object-oriented
Used to describe an image created by the use of a mathematical equation using x-y coordinates rather than a bitmap image (created using dots). An object-oriented image can be printed at any size without a loss of resolution. In contrast, a bitmap image will loose resolution when printed at larger sizes. See also: bitmap; line art; raster; vectors.
oblique
Literally, "at an angle" or "slanted". A Roman font that has been electronically altered to produce an italic effect.
ochre
A naturally occurring yellowish pigment composed of iron and clay.
off-contact printing
A special screen printing technique that positions the printing stencil at a minimal distance above the substrate during the ink application process. As the ink is applied by the squeegee, the stencil is depressed into momentary contact with the substrate.
offset
An erroneous variation of the word "setoff". Ink that is unintentionally transferred from the printed substrate to the back of the sheet above it as the pieces are stacked in a pile. See also: setoff.
offset gravure
An indirect printing technique that re-deposits ink from a gravure cylinder to a rubber coated cylinder which then applies the ink to the final substrate. See also: gravure, offset printing.
offset lithography
An indirect printing technique that re-deposits ink from a specially treated printing plate cylinder to a rubber coated cylinder which then applies the ink to the final substrate. The printing plate's image area accepts only ink and the nonimage area only accepts water. See also: dry offset; gravure; lithography; offset gravure.
offset printing
An indirect printing technique that re-deposits ink from a printing plate cylinder to a rubber coated cylinder which then applies the ink to the final substrate. See also: gravure, offset gravure.
on-demand printing
See demand printing.
orientation
Printing in the direction of a sheet's long or short edge. Printing parallel to the sheet's long edge is called landscape. Printing in the direction of the sheet's short edge is called portrait.
orphan
A single line of text at the bottom or top of a page or column. The text is either the first line or the last line of a paragraph, respectively. See also: bad break; widow.
overrun
Producing more paper or output than ordered. Many organizations have a standard on what is considered an acceptable amount of underrun or overrun. See underrun.
overtrapping
Applying too much color on top of another in the process printing method. See also: hairline register; trapping.