diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/__init__.py b/IPython/nbconvert/__init__.py
index d5e7352..464d547 100755
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/__init__.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/__init__.py
@@ -2,6 +2,6 @@
 
 from .exporters import *
 import filters
-import transformers
+import preprocessors
 import post_processors
 import writers
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/exporter.py b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/exporter.py
index 964b3cc..af9da29 100755
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/exporter.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/exporter.py
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ from IPython.utils.importstring import import_item
 from IPython.utils.text import indent
 from IPython.utils import py3compat
 
-from IPython.nbconvert import transformers as nbtransformers
+from IPython.nbconvert import preprocessors as nbpreprocessors
 from IPython.nbconvert import filters
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -83,8 +83,8 @@ class Exporter(LoggingConfigurable):
     """
     Exports notebooks into other file formats.  Uses Jinja 2 templating engine
     to output new formats.  Inherit from this class if you are creating a new
-    template type along with new filters/transformers.  If the filters/
-    transformers provided by default suffice, there is no need to inherit from
+    template type along with new filters/preprocessors.  If the filters/
+    preprocessors provided by default suffice, there is no need to inherit from
     this class.  Instead, override the template_file and file_extension
     traits via a config file.
 
@@ -138,23 +138,23 @@ class Exporter(LoggingConfigurable):
     #Extension that the template files use.    
     template_extension = Unicode(".tpl", config=True)
 
-    #Configurability, allows the user to easily add filters and transformers.
-    transformers = List(config=True,
-        help="""List of transformers, by name or namespace, to enable.""")
+    #Configurability, allows the user to easily add filters and preprocessors.
+    preprocessors = List(config=True,
+        help="""List of preprocessors, by name or namespace, to enable.""")
 
     filters = Dict(config=True,
         help="""Dictionary of filters, by name and namespace, to add to the Jinja
         environment.""")
 
-    default_transformers = List([nbtransformers.coalesce_streams,
-                                 nbtransformers.SVG2PDFTransformer,
-                                 nbtransformers.ExtractOutputTransformer,
-                                 nbtransformers.CSSHTMLHeaderTransformer,
-                                 nbtransformers.RevealHelpTransformer,
-                                 nbtransformers.LatexTransformer,
-                                 nbtransformers.SphinxTransformer],
+    default_preprocessors = List([nbpreprocessors.coalesce_streams,
+                                 nbpreprocessors.SVG2PDFPreprocessor,
+                                 nbpreprocessors.ExtractOutputPreprocessor,
+                                 nbpreprocessors.CSSHTMLHeaderPreprocessor,
+                                 nbpreprocessors.RevealHelpPreprocessor,
+                                 nbpreprocessors.LatexPreprocessor,
+                                 nbpreprocessors.SphinxPreprocessor],
         config=True,
-        help="""List of transformers available by default, by name, namespace, 
+        help="""List of preprocessors available by default, by name, namespace, 
         instance, or type.""")
 
 
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ class Exporter(LoggingConfigurable):
         #Init
         self._init_template()
         self._init_environment(extra_loaders=extra_loaders)
-        self._init_transformers()
+        self._init_preprocessors()
         self._init_filters()
 
 
@@ -245,13 +245,13 @@ class Exporter(LoggingConfigurable):
         nb : Notebook node
         resources : dict (**kw) 
             of additional resources that can be accessed read/write by 
-            transformers and filters.
+            preprocessors and filters.
         """
         nb_copy = copy.deepcopy(nb)
         resources = self._init_resources(resources)
 
         # Preprocess
-        nb_copy, resources = self._transform(nb_copy, resources)
+        nb_copy, resources = self._preprocess(nb_copy, resources)
 
         self._load_template()
 
@@ -300,51 +300,51 @@ class Exporter(LoggingConfigurable):
         return self.from_notebook_node(nbformat.read(file_stream, 'json'), resources=resources, **kw)
 
 
-    def register_transformer(self, transformer, enabled=False):
+    def register_preprocessor(self, preprocessor, enabled=False):
         """
-        Register a transformer.
-        Transformers are classes that act upon the notebook before it is
-        passed into the Jinja templating engine.  Transformers are also
+        Register a preprocessor.
+        Preprocessors are classes that act upon the notebook before it is
+        passed into the Jinja templating engine.  Preprocessors are also
         capable of passing additional information to the Jinja
         templating engine.
     
         Parameters
         ----------
-        transformer : transformer
+        preprocessor : preprocessor
         """
-        if transformer is None:
-            raise TypeError('transformer')
-        isclass = isinstance(transformer, type)
+        if preprocessor is None:
+            raise TypeError('preprocessor')
+        isclass = isinstance(preprocessor, type)
         constructed = not isclass
 
-        #Handle transformer's registration based on it's type
-        if constructed and isinstance(transformer, py3compat.string_types):
-            #Transformer is a string, import the namespace and recursively call
-            #this register_transformer method
-            transformer_cls = import_item(transformer)
-            return self.register_transformer(transformer_cls, enabled)
+        #Handle preprocessor's registration based on it's type
+        if constructed and isinstance(preprocessor, py3compat.string_types):
+            #Preprocessor is a string, import the namespace and recursively call
+            #this register_preprocessor method
+            preprocessor_cls = import_item(preprocessor)
+            return self.register_preprocessor(preprocessor_cls, enabled)
         
-        if constructed and hasattr(transformer, '__call__'):
-            #Transformer is a function, no need to construct it.
-            #Register and return the transformer.
+        if constructed and hasattr(preprocessor, '__call__'):
+            #Preprocessor is a function, no need to construct it.
+            #Register and return the preprocessor.
             if enabled:
-                transformer.enabled = True
-            self._transformers.append(transformer)
-            return transformer
+                preprocessor.enabled = True
+            self._preprocessors.append(preprocessor)
+            return preprocessor
 
