Raster Image Processor (RIP) - The process of interpreting a page description language, such as Postscript, to a raster format at the resolution, and in the format, required for a printer or image-setter. May also refer to the hardware and/or software used in the process of ripping a file.
Ream - Five hundred sheets of paper. A ream is often confused with a package of paper. A ream of paper refers to a number of sheets, whereas a package of paper can have as many or as few sheets as the packager wants (e.g. paper can be packaged in quantities of 250, as well as 500 sheets.
Register - In printing, fitting of two or more printed images in exact alignment with each other, ie back to back on reverse side of the printed sheet
Registration - In printing, the fitting of two or more colours or images in alignment with one another. Hairline register is the fitting of two or more colours in exact alignment with each other.
Registration marks - Marks outside the printing area that help us make sure colours are lined up or ‘registered’ together.
Resolution - The degree of image sharpness that can be reproduced by a piece of equipment. Resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi). Most laser printers image at 600 dpi.
Reverse - Text or images reproduced by printing the background rather than the text or image itself, allowing the paper or underlying inks to show the shape of the text or image.
RGB red, green and blue - These are the primary colours that make white light. For printing, secondary colours (cyan, magenta and yellow) are used to simulate the colours required. Black (K) is added to help CMY (cyan, magenta and yellow) reproduce rich blacks and shadows. When preparing colour files for output, it is important to ensure that all placed graphics and colours are separated for four-colour CMYK and not RGB.
RIP (Raster Image Processor) - In digital imaging, a combination of computer software and hardware that controls the printing process by calculating the bit maps of images and instructing printing devices to create the images. Most PostScript systems use a hardware RIP built into the printer.
Resolution - In electronic imaging, the quantification of printout quality using the number of dots per inch.
