Yearbook Vocabulary

Final pages of the yearbook (typically three pages or more) where the theme is concluded. Should follow ads and index.

• closing
• front lid
• divider
• endsheet

A list of the technical printing information about the yearbook, including price, number of copies, colors, fonts, photography company and awards won by previous year’s book. The colophon often appears at the end of the index.

• colophon
• graphics
• endsheet
• flat

Listing of the pages containing the opening, sections, index and closing. The contents is usually printed on the front endsheet or in the opening, but not on the title page.

• contents
• index
• flat
• folio tabs

The story. Every spread should contain a story, also called a copy block. Alternatives to traditional narrative copy include lists, quotes, personal narratives, surveys and other material that accurately tells the story.

• copy
• ladder
• folio tabs
• four color

Refers both to the topics featured on individual spreads and how the topics are highlighted. For example, typical coverage in a student life section would include summer, the first day of school and homecoming. In addition, typical homecoming coverage would include photos, copy and captions detailing the event.

• cover
• opening
• four color
• front lid

A spread used to separate each of the sections of the yearbook. A divider is usually theme related in design and the copy links the main theme to the ensuing section.

• divider
• section
• front lid
• graphics

Heavier sheets of paper which hold the pages of the yearbook to the cover. Endsheets may be plain or designed to reflect the theme. The front endsheet typically contains the contents listing.

• endsheet
• signature
• graphics
• index

Eight pages on one side of a signature. In the first signature of the yearbook, for example, pages 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13 and 16 make up one flat. Pages 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14 and 15 are printed on the other side of the signature.

• flat
• spine
• index
• ladder

The page number and the topic of a spread placed as a unit traditionally at the bottom left and bottom right of the spread.

• folio tabs
• spin-off
• ladder
• opening

Printing in cyan (blue), magenta (reddish pink), yellow and black or CMYK. These inks combine to create full-color pictures.

• four color
• spot color
• opening
• section