-        elif isclass and isinstance(transformer, MetaHasTraits):
-            #Transformer is configurable.  Make sure to pass in new default for 
+        elif isclass and isinstance(preprocessor, MetaHasTraits):
+            #Preprocessor is configurable.  Make sure to pass in new default for 
             #the enabled flag if one was specified.
-            self.register_transformer(transformer(parent=self), enabled)
+            self.register_preprocessor(preprocessor(parent=self), enabled)
 
         elif isclass:
-            #Transformer is not configurable, construct it
-            self.register_transformer(transformer(), enabled)
+            #Preprocessor is not configurable, construct it
+            self.register_preprocessor(preprocessor(), enabled)
 
         else:
-            #Transformer is an instance of something without a __call__ 
+            #Preprocessor is an instance of something without a __call__ 
             #attribute.  
-            raise TypeError('transformer')
+            raise TypeError('preprocessor')
 
 
     def register_filter(self, name, jinja_filter):
@@ -435,22 +435,22 @@ class Exporter(LoggingConfigurable):
             self.environment.comment_end_string = self.jinja_comment_block_end
 
     
-    def _init_transformers(self):
+    def _init_preprocessors(self):
         """
-        Register all of the transformers needed for this exporter, disabled
+        Register all of the preprocessors needed for this exporter, disabled
         unless specified explicitly.
         """
-        self._transformers = []
+        self._preprocessors = []
 
-        #Load default transformers (not necessarly enabled by default).
-        if self.default_transformers:
-            for transformer in self.default_transformers:
-                self.register_transformer(transformer)
+        #Load default preprocessors (not necessarly enabled by default).
+        if self.default_preprocessors:
+            for preprocessor in self.default_preprocessors:
+                self.register_preprocessor(preprocessor)
 
-        #Load user transformers.  Enable by default.
-        if self.transformers:
-            for transformer in self.transformers:
-                self.register_transformer(transformer, enabled=True)
+        #Load user preprocessors.  Enable by default.
+        if self.preprocessors:
+            for preprocessor in self.preprocessors:
+                self.register_preprocessor(preprocessor, enabled=True)
  
 
     def _init_filters(self):
@@ -492,7 +492,7 @@ class Exporter(LoggingConfigurable):
         return resources
         
 
-    def _transform(self, nb, resources):
+    def _preprocess(self, nb, resources):
         """
         Preprocess the notebook before passing it into the Jinja engine.
         To preprocess the notebook is to apply all of the 
@@ -502,17 +502,17 @@ class Exporter(LoggingConfigurable):
         nb : notebook node
             notebook that is being exported.
         resources : a dict of additional resources that
-            can be accessed read/write by transformers
+            can be accessed read/write by preprocessors
             and filters.
         """
         
         # Do a copy.deepcopy first, 
-        # we are never safe enough with what the transformers could do.
+        # we are never safe enough with what the preprocessors could do.
         nbc =  copy.deepcopy(nb)
         resc = copy.deepcopy(resources)
 
-        #Run each transformer on the notebook.  Carry the output along
-        #to each transformer
-        for transformer in self._transformers:
-            nbc, resc = transformer(nbc, resc)
+        #Run each preprocessor on the notebook.  Carry the output along
+        #to each preprocessor
+        for preprocessor in self._preprocessors:
+            nbc, resc = preprocessor(nbc, resc)
         return nbc, resc
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/html.py b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/html.py
index f79193d..6e1b18f 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/html.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/html.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ Exporter that exports Basic HTML.
 
 from IPython.utils.traitlets import Unicode, List
 
-from IPython.nbconvert import transformers
+from IPython.nbconvert import preprocessors
 from IPython.config import Config
 
 from .exporter import Exporter
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ class HTMLExporter(Exporter):
     """
     Exports a basic HTML document.  This exporter assists with the export of
     HTML.  Inherit from it if you are writing your own HTML template and need
-    custom transformers/filters.  If you don't need custom transformers/
+    custom preprocessors/filters.  If you don't need custom preprocessors/
     filters, just change the 'template_file' config option.  
     """
     
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ class HTMLExporter(Exporter):
     @property
     def default_config(self):
         c = Config({
-            'CSSHTMLHeaderTransformer':{
+            'CSSHTMLHeaderPreprocessor':{
                 'enabled':True
                 }          
             })
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/latex.py b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/latex.py
index 453f95b..339c6d4 100755
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/latex.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/latex.py
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ import os
 from IPython.utils.traitlets import Unicode, List
 from IPython.config import Config
 
-from IPython.nbconvert import filters, transformers
+from IPython.nbconvert import filters, preprocessors
 from .exporter import Exporter
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -74,16 +74,16 @@ class LatexExporter(Exporter):
             'NbConvertBase': {
                 'display_data_priority' : ['latex', 'pdf', 'png', 'jpg', 'svg', 'jpeg', 'text']
                 },
-             'ExtractOutputTransformer': {
+             'ExtractOutputPreprocessor': {
                     'enabled':True
                  },
-             'SVG2PDFTransformer': {
+             'SVG2PDFPreprocessor': {
                     'enabled':True
                  },
-             'LatexTransformer': {
+             'LatexPreprocessor': {
                     'enabled':True
                  },
-             'SphinxTransformer': {
+             'SphinxPreprocessor': {
                     'enabled':True
                  }
          })
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/rst.py b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/rst.py
index 0204e13..d22c6af 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/rst.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/rst.py
@@ -33,6 +33,6 @@ class RSTExporter(Exporter):
 
