Offset

Offset, printing process whereby ink is transferred from a chemically treated printing plate, used so that only the printing or design will receive the ink, onto a rubber-covered cylinder, to paper. Offsetting is an improvement over other printing methods in its ability to print on numerous uneven surfaces and textures, such as rough paper, tin, or celluloid. Offset has been used successfully with color printing and rare book reproductions.

See also: Printing.