K

Abbreviation for black in four-colour process printing. Hence the 'K' in CMYK.

Key

(1) The screw that controls ink flow from the ink fountain of a printing press. (2) To relate loose pieces of copy to their positions on a layout or mechanical using a system of numbers or letters. (3) Alternate term for the colour black, as in 'key plate.'

Keylines

Lines on a mechanical or negative showing the exact size, shape and location of photographs or other graphic elements. Also called holding lines.

Key Negative or Plate

Negative or plate that prints the most detail, thus whose image guides the register of images from other plates. Also called key printer.

Kiss Cut

To die cut the top layer, but not the backing layer, of self-adhesive paper. Also called face cut.

Kiss Impression

Lightest possible impression that will transfer ink to a Substrate.

Kraft Paper

Strong paper used for wrapping and to make grocery bags and large envelopes.