     @property
     def default_config(self):
-        c = Config({'ExtractOutputTransformer':{'enabled':True}})
+        c = Config({'ExtractOutputPreprocessor':{'enabled':True}})
         c.merge(super(RSTExporter,self).default_config)
         return c
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/slides.py b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/slides.py
index 50e7f99..9920206 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/slides.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/slides.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ Contains slide show exporter
 
 from IPython.utils.traitlets import Unicode
 
-from IPython.nbconvert import transformers
+from IPython.nbconvert import preprocessors
 from IPython.config import Config
 
 from .exporter import Exporter
@@ -41,10 +41,10 @@ class SlidesExporter(Exporter):
     @property
     def default_config(self):
         c = Config({
-            'CSSHTMLHeaderTransformer':{
+            'CSSHTMLHeaderPreprocessor':{
                 'enabled':True
                 },
-            'RevealHelpTransformer':{
+            'RevealHelpPreprocessor':{
                 'enabled':True,
                 },                
             })
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/tests/cheese.py b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/tests/cheese.py
index beddc7d..f4a42ce 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/tests/cheese.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/tests/cheese.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-Contains CheeseTransformer
+Contains CheesePreprocessor
 """
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Copyright (c) 2013, the IPython Development Team.
@@ -13,13 +13,13 @@ Contains CheeseTransformer
 # Imports
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-from ...transformers.base import Transformer
+from ...preprocessors.base import Preprocessor
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Classes
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class CheeseTransformer(Transformer):
+class CheesePreprocessor(Preprocessor):
     """
     Adds a cheese tag to the resources object
     """
@@ -29,12 +29,12 @@ class CheeseTransformer(Transformer):
         """
         Public constructor
         """
-        super(CheeseTransformer, self).__init__(**kw)
+        super(CheesePreprocessor, self).__init__(**kw)
 
 
-    def transform(self, nb, resources):
+    def preprocess(self, nb, resources):
         """
-        Sphinx transformation to apply on each notebook.
+        Sphinx preprocessing to apply on each notebook.
         
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ class CheeseTransformer(Transformer):
             Notebook being converted
         resources : dictionary
             Additional resources used in the conversion process.  Allows
-            transformers to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
+            preprocessors to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
         """
         resources['cheese'] = 'real'
         return nb, resources
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/tests/test_exporter.py b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/tests/test_exporter.py
index 2858dad..edaff1c 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/tests/test_exporter.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/exporters/tests/test_exporter.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ Module with tests for exporter.py
 from IPython.config import Config
 
 from .base import ExportersTestsBase
-from .cheese import CheeseTransformer
+from .cheese import CheesePreprocessor
 from ..exporter import Exporter
 
 
@@ -47,9 +47,9 @@ class TestExporter(ExportersTestsBase):
 
     def test_extract_outputs(self):
         """
-        If the ExtractOutputTransformer is enabled, are outputs extracted?
+        If the ExtractOutputPreprocessor is enabled, are outputs extracted?
         """
-        config = Config({'ExtractOutputTransformer': {'enabled': True}})
+        config = Config({'ExtractOutputPreprocessor': {'enabled': True}})
         exporter = self._make_exporter(config=config)
         (output, resources) = exporter.from_filename(self._get_notebook())
         assert resources is not None
@@ -57,45 +57,45 @@ class TestExporter(ExportersTestsBase):
         assert len(resources['outputs']) > 0
 
 
-    def test_transformer_class(self):
+    def test_preprocessor_class(self):
         """
-        Can a transformer be added to the transformers list by class type?
+        Can a preprocessor be added to the preprocessors list by class type?
         """
-        config = Config({'Exporter': {'transformers': [CheeseTransformer]}})
+        config = Config({'Exporter': {'preprocessors': [CheesePreprocessor]}})
         exporter = self._make_exporter(config=config)
         (output, resources) = exporter.from_filename(self._get_notebook())
         assert resources is not None
         assert resources['cheese'] == 'real'
 
 
-    def test_transformer_instance(self):
+    def test_preprocessor_instance(self):
         """
-        Can a transformer be added to the transformers list by instance?
+        Can a preprocessor be added to the preprocessors list by instance?
         """
-        config = Config({'Exporter': {'transformers': [CheeseTransformer()]}})
+        config = Config({'Exporter': {'preprocessors': [CheesePreprocessor()]}})
         exporter = self._make_exporter(config=config)
         (output, resources) = exporter.from_filename(self._get_notebook())
         assert resources is not None
         assert resources['cheese'] == 'real'
 
 
-    def test_transformer_dottedobjectname(self):
+    def test_preprocessor_dottedobjectname(self):
         """
-        Can a transformer be added to the transformers list by dotted object name?
+        Can a preprocessor be added to the preprocessors list by dotted object name?
         """
-        config = Config({'Exporter': {'transformers': ['IPython.nbconvert.exporters.tests.cheese.CheeseTransformer']}})
+        config = Config({'Exporter': {'preprocessors': ['IPython.nbconvert.exporters.tests.cheese.CheesePreprocessor']}})
         exporter = self._make_exporter(config=config)
         (output, resources) = exporter.from_filename(self._get_notebook())
         assert resources is not None
         assert resources['cheese'] == 'real'
 
 
-    def test_transformer_via_method(self):
+    def test_preprocessor_via_method(self):
         """
-        Can a transformer be added via the Exporter convenience method?
+        Can a preprocessor be added via the Exporter convenience method?
         """
         exporter = self._make_exporter()
-        exporter.register_transformer(CheeseTransformer, enabled=True)
+        exporter.register_preprocessor(CheesePreprocessor, enabled=True)
         (output, resources) = exporter.from_filename(self._get_notebook())
         assert resources is not None
         assert resources['cheese'] == 'real'
@@ -105,4 +105,4 @@ class TestExporter(ExportersTestsBase):
         #Create the exporter instance, make sure to set a template name since
         #the base Exporter doesn't have a template associated with it.
         exporter = Exporter(config=config, template_file='python')
-        return exporter        
\ No newline at end of file
+        return exporter        
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/nbconvertapp.py b/IPython/nbconvert/nbconvertapp.py
index df8da61..1f3b3b0 100755
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/nbconvertapp.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/nbconvertapp.py
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ from IPython.utils.importstring import import_item
 from IPython.utils.text import dedent
 
 from .exporters.export import get_export_names, exporter_map
-from IPython.nbconvert import exporters, transformers, writers, post_processors
+from IPython.nbconvert import exporters, preprocessors, writers, post_processors
 from .utils.base import NbConvertBase
 from .utils.exceptions import ConversionException
 
