Bachelor of Graphic Design Print Production and Layout Design 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard bleed size typically used in US print production?
- 0.0625 inch (1/16 inch)
- 0.125 inch (1/8 inch) (Correct answer)
- 0.25 inch (1/4 inch)
- 0.5 inch (1/2 inch)
Correct answer: 0.125 inch (1/8 inch)
The standard bleed size in US print production is 0.125 inches (1/8 inch), extending artwork beyond the trim edge to prevent white borders after cutting.
Question 2: What is the 'safe zone' in print layout design?
- The area outside the bleed
- An inner margin where important content should stay to avoid being cut off (Correct answer)
- The area where crop marks are placed
- The background color of the document
Correct answer: An inner margin where important content should stay to avoid being cut off
The safe zone (or safety margin) is an area inset from the trim edge where all critical content — text, logos, key imagery — should be placed to ensure it is not accidentally cut off.
Question 3: What does 'offset lithography' refer to in print production?
- A digital printing process
- A printing method where ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to paper (Correct answer)
- A screen printing technique
- An inkjet printing process
Correct answer: A printing method where ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to paper
Offset lithography is a printing process where an inked image on a metal plate is transferred (offset) to a rubber blanket cylinder before being applied to the paper, producing high-quality prints at volume.
Question 4: What is a 'crop mark' in print design?
- A watermark added to proof prints
- Small lines placed outside the design area indicating where the paper should be cut (Correct answer)
- A mark indicating the bleed area
- A registration mark for color alignment
Correct answer: Small lines placed outside the design area indicating where the paper should be cut
Crop marks are small lines placed at the corners of a print layout, outside the bleed area, to show the press operator precisely where to trim the final printed piece.
Question 5: What is the difference between 'coated' and 'uncoated' paper stock?
- Coated paper is thicker; uncoated is thinner
- Coated paper has a smooth, sealed surface that limits ink absorption; uncoated paper is more porous (Correct answer)
- Coated paper is only used for black-and-white printing
- Uncoated paper produces more vibrant colors
Correct answer: Coated paper has a smooth, sealed surface that limits ink absorption; uncoated paper is more porous
Coated paper has a clay or chemical coating that creates a smooth surface, resulting in sharper image reproduction and more vibrant colors, while uncoated paper is more porous, giving a softer, matte appearance.
Question 6: What does 'GSM' mean in reference to paper?
- Graphic Standards Measurement
- Grams per Square Meter — a measure of paper weight (Correct answer)
- Grade and Surface Material
- Gloss Surface Metric
Correct answer: Grams per Square Meter — a measure of paper weight
GSM (Grams per Square Meter) is the metric measurement of paper weight, indicating the weight of one square meter of the paper; higher GSM means thicker, heavier paper.
Bachelor of Graphic Design Print Production and Layout Design 1
What is the standard bleed size typically used in US print production?