We are continually seeking to grow and improve this glossary, so if you spot any definition you do not agree with, a term that is missing, or have any comments in general, please email our reference team.
| Image Archive | Collection of images kept in secure storage |
| Image Area | The actual area on the printed matter that is not restricted to ink coverage |
| Image Capture | Process of obtaining a digital representation of an original through scanning, digital photography |
| Image Database | Place where image files are kept in an organised form. Software that facilitates organised storage and retrieval of digital images |
| Image Longevity | Length of time over which an image serves a purpose or length of time before degradation begins |
| Image Manipulation | Modification of images using image editing software |
| Image Modality | Type of original e.g. Painting, photograph, 35mm slide etc |
| Image Optimisation | Corrections made to a digital image to make it more closely match the original. Optimisation can also involve preparing the image for final delivery |
| Image Processing | See Image Manipulation |
| Imagesetter | Laser output device using photosensitive paper or film |
| Imitation Art | Paper which is heavily loaded with china clay and also highly finished. It is used for catalogues and is also suitable for halftone screen up to 48 lines per centimetre |
| Impact Printer | A printer that forms characters on a page by pressing raised type on the surface of the paper with a 'hammer', usually with an inked ribbon between the actual hammer and the paper; a dot matrix or daisy wheel printer, as opposed to a laser or ink jet printer |
| Imposition | The positioning of pages on a press sheet in a manner that when the sheet is folded into a signature the pages will be in the correct sequence and position |
| Impression | 1. Referring to an ink colour, one impression equals
one press sheet passing once through a printing unit. 2. Referring to speed of a press, one impression equals one press sheet passing once through the press |
| Impression Cylinder | Cylinder, on a press, that pushes paper against the plate or blanket, thus forming the image. Also called impression roller |
| Imprint | 1. To print new copy on a previously printed sheet,
such as imprinting an employee's name on business cards.
Also called surprint. 2. A single line (or more) of text added by the printer, usually to the last page of text, detailing where production has occurred |
| IMS | Image Management System (also known as Content Management Systems). Programs to assist in naming, ordering and delivering an image collection |
| Index Bristol | Paper used for cards, tab cards and other similar applications requiring heavier weight of paper |
| Indexing | The entry of data to assist in archiving and retrieval |
| India Paper | Opaque rag paper used for books where extreme lightness or thinness is required. This paper was originally imported from China |
| Indicia | Markings pre-printed on mailing envelopes to replace the stamp |
| Industrial Papers | A term used to denote papers such as janitorial, sanitary or heavy packing papers |
| Ink Balance | Relationship of the densities and dot gains of process inks to each other and to a standard density of neutral grey |
| Ink Fountain | Reservoir, on a printing press, that holds ink |
| Ink Holdout | Characteristic of paper that prevents it from absorbing ink, thus allowing ink to dry on the surface of the paper. Also called holdout |
| Ink Jet | Computer-generated ink droplets that apply ink through a small orifice to form characters; often used for purposes of personalization |
| Ink Mist | Any threads or filaments that protrude from the main printed letter body of long inks, as seen in newsprint |
| Ink Setting | The inertial resistance to flow that occurs to ink as soon as it is printed |
| Inkometer | A device used to measure the tack of ink |
| Inner Forme | Forme (side of the press sheet) whose images all appear inside the folded signature, as compared to outer forme |
| Insert | A piece of printed material that is prepared for the purpose of being inserted into another piece of printed material, such as a magazine |
| Inserter | Mailing equipment that inserts letters into envelopes |
| Inset | Leaflet or other printed material bound in with the pages of a publication rather than inserted loose |
| Intaglio Printing | Printing method whose image carriers are surfaces with two levels, having inked areas lower than non-inked areas. Gravure and engraving are the most common forms of intaglio. Also called recess printing |
| Integral Proof | A proof made by exposing each of the four-colour separations to an emulsion layer of primary colours. These emulsion sheets are stacked in register with a white sheet of paper in the background. Types of integral proofs are cromalin, matchprint, ektaflex, and spactraproof |
| Intellectual Integrity | Continuance of intellectual content from original into the digital image |
| Intellectual Property Rights | An automatic right afforded to a creator giving him or her economic rights of control over copying, adaptation and issuance of copies to the public |
| Interleaves/Interleaving | Printed pages loosely inserted in a publication/between sheets |
| International Paper Sizes | Standard range of metric paper sizes as defined by the International Standards Organisation [ISO] and British Standards Institution [BSI] |
| Interoperability | The ability of content, a subsystem or system to seamlessly work with other systems, subsystems or content via the use of agreed specifications/standards |
| Interpolated Resolution | Pixels, with software estimated values, inserted between those actually (optically) scanned by scanner hardware |
| Iridescent Paper | A coated stock finished in mother-of-pearl |
| ISBN - International Standard Book Number | A number assigned to a published work (usually, but not exclusively, appearing above a bar code) and usually found either on the title page or the back of the title page. Considered an International Standard Book Number |
| ISDN | Integrated Services Digital Networking. ISDN is used for high-speed communications with the Internet online services or between corporate networks |
| ISO | International Organisation for Standardisation |
| ISSN - International Standard Serial Number | An eight-digit serial number that identifies the country of publication of a magazine or journals and its title. It refers to the complete run or a publication, and not an individual issue. Used in combination with a bar code |
| Italic | Text that is used to denote emphasis by slanting the type body forward |