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ class NbConvertApp(BaseIPythonApplication):
     
     def _classes_default(self):
         classes = [NbConvertBase]
-        for pkg in (exporters, transformers, writers):
+        for pkg in (exporters, preprocessors, writers):
             for name in dir(pkg):
                 cls = getattr(pkg, name)
                 if isinstance(cls, type) and issubclass(cls, Configurable):
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/__init__.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/__init__.py
index 4626747..4f3e490 100755
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/__init__.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/__init__.py
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
-# Class base Transformers
-from .base import Transformer
-from .convertfigures import ConvertFiguresTransformer
-from .svg2pdf import SVG2PDFTransformer
-from .extractoutput import ExtractOutputTransformer
-from .revealhelp import RevealHelpTransformer
-from .latex import LatexTransformer
-from .sphinx import SphinxTransformer
-from .csshtmlheader import CSSHTMLHeaderTransformer
+# Class base Preprocessors
+from .base import Preprocessor
+from .convertfigures import ConvertFiguresPreprocessor
+from .svg2pdf import SVG2PDFPreprocessor
+from .extractoutput import ExtractOutputPreprocessor
+from .revealhelp import RevealHelpPreprocessor
+from .latex import LatexPreprocessor
+from .sphinx import SphinxPreprocessor
+from .csshtmlheader import CSSHTMLHeaderPreprocessor
 
-# decorated function Transformers
+# decorated function Preprocessors
 from .coalescestreams import coalesce_streams
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/base.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/base.py
index d38df62..fec1a1d 100755
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/base.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/base.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-Module that re-groups transformer that would be applied to ipynb files
+Module that re-groups preprocessor that would be applied to ipynb files
 before going through the templating machinery.
 
 It exposes a convenient class to inherit from to access configurability.
@@ -23,20 +23,20 @@ from IPython.utils.traitlets import Bool
 # Classes and Functions
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class Transformer(NbConvertBase):
-    """ A configurable transformer
+class Preprocessor(NbConvertBase):
+    """ A configurable preprocessor
 
     Inherit from this class if you wish to have configurability for your
-    transformer.
+    preprocessor.
 
     Any configurable traitlets this class exposed will be configurable in profiles
     using c.SubClassName.atribute=value
 
-    you can overwrite :meth:`transform_cell` to apply a transformation independently on each cell
-    or :meth:`transform` if you prefer your own logic. See corresponding docstring for informations.
+    you can overwrite :meth:`preprocess_cell` to apply a preprocessation independently on each cell
+    or :meth:`preprocess` if you prefer your own logic. See corresponding docstring for informations.
 
     Disabled by default and can be enabled via the config by
-        'c.YourTransformerName.enabled = True'
+        'c.YourPreprocessorName.enabled = True'
     """
     
     enabled = Bool(False, config=True)
@@ -53,23 +53,23 @@ class Transformer(NbConvertBase):
             Additional arguments
         """
         
-        super(Transformer, self).__init__(**kw)
+        super(Preprocessor, self).__init__(**kw)
 
        
     def __call__(self, nb, resources):
         if self.enabled:
-            return self.transform(nb,resources)
+            return self.preprocess(nb,resources)
         else:
             return nb, resources
 
 
-    def transform(self, nb, resources):
+    def preprocess(self, nb, resources):
         """
-        Transformation to apply on each notebook.
+        preprocessation to apply on each notebook.
         
         You should return modified nb, resources.
-        If you wish to apply your transform on each cell, you might want to 
-        overwrite transform_cell method instead.
+        If you wish to apply your preprocess on each cell, you might want to 
+        overwrite preprocess_cell method instead.
         
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -77,21 +77,21 @@ class Transformer(NbConvertBase):
             Notebook being converted
         resources : dictionary
             Additional resources used in the conversion process.  Allows
-            transformers to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
+            preprocessors to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
         """
-        self.log.debug("Applying transform: %s", self.__class__.__name__)
+        self.log.debug("Applying preprocess: %s", self.__class__.__name__)
         try :
             for worksheet in nb.worksheets:
                 for index, cell in enumerate(worksheet.cells):
-                    worksheet.cells[index], resources = self.transform_cell(cell, resources, index)
+                    worksheet.cells[index], resources = self.preprocess_cell(cell, resources, index)
             return nb, resources
         except NotImplementedError:
             raise NotImplementedError('should be implemented by subclass')
 
 
-    def transform_cell(self, cell, resources, index):
+    def preprocess_cell(self, cell, resources, index):
         """
-        Overwrite if you want to apply a transformation on each cell.  You 
+        Overwrite if you want to apply a preprocessation on each cell.  You 
         should return modified cell and resource dictionary.
         
         Parameters
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ class Transformer(NbConvertBase):
             Notebook cell being processed
         resources : dictionary
             Additional resources used in the conversion process.  Allows
-            transformers to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
+            preprocessors to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
         index : int
             Index of the cell being processed
         """
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/coalescestreams.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/coalescestreams.py
index 73be4c5..5d906a8 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/coalescestreams.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/coalescestreams.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ def cell_preprocessor(function):
         Notebook cell being processed
     resources : dictionary
         Additional resources used in the conversion process.  Allows
-        transformers to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
+        preprocessors to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
     index : int
         Index of the cell being processed
     """
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/convertfigures.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/convertfigures.py
index 25c084a..1c0ddc1 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/convertfigures.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/convertfigures.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""Module containing a transformer that converts outputs in the notebook from 
+"""Module containing a preprocessor that converts outputs in the notebook from 
 one format to another.
 """
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -13,14 +13,14 @@ one format to another.
 # Imports
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-from .base import Transformer
+from .base import Preprocessor
 from IPython.utils.traitlets import Unicode
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Classes
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class ConvertFiguresTransformer(Transformer):
+class ConvertFiguresPreprocessor(Preprocessor):
     """
     Converts all of the outputs in a notebook from one format to another.
     """
@@ -32,14 +32,14 @@ class ConvertFiguresTransformer(Transformer):
         """
         Public constructor
         """
-        super(ConvertFiguresTransformer, self).__init__(**kw)
+        super(ConvertFiguresPreprocessor, self).__init__(**kw)
 
 
     def convert_figure(self, data_format, data):
         raise NotImplementedError()
 
