GIF - This file format is mainly used for Web pictures, images and graphics. It makes a very small file, however, it is not very accurate (i.e. printed GIF files will get ‘Bitmapped’ and not be very clear). GIF is not acceptable for quality reproduction in printing.
Gloss - A shiny coating on paper. Gloss coatings allow very little ink to be absorbed by the paper. This results in the printed material having excellent colour definition (richer colours) and contrast.
Grain direction - The fibres in paper align themselves in the direction in which the paper flows on the paper making machine. Grain direction is often important if the paper has to be folded after it is printed. Folding across the grain can result in cracking.
Grain in paper - Grain is the direction in which most wood-pulp fibres lie within the sheet as the paper is made. Folding paper against the grain breaks more wood fibres than folding with the grain, resulting in an uneven, less precise fold.
Graphic - An item to be printed that is not copy (text); includes photographs, images and illustrations.
Graphic design - The use of graphic elements and text to communicate an idea or concept.
Graphic designer - The person who develops the graphic designs.
GSM (grams per square metre) - This is a measure of the weight of paper. It is obtained by weighing a square metre of paper. Usually, the higher the gsm number, the thicker or more rigid is the stock. Although a coated paper of a given gsm will usually be thinner than an uncoated paper of the same weight. The laser copy paper you use in your office printer would normally be 80-90gsm. Business cards are usually printed on 250-350gsm papers. We can handle weights of up to 350gsm on our presses.
Gutter - The blank space or inner margin from printing area to binding.
Guillotine – A machine used for trimming paper using a very sharp blade at very high pressure.
