Overview
ISO 12637-1:2006 - Graphic technology - Vocabulary - Part 1: Fundamental terms defines a core, language-neutral set of fundamental terms used across the graphic technology sector. The standard provides rigorously worded English definitions arranged alphabetically to ease translation and consistent use in drafting other International Standards. It covers terminology spanning the complete graphic workflow - from design and prepress through printing to postpress - and reflects both traditional and digital technologies.
Key topics
The standard establishes concise definitions and conceptual structure for terms such as:
- Workflow stages: prepress, printing and postpress (including finishing, converting, distributing).
- Printing technology groups:
- Forme-based printing (traditional inked formes: plates, cylinders, stencils).
- Formeless printing (ink-jet, thermal-transfer, electrostatic/electrophotographic systems).
- Inkless printing (substrate reactions creating visible images without inks or formes).
- Image concepts: image, image carrier, image assembly, image preparation, image processing, image reproduction.
- Computer-driven processes: computer to electronic media / forme / image carrier / substrate.
- Specific processes and systems: ink-jet (continuous and drop-on-demand), flexography, gravure, electrophotographic/electrostatic printing, diazo printing, electronic engraving, elcographic, electrochemical printing.
- Prepress and forme making: assembly, image assembly, forme making, and distinctions between analog and digital approaches.
- Alphabetical arrangement and translation-focused wording to minimize language-specific ambiguity.
Practical applications
ISO 12637-1:2006 is intended to:
- Provide a standardized vocabulary for drafting and harmonizing technical specifications and other ISO standards in graphic technology.
- Improve clarity in technical documentation, procurement contracts, training materials and quality manuals.
- Facilitate multilingual communication and translation between designers, prepress/press/postpress teams, suppliers and regulatory bodies.
- Support interoperability discussions when integrating digital workflows, print systems and finishing/converting processes.
Who uses this standard
Typical users include:
- Standards writers and technical committees (ISO/TC 130 and national bodies).
- Print technologists, prepress and press engineers, finishing/converting specialists.
- Manufacturers of printing equipment, software vendors and system integrators.
- Technical authors, translators, trainers and quality assurance professionals in graphic production.
Related standards
- ISO 12637 series (general title: Graphic technology - Vocabulary).
- ISO 12637-5: Screen printing terms (published).
- Parts 2 (Prepress), 3 (Printing) and 4 (Postpress) noted as under preparation in the standard’s foreword.
Keywords: ISO 12637-1, graphic technology vocabulary, fundamental terms, prepress, printing, postpress, forme-based, formless, inkless, image carrier, printing terminology.
