucent papers are transparentised using chemical treatments. Originally used for tracing paper, it is specified for flysheets and other decorative purposes in commercial printing. Translucent papers are fairly difficult to work with as they are fragile with low dimensional stability. However, they provide interesting visual contrasts and have been used successfully in a wide variety of applications.

Transparency (Tranny):

A positive image on a translucent substance (usually film) which is intended to be viewed through transmitted light. A full colour photographically produced line art from a continuous tone original.

Transparent Copy:

A film that light must pass through for it to be seen or reproduced.

Transparent Ink:

A printing ink that does not conceal the colour under it.

Trap:

How well a printed ink can accept the next ink printed compared with how well blank paper accepts that ink. The thickness of ink application; the drying time of that ink; the printing ink sequence; and the settings of the press all affect trap.

Trapping:

The process of overlapping two adjoining colours in an image so that holes are not left in the image by the normal registration variations of the printing process. There is usually some debate about who should handle trapping, the designer or the printer -so it's important to discuss the matter before any files are created.

Trim:

The cutting of the finished product to the correct size. Marks are incorporated on the printed sheet to show where the trimming is to be made.

Trimming:

The final stage which neatens the edges. See Cutting.

Trim Marks:

The lines on artwork, negative, plate or press sheet showing where the page is to be trimmed after printing. Also known as cut marks.

Trim Size:

The final size of one printed image after the last trim is made.

Twin Wire:

Paper which has an identical smooth finish on both sides.

Two Colour:

Print in two colours, often black and one other; can also refer to a two colour printing machine

Typeface:

See Font.

Typesetting:

The process whereby the text is translated into its final form. The designer or printer will undertake this job on a computerized system. The designer will specify typeface, point size, and leading before this stage.

Typo:

An abbreviation for typographical error. An error in the
typeset copy.

Typography:

The design and planning of printed matter using type.