 
-    def transform_cell(self, cell, resources, cell_index):
+    def preprocess_cell(self, cell, resources, cell_index):
         """
         Apply a transformation on each cell,
         
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/csshtmlheader.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/csshtmlheader.py
index f7762a2..decae7d 100755
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/csshtmlheader.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/csshtmlheader.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ from pygments.formatters import HtmlFormatter
 
 from IPython.utils import path
 
-from .base import Transformer
+from .base import Preprocessor
 
 from IPython.utils.traitlets import Unicode
 
@@ -27,9 +27,9 @@ from IPython.utils.traitlets import Unicode
 # Classes and functions
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class CSSHTMLHeaderTransformer(Transformer):
+class CSSHTMLHeaderPreprocessor(Preprocessor):
     """
-    Transformer used to pre-process notebook for HTML output.  Adds IPython notebook
+    Preprocessor used to pre-process notebook for HTML output.  Adds IPython notebook
     front-end CSS and Pygments CSS to HTML output.
     """
 
@@ -50,13 +50,13 @@ class CSSHTMLHeaderTransformer(Transformer):
             Additional arguments
         """
         
-        super(CSSHTMLHeaderTransformer, self).__init__(config=config, **kw)
+        super(CSSHTMLHeaderPreprocessor, self).__init__(config=config, **kw)
 
         if self.enabled :
             self._regen_header()
 
 
-    def transform(self, nb, resources):
+    def preprocess(self, nb, resources):
         """Fetch and add CSS to the resource dictionary
 
         Fetch CSS from IPython and Pygments to add at the beginning
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ class CSSHTMLHeaderTransformer(Transformer):
             Notebook being converted
         resources : dictionary
             Additional resources used in the conversion process.  Allows
-            transformers to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
+            preprocessors to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
         """
         
         resources['inlining'] = {}
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/extractoutput.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/extractoutput.py
index d6a83ae..961fde0 100755
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/extractoutput.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/extractoutput.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""Module containing a transformer that extracts all of the outputs from the
+"""Module containing a preprocessor that extracts all of the outputs from the
 notebook file.  The extracted outputs are returned in the 'resources' dictionary.
 """
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -18,14 +18,14 @@ import sys
 import os
 
 from IPython.utils.traitlets import Unicode
-from .base import Transformer
+from .base import Preprocessor
 from IPython.utils import py3compat
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Classes
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class ExtractOutputTransformer(Transformer):
+class ExtractOutputPreprocessor(Preprocessor):
     """
     Extracts all of the outputs from the notebook file.  The extracted 
     outputs are returned in the 'resources' dictionary.
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ class ExtractOutputTransformer(Transformer):
         "{unique_key}_{cell_index}_{index}.{extension}", config=True)
 
 
-    def transform_cell(self, cell, resources, cell_index):
+    def preprocess_cell(self, cell, resources, cell_index):
         """
         Apply a transformation on each cell,
         
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ class ExtractOutputTransformer(Transformer):
             Notebook cell being processed
         resources : dictionary
             Additional resources used in the conversion process.  Allows
-            transformers to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
+            preprocessors to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
         cell_index : int
             Index of the cell being processed (see base.py)
         """
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/latex.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/latex.py
index 2940d7e..6c04d5e 100755
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/latex.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/latex.py
@@ -16,22 +16,22 @@ they are converted.
 from __future__ import print_function, absolute_import
 
 # Our own imports
-# Needed to override transformer
-from .base import (Transformer)
+# Needed to override preprocessor
+from .base import (Preprocessor)
 from IPython.nbconvert import filters
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Classes
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class LatexTransformer(Transformer):
+class LatexPreprocessor(Preprocessor):
     """
     Converter for latex destined documents.
     """
 
-    def transform_cell(self, cell, resources, index):
+    def preprocess_cell(self, cell, resources, index):
         """
-        Apply a transformation on each cell,
+        Apply a preprocessation on each cell,
         
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ class LatexTransformer(Transformer):
             Notebook cell being processed
         resources : dictionary
             Additional resources used in the conversion process.  Allows
-            transformers to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
+            preprocessors to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
         index : int
             Modified index of the cell being processed (see base.py)
         """
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/revealhelp.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/revealhelp.py
index a07c64f..ae1110e 100755
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/revealhelp.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/revealhelp.py
@@ -15,14 +15,14 @@
 import os
 import urllib2
 
-from .base import Transformer
+from .base import Preprocessor
 from IPython.utils.traitlets import Unicode, Bool
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Classes and functions
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class RevealHelpTransformer(Transformer):
+class RevealHelpPreprocessor(Preprocessor):
 
     url_prefix = Unicode('//cdn.jsdelivr.net/reveal.js/2.4.0',
                          config=True,
@@ -34,9 +34,9 @@ class RevealHelpTransformer(Transformer):
                          help="""If you want to use the speaker notes 
                          set this to True.""")
 
-    def transform(self, nb, resources):
+    def preprocess(self, nb, resources):
         """
-        Called once to 'transform' contents of the notebook.
+        Called once to 'preprocess' contents of the notebook.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ class RevealHelpTransformer(Transformer):
             Notebook being converted
         resources : dictionary
             Additional resources used in the conversion process.  Allows
-            transformers to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
+            preprocessors to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
         """
 
         for worksheet in nb.worksheets :
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/sphinx.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/sphinx.py
index 8badb80..6974291 100755
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/sphinx.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/sphinx.py
@@ -30,8 +30,8 @@ from pygments.formatters import LatexFormatter
 # Configurable traitlets
 from IPython.utils.traitlets import Unicode, Bool
 
-# Needed to override transformer
-from .base import (Transformer)
+# Needed to override preprocessor
+from .base import (Preprocessor)
 
 from IPython.nbconvert.utils import console  
 
@@ -39,11 +39,11 @@ from IPython.nbconvert.utils import console
 # Classes and functions
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class SphinxTransformer(Transformer):
+class SphinxPreprocessor(Preprocessor):
     """
-    Sphinx utility transformer.
+    Sphinx utility preprocessor.
 
