Nailhead
A description of a paper covered book that, in profile, resembles the head of a nail; a paper-covered book that is thicker at the spine.
to top

NAPL (National Association of Printers and Lithographers)
A Graphic Arts trade organization.
to top

Narrow Measure
A block of copy indented from one or both margins, to distinguish it from the surrounding full measure copy.
to top

Native Application Files
The default format in which an application program saves files. This format may be proprietary; however, most programs can save data in a variety of formats, including ASCII and PostScript. Also known as document format.
to top

Natural
A paper color such as cream, white or ivory.
to top

Natural Finish
Book cloth or paper characterized by a soft, slightly creamy appearance due to the finishing process.
to top

Natural Spread
See: Center Spread.
to top

Negative
Film containing an image in which the values of the original are reversed, so the dark areas appear light and the light areas dark.
to top

Net Weight
The weight of merchandise without the shipping container.
to top

Neutral pH Paper
See: Acid-free Paper.
to top

Newsprint
See: Groundwood Paper.
to top

Nick
A small tear on the head of a saddle-stitched book that occurs during the trimming operation.
to top

Nip
(1) A crease-like line at the joint of a casebound book.
(2) To squeeze sewn books for about a 2
to top

Nipping
The binding operation in which the binding edge of folded sheets are squeezed free of air.
to top

Non-image Area
That portion of the printing plate which does not accept ink; also called Non-Printing Area.
to top

Nonpareil
Measurement equaling one half of a pica
to top

Non-woven
A cover material made of materials other than cloth, frequently consisting of fibers bonded under heat and pressure.
to top

North-South Labels
Labels supplied in rolls or on accordion folded strips one label wide; labels are arranged vertically, one above the other.
to top

Notch Adhesive Case Bind (NACB)
An alternative to Smyth Sewing prior to casebinding; text is held with adhesive rather than thread. Sometimes called Perfect Case Bind or Burst Casebind.
to top

Notch Bind (NB)
An adhesive binding similar to Perfect Binding. Pieces of text stock (notches) are removed on the binding edge, during folding, to allow greater adhesive penetration without trimming the spine; primarily used for adhesive binding of coated paper.
to top