Variable Imaging/Data:

Printing or the ability to print different text and/or images on each sheet of paper that runs through a printer or press. Both the press and the software driving it must be able to offer this capability in order for the process to work.

Varnish:

Clear finish applied like ink on a press that provides additional protection and sheen to a printed piece. A varnish may have a dull or glossy appearance, and may be tinted with coloured ink. A flood varnish is applied to the entire page; a spot varnish is applied only to selected image areas and requires a printing plate to apply.

Varnishing:

There are four usual ways of varnishing. Machine which is carried out on the litho machine and puts down a very thin layer of varnish, either overall or in certain areas. UV which can be put down on a litho machine fitted with a UV drier and can either varnish overall or in defined areas. Roller Coat which is an overall process with a UV drier. Silk Screen which is carried out on a silk screen machine with a UV drier. With this system it is possible to varnish defined areas with a very thick varnish layer. Always use inks which are recommended for varnishing. It is best to try to leave narrow channels free from UV varnish in the areas to be creased.

Vector Graphic:

Contain lines, circles, squares and curves -the graphic primaries. Each element can be modified at a later date. An image made up of individual, mathematically defined objects, rather than a collection of bits. Typically created by drawing programs, which are based on either PostScript or QuickDraw. Also called a vector graphic.

Vector Mode:

Vector mode drawings are based on characteristic points. Contrary to the bitmap mode, the vector mode can utilize the printers maximum resolution and achieve optimal smoothing of characters and images.

Verso:

The left hand page of an open book.

Vignette:

1. A graduated tint.

2. A small illustration in a book not enclosed in a definite border.

Vignette Halftone:

A halftone whose background gradually fades to white.

Visual:

A translation of the design into a form which looks like the finished article, but without the text. Text is represented in the visual by either black lines or by boxes.