-    This transformer is used to set variables needed by the latex to build
+    This preprocessor is used to set variables needed by the latex to build
     Sphinx stylized templates.
     """
     
@@ -109,9 +109,9 @@ class SphinxTransformer(Transformer):
     overridetitle = Unicode("", config=True, help="")
 
     
-    def transform(self, nb, resources):
+    def preprocess(self, nb, resources):
         """
-        Sphinx transformation to apply on each notebook.
+        Sphinx preprocessing to apply on each notebook.
         
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ class SphinxTransformer(Transformer):
             Notebook being converted
         resources : dictionary
             Additional resources used in the conversion process.  Allows
-            transformers to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
+            preprocessors to pass variables into the Jinja engine.
         """
         # import sphinx here, so that sphinx is not a dependency when it's not used
         import sphinx
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/svg2pdf.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/svg2pdf.py
index b76bc8b..2e39c83 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/svg2pdf.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/svg2pdf.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""Module containing a transformer that converts outputs in the notebook from 
+"""Module containing a preprocessor that converts outputs in the notebook from 
 one format to another.
 """
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ import subprocess
 from IPython.utils.tempdir import TemporaryDirectory
 from IPython.utils.traitlets import Unicode
 
-from .convertfigures import ConvertFiguresTransformer
+from .convertfigures import ConvertFiguresPreprocessor
 
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ INKSCAPE_APP = '/Applications/Inkscape.app/Contents/Resources/bin/inkscape'
 # Classes
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class SVG2PDFTransformer(ConvertFiguresTransformer):
+class SVG2PDFPreprocessor(ConvertFiguresPreprocessor):
     """
     Converts all of the outputs in a notebook from SVG to PDF.
     """
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/base.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/base.py
index 56fb249..8c72e51 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/base.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/base.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-Module with utility functions for transformer tests
+Module with utility functions for preprocessor tests
 """
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -23,12 +23,12 @@ from ...exporters.exporter import ResourcesDict
 # Class
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class TransformerTestsBase(TestsBase):
-    """Contains test functions transformer tests"""
+class PreprocessorTestsBase(TestsBase):
+    """Contains test functions preprocessor tests"""
 
 
     def build_notebook(self):
-        """Build a notebook in memory for use with transformer tests"""
+        """Build a notebook in memory for use with preprocessor tests"""
 
         outputs = [nbformat.new_output(output_type="stream", stream="stdout", output_text="a"),
                    nbformat.new_output(output_type="text", output_text="b"),
@@ -50,4 +50,4 @@ class TransformerTestsBase(TestsBase):
         
         res = ResourcesDict()
         res['metadata'] = ResourcesDict()
-        return res
\ No newline at end of file
+        return res
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_coalescestreams.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_coalescestreams.py
index 548d48f..ad476d8 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_coalescestreams.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_coalescestreams.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-Module with tests for the coalescestreams transformer
+Module with tests for the coalescestreams preprocessor
 """
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ Module with tests for the coalescestreams transformer
 # Imports
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-from .base import TransformerTestsBase
+from .base import PreprocessorTestsBase
 from ..coalescestreams import coalesce_streams
 
 
@@ -22,11 +22,11 @@ from ..coalescestreams import coalesce_streams
 # Class
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class TestCoalesceStreams(TransformerTestsBase):
+class TestCoalesceStreams(PreprocessorTestsBase):
     """Contains test functions for coalescestreams.py"""
 
     def test_coalesce_streams(self):
-        """coalesce_streams transformer output test"""
+        """coalesce_streams preprocessor output test"""
         nb = self.build_notebook()
         res = self.build_resources()
         nb, res = coalesce_streams(nb, res)
@@ -35,4 +35,4 @@ class TestCoalesceStreams(TransformerTestsBase):
         self.assertEqual(outputs[1].output_type, "text")
         self.assertEqual(outputs[2].text, "cd")
         self.assertEqual(outputs[3].text, "ef")
-    
\ No newline at end of file
+    
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_csshtmlheader.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_csshtmlheader.py
index 7b41a5e..c259bad 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_csshtmlheader.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_csshtmlheader.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-Module with tests for the csshtmlheader transformer
+Module with tests for the csshtmlheader preprocessor
 """
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -14,34 +14,34 @@ Module with tests for the csshtmlheader transformer
 # Imports
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-from .base import TransformerTestsBase
-from ..csshtmlheader import CSSHTMLHeaderTransformer
+from .base import PreprocessorTestsBase
+from ..csshtmlheader import CSSHTMLHeaderPreprocessor
 
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Class
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class TestCSSHTMLHeader(TransformerTestsBase):
+class TestCSSHTMLHeader(PreprocessorTestsBase):
     """Contains test functions for csshtmlheader.py"""
 
 
-    def build_transformer(self):
-        """Make an instance of a transformer"""
-        transformer = CSSHTMLHeaderTransformer()
-        transformer.enabled = True
-        return transformer
+    def build_preprocessor(self):
+        """Make an instance of a preprocessor"""
+        preprocessor = CSSHTMLHeaderPreprocessor()
+        preprocessor.enabled = True
+        return preprocessor
 
 
     def test_constructor(self):
-        """Can a CSSHTMLHeaderTransformer be constructed?"""
-        self.build_transformer()
+        """Can a CSSHTMLHeaderPreprocessor be constructed?"""
+        self.build_preprocessor()
     
 
     def test_output(self):
-        """Test the output of the CSSHTMLHeaderTransformer"""
+        """Test the output of the CSSHTMLHeaderPreprocessor"""
         nb = self.build_notebook()
         res = self.build_resources()
-        transformer = self.build_transformer()
-        nb, res = transformer(nb, res)
-        assert 'css' in res['inlining'] 
\ No newline at end of file
+        preprocessor = self.build_preprocessor()
+        nb, res = preprocessor(nb, res)
+        assert 'css' in res['inlining'] 
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_extractoutput.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_extractoutput.py
index 1da1988..4a13ebd 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_extractoutput.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_extractoutput.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-Module with tests for the extractoutput transformer
+Module with tests for the extractoutput preprocessor
 """
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -14,36 +14,36 @@ Module with tests for the extractoutput transformer
 # Imports
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-from .base import TransformerTestsBase
-from ..extractoutput import ExtractOutputTransformer
+from .base import PreprocessorTestsBase
+from ..extractoutput import ExtractOutputPreprocessor
 
