O

Objected-oriented (mode): the Draw graphics mode. A set of algorithms describe graphic form in abstract geometrical terms, as object primitives, the most fundamental shapes from which all other shapes are made: lines, curves, and solid or patterned areas.

Oblique: A slanting version of a face. Oblique is similar to italic, but without the script quality of a true italic. The upright faces are usually referred to as roman.

Offset: The most commonly used printing method, whereby the printed material does not receive the ink directly from the printing plate but from an intermediary cylinder called a blanket that receives the ink from the plate and transfers it to the paper.

Offset paper: A term for uncoated book paper.

Offset printing: for high-volume reproduction -- utilizes three rotating drums: a plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, and an impression cylinder. The printing plate is wrapped around the plate cylinder, inked and dampened. The plate image is transferred, or offset, onto the blanket cylinder. Paper passes between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder, and the image is transferred onto the paper.

Offshore paper: Any papers made outside the US and Canada.


One-point perspective:An effect created by lengthening or shortening one side of an object to create the impression that the object is receding from view in one direction.

Onionskin: A light bond paper used for typing and used with carbon paper because of its thinness.

Opacity: Quality of papers that defines its opaqueness or ability to prevent two sided printing from showing through.

Opaque: The inability to see through an object. If an object is 100% opaque, you cannot see through it. Opacity levels under 100% increase the ability to see through objects.

Opaque ink: Ink that completely covers any ink under itself.

Orphan: in a page layout, the first line of a paragraph separated from the rest of the paragraph by a column or page break. Headings without enough type under them may be considered as orphans; there should be as much type below the heading as the height of the heading itself, including white space.

Origin: The point in the drawing window at which the rulers intersect


Outline: The line that defines the shape of an object

Output resolution: The number of dots per inch (dpi) that an output device, such as an imagesetter or laser printer, produces.

Overlay: A transparent sheet placed over artwork, in register with the work it covers; this is used to call out other color components of the work, instructions or corrections.

Overlay proof: A process of proof-making whereby the color separations are individually exposed to light sensitive film. This film is then set in registration with a piece of white paper in the background.

Overexposure: Excessive light in an image that gives it a washed-out appearance.

Overprinting: Any printing that is done on an area that has already been printed.

Overrun: Quantities of sheets printed over the requested number of copies.

Overset: Type that is set in excess of the allotted space.