Definition: SWOP

(Specifications for Web Offset Publications) A set of specifications and tolerances for publication printing that ensures measurable, consistent reproduction along each step in the process. SWOP guidelines address quality-of-material issues in prepress and proofing as well as on-press challenges of color matching, dot gain and different paper stocks. Launched informally in 1975 by a committee of industry experts, the organization evolved into a non-profit corporation, SWOP, Inc. Much of its attention has focused on the impact of digital files in contrast to decades of film-based production.