V

variable dot size

A technology used in certain desktop printers that allows the size of a printed dot to vary. Setting smaller dots around the edge of a typeset character, for example, gives it a smoother appearance.

Venetian faces

Typefaces based on the earliest designs for movable type created in the late fifteenth century in Italy, and particularly Venice. They are old-style faces that have little contrast, steeply angled serifs, oblique stress, and a signature slanted bar in the e. An example is Jenson.

vector

In computer graphics, a direction from one point to another that can be either stroked (assigned a rule weight) or filled (used as a boundary or container for a color or image).

vector font

See outline font.

verso

A left-hand page (or the back side of a single-page document).

vertical justification

Filling columns of type by altering the leading to avoid such layout problems as short copy, orphans, and poor subhead placement.

vertical space band

A space between typeset lines at which a vertical-justification program is allowed to alter the leading.

virgule

Another name for the solidus character ( / ). Also called a slash.

visual alignment

See optical alignment.