1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Desktop Publishing

What Kind of Boards Are Used For Mechanicals?

By Jacci Howard Bear, About.com

Question: What Kind of Boards Are Used For Mechanicals?
In traditional prepress all copy (text printouts) and artwork is attached to boards, sometime with transparent acetate overlays, which then become the camera-ready mechanicals.
Answer: The boards used in these mechanicals are a type of art board. Illustration or mounting boards are fairly rigid, usually with a smooth white side for mounting the copy. Thicker, more rigid art boards with a foam core can also be used for mechanicals.
Jacci Howard Bear
Guide since 1997

Jacci Howard Bear
Desktop Publishing Guide

Explore Desktop Publishing
About.com Special Features

Stay connected and entertained with reviews on tips on the latest HDTVs, cellphones and more. More >

Easy ways to connect two computers for networking purposes. More >

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Desktop Publishing
  4. Page Layout Tutorials
  5. Desktop Publishing Q&A
  6. FAQs on Desktop Publishing
  7. Prepress & Printing
  8. Boards for Mechanicals - What Kind of Boards are Used for Traditional Mechanicals or Pasteup?>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.