COLD TYPE Meaning and
Definition
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Cold type refers to a method of printing and composing text that does not involve the use of traditional hot metal type, such as found in letterpress printing. Also known as phototypesetting or photo composition, this technique emerged in the mid-20th century as a significant advancement in the field of printing technology.
In cold type, the text is produced by photographic means rather than physically casting individual metal or wood type blocks. Initially, the process involved a typewriter-like keyboard or a computer terminal, which generated electrical impulses that directed a light source to expose the characters onto photosensitive paper or film. This exposed material is then developed, resulting in a negative image of the desired text. In subsequent steps, the negative is either reduced or enlarged to attain the desired font size, and it is then photographically transferred to a printing plate for reproduction.
The adoption of cold type allowed for greater flexibility in the layout and design of printed material. It facilitated the rapid production of high-quality typesetting, while minimizing the labor-intensive and time-consuming aspects of traditional hot metal typesetting. This method revolutionized the printing industry, making it possible to achieve more complex and dynamic layouts in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
With technological advancements, cold type eventually gave way to digital typesetting, as computers and software replaced the need for physical negatives and plates. Nevertheless, the evolution of cold type played a crucial role in shaping the modern printing industry and establishing a foundation for subsequent developments in typesetting technology.
Common Misspellings for COLD TYPE
- xold type
- dold type
- cild type
- ckld type
- clld type
- cpld type
- c0ld type
- c9ld type
- cokd type
- copd type
- cood type
- cols type
- colx type
- colc type
- colf type
- colr type
- cole type
- cold rype
- cold fype
- cold gype
Etymology of COLD TYPE
The term "cold type" has its roots in the early days of printing and typesetting technology. Before the invention of computers and digital typesetting, text was prepared and set using traditional methods.
In the past, printing was done using hot metal typesetting, where individual pieces of type were cast in molten metal and then assembled to create the desired text. This process was time-consuming, expensive, and required specialized equipment.
However, with advancements in technology, a new typesetting method called "cold type" or "phototypesetting" emerged in the mid-20th century. This technique involved a photosensitive paper or film that was exposed to light through a photographic process. The exposed paper or film would then be developed, resulting in printed text ready for reproduction.
The term "cold type" was used to differentiate this newer method from hot metal typesetting.
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