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Class
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class TestExtractOutput(TransformerTestsBase):
+class TestExtractOutput(PreprocessorTestsBase):
     """Contains test functions for extractoutput.py"""
 
 
-    def build_transformer(self):
-        """Make an instance of a transformer"""
-        transformer = ExtractOutputTransformer()
-        transformer.enabled = True
-        return transformer
+    def build_preprocessor(self):
+        """Make an instance of a preprocessor"""
+        preprocessor = ExtractOutputPreprocessor()
+        preprocessor.enabled = True
+        return preprocessor
 
 
     def test_constructor(self):
-        """Can a ExtractOutputTransformer be constructed?"""
-        self.build_transformer()
+        """Can a ExtractOutputPreprocessor be constructed?"""
+        self.build_preprocessor()
     
 
     def test_output(self):
-        """Test the output of the ExtractOutputTransformer"""
+        """Test the output of the ExtractOutputPreprocessor"""
         nb = self.build_notebook()
         res = self.build_resources()
-        transformer = self.build_transformer()
-        nb, res = transformer(nb, res)
+        preprocessor = self.build_preprocessor()
+        nb, res = preprocessor(nb, res)
 
         # Check if text was extracted.
         assert 'text_filename' in nb.worksheets[0].cells[0].outputs[1]
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_latex.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_latex.py
index ab0b274..3d46fd9 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_latex.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_latex.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-Module with tests for the latex transformer
+Module with tests for the latex preprocessor
 """
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -14,35 +14,35 @@ Module with tests for the latex transformer
 # Imports
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-from .base import TransformerTestsBase
-from ..latex import LatexTransformer
+from .base import PreprocessorTestsBase
+from ..latex import LatexPreprocessor
 
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Class
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class TestLatex(TransformerTestsBase):
+class TestLatex(PreprocessorTestsBase):
     """Contains test functions for latex.py"""
 
 
-    def build_transformer(self):
-        """Make an instance of a transformer"""
-        transformer = LatexTransformer()
-        transformer.enabled = True
-        return transformer
+    def build_preprocessor(self):
+        """Make an instance of a preprocessor"""
+        preprocessor = LatexPreprocessor()
+        preprocessor.enabled = True
+        return preprocessor
 
     def test_constructor(self):
-        """Can a LatexTransformer be constructed?"""
-        self.build_transformer()
+        """Can a LatexPreprocessor be constructed?"""
+        self.build_preprocessor()
         
 
     def test_output(self):
-        """Test the output of the LatexTransformer"""
+        """Test the output of the LatexPreprocessor"""
         nb = self.build_notebook()
         res = self.build_resources()
-        transformer = self.build_transformer()
-        nb, res = transformer(nb, res)
+        preprocessor = self.build_preprocessor()
+        nb, res = preprocessor(nb, res)
 
         # Make sure the code cell wasn't modified.
         self.assertEqual(nb.worksheets[0].cells[0].input, '$ e $')
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_revealhelp.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_revealhelp.py
index 126564e..690bf09 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_revealhelp.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_revealhelp.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-Module with tests for the revealhelp transformer
+Module with tests for the revealhelp preprocessor
 """
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -16,20 +16,20 @@ Module with tests for the revealhelp transformer
 
 from IPython.nbformat import current as nbformat
 
-from .base import TransformerTestsBase
-from ..revealhelp import RevealHelpTransformer
+from .base import PreprocessorTestsBase
+from ..revealhelp import RevealHelpPreprocessor
 
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Class
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class Testrevealhelp(TransformerTestsBase):
+class Testrevealhelp(PreprocessorTestsBase):
     """Contains test functions for revealhelp.py"""
 
     def build_notebook(self):
         """Build a reveal slides notebook in memory for use with tests.  
-        Overrides base in TransformerTestsBase"""
+        Overrides base in PreprocessorTestsBase"""
 
         outputs = [nbformat.new_output(output_type="stream", stream="stdout", output_text="a")]
         
@@ -46,34 +46,34 @@ class Testrevealhelp(TransformerTestsBase):
         return nbformat.new_notebook(name="notebook1", worksheets=worksheets)
 
 
-    def build_transformer(self):
-        """Make an instance of a transformer"""
-        transformer = RevealHelpTransformer()
-        transformer.enabled = True
-        return transformer
+    def build_preprocessor(self):
+        """Make an instance of a preprocessor"""
+        preprocessor = RevealHelpPreprocessor()
+        preprocessor.enabled = True
+        return preprocessor
 
 
     def test_constructor(self):
-        """Can a RevealHelpTransformer be constructed?"""
-        self.build_transformer()
+        """Can a RevealHelpPreprocessor be constructed?"""
+        self.build_preprocessor()
     
 
     def test_reveal_attribute(self):
         """Make sure the reveal url_prefix resources is set"""
         nb = self.build_notebook()
         res = self.build_resources()
-        transformer = self.build_transformer()
-        nb, res = transformer(nb, res)
+        preprocessor = self.build_preprocessor()
+        nb, res = preprocessor(nb, res)
         assert 'reveal' in res
         assert  'url_prefix' in res['reveal']
 
 
     def test_reveal_output(self):
-        """Make sure that the reveal transformer """
+        """Make sure that the reveal preprocessor """
         nb = self.build_notebook()
         res = self.build_resources()
-        transformer = self.build_transformer()
-        nb, res = transformer(nb, res)
+        preprocessor = self.build_preprocessor()
+        nb, res = preprocessor(nb, res)
         cells = nb.worksheets[0].cells
         
