ASCII:

Acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, a standard coding convention used to help interface digital equipment.

Absolute White:

In practice, a solid white with known spectral data used as the "reference white" against which all other values are measured.

Absorbency:

The extent to which a paper will draw in and hold a liquid.

Absorption:

The first step toward drying an ink after impression.

Accordion fold:

Usually two parallel folds on a six panel brochure. Also, Z-fold.

Acetate:

Thin, pliable sheet of transparent plastic used to make overlays.

Acid-Free Paper:

Paper that does not contain acid.

Against the grain:

Feeding paper into the press or folder at right angles to the paper's direction of grain.

Agent:

An artist's representative who deals with licensing.

Airbrush:

Pen-shaped ink sprayer used to retouch photographic prints and create illustrations. As a verb, commonly used to refer to any enhancing methods used in image manipulation software.