Book Printing Definitions: Paper Grain

Grain - The direction in which the paper fiber lies. 

Grain direction - The dominant direction in which fibers in paper become aligned during manufacturing. Also called machine direction.

Against the grain - At right angles to the direction of the paper grain. Don't print books with the paper against the grain. Your books won't lie flat. Also called cross grain or across the grain.

With the grain - Folding or feeding paper into the press or folder parallel to the grain of the paper.

Recommended Reading: What is paper grain? - http://abookinaday.co.uk/tutorial-basics4.html

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Book Printing Definitions: Author's Corrections

Author's corrections – Changes and additions in copy made by the author after the work has been typeset. Generally, the author is charged for the cost of making such changes.

Also known as AC's. Also known as author's alterations.

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Book Printing Definitions: Bindery Folds

Here are a few of the folds that you can have a bindery do to create interesting brochures.

Fold type - The type of fold required to finish a piece.

Folder - A bindery machine dedicated to folding printed materials. Also known as a folding machine.



Accordion fold - Two or more parallel folds which open like an accordion. Also known as a Z fold.



French fold - A sheet of paper printed on one side, folded once vertically and once horizontally to make a four-page or eight-page brochure.



Gate fold - A sheet that folds where each side folds toward the gutter in overlapping layers.



Letter fold - Two folds creating three panels that allow a sheet of letterhead to fit a business envelope. Also called barrel fold or wrap around fold.

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