         # Make sure correct metadata tags are available on every cell.
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_sphinx.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_sphinx.py
index 6c65578..06346cb 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_sphinx.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_sphinx.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-Module with tests for the sphinx transformer
+Module with tests for the sphinx preprocessor
 """
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -14,37 +14,37 @@ Module with tests for the sphinx transformer
 # Imports
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-from .base import TransformerTestsBase
-from ..sphinx import SphinxTransformer
+from .base import PreprocessorTestsBase
+from ..sphinx import SphinxPreprocessor
 
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Class
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class TestSphinx(TransformerTestsBase):
+class TestSphinx(PreprocessorTestsBase):
     """Contains test functions for sphinx.py"""
 
 
-    def build_transformer(self):
-        """Make an instance of a transformer"""
-        transformer = SphinxTransformer()
-        transformer.enabled = True
-        return transformer
+    def build_preprocessor(self):
+        """Make an instance of a preprocessor"""
+        preprocessor = SphinxPreprocessor()
+        preprocessor.enabled = True
+        return preprocessor
 
 
     def test_constructor(self):
-        """Can a SphinxTransformer be constructed?"""
-        self.build_transformer()
+        """Can a SphinxPreprocessor be constructed?"""
+        self.build_preprocessor()
     
 
     def test_resources(self):
-        """Make sure the SphinxTransformer adds the appropriate resources to the
+        """Make sure the SphinxPreprocessor adds the appropriate resources to the
         resources dict."""
         nb = self.build_notebook()
         res = self.build_resources()
-        transformer = self.build_transformer()
-        nb, res = transformer(nb, res)
+        preprocessor = self.build_preprocessor()
+        nb, res = preprocessor(nb, res)
         assert "author" in res['sphinx']
         assert "version" in res['sphinx']
         assert "release" in res['sphinx']
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_svg2pdf.py b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_svg2pdf.py
index 3914b54..9e8fb81 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_svg2pdf.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/transformers/tests/test_svg2pdf.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-Module with tests for the svg2pdf transformer
+Module with tests for the svg2pdf preprocessor
 """
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -17,15 +17,15 @@ Module with tests for the svg2pdf transformer
 from IPython.testing import decorators as dec
 from IPython.nbformat import current as nbformat
 
-from .base import TransformerTestsBase
-from ..svg2pdf import SVG2PDFTransformer
+from .base import PreprocessorTestsBase
+from ..svg2pdf import SVG2PDFPreprocessor
 
 
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Class
 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class Testsvg2pdf(TransformerTestsBase):
+class Testsvg2pdf(PreprocessorTestsBase):
     """Contains test functions for svg2pdf.py"""
 
     simple_svg = """<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ class Testsvg2pdf(TransformerTestsBase):
 
     def build_notebook(self):
         """Build a reveal slides notebook in memory for use with tests.  
-        Overrides base in TransformerTestsBase"""
+        Overrides base in PreprocessorTestsBase"""
 
         outputs = [nbformat.new_output(output_type="svg", output_svg=self.simple_svg)]
         
@@ -68,23 +68,23 @@ class Testsvg2pdf(TransformerTestsBase):
         return nbformat.new_notebook(name="notebook1", worksheets=worksheets)
 
 
-    def build_transformer(self):
-        """Make an instance of a transformer"""
-        transformer = SVG2PDFTransformer()
-        transformer.enabled = True
-        return transformer
+    def build_preprocessor(self):
+        """Make an instance of a preprocessor"""
+        preprocessor = SVG2PDFPreprocessor()
+        preprocessor.enabled = True
+        return preprocessor
 
 
     def test_constructor(self):
-        """Can a SVG2PDFTransformer be constructed?"""
-        self.build_transformer()
+        """Can a SVG2PDFPreprocessor be constructed?"""
+        self.build_preprocessor()
 
 
     @dec.onlyif_cmds_exist('inkscape')
     def test_output(self):
-        """Test the output of the SVG2PDFTransformer"""
+        """Test the output of the SVG2PDFPreprocessor"""
         nb = self.build_notebook()
         res = self.build_resources()
-        transformer = self.build_transformer()
-        nb, res = transformer(nb, res)
+        preprocessor = self.build_preprocessor()
+        nb, res = preprocessor(nb, res)
         assert 'svg' in nb.worksheets[0].cells[0].outputs[0]
diff --git a/IPython/nbconvert/writers/files.py b/IPython/nbconvert/writers/files.py
index 51d8e9c..35aca20 100644
--- a/IPython/nbconvert/writers/files.py
+++ b/IPython/nbconvert/writers/files.py
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ class FilesWriter(WriterBase):
 
             # Write all of the extracted resources to the destination directory.
             # NOTE: WE WRITE EVERYTHING AS-IF IT'S BINARY.  THE EXTRACT FIG
-            # TRANSFORMER SHOULD HANDLE UNIX/WINDOWS LINE ENDINGS...
+            # PREPROCESSOR SHOULD HANDLE UNIX/WINDOWS LINE ENDINGS...
             for filename, data in resources.get('outputs', {}).items():
 
                 # Determine where to write the file to
@@ -112,4 +112,4 @@ class FilesWriter(WriterBase):
             self.log.info("Writing %i bytes to %s", len(output), dest)
             with io.open(dest, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
                 f.write(output)
-            return dest
\ No newline at end of file
+            return dest
diff --git a/docs/source/whatsnew/development.rst b/docs/source/whatsnew/development.rst
index c919fbb..9455fe8 100644
--- a/docs/source/whatsnew/development.rst
+++ b/docs/source/whatsnew/development.rst
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ Backwards incompatible changes
 
 * Python 2.6 and 3.2 are no longer supported: the minimum required
   Python versions are now 2.7 and 3.3.
-* The `call` methods for nbconvert transformers has been renamed to
-  `transform`.
+* The Transformer classes have been renamed to Preprocessor in nbconvert and
+  their `call` methods for them have been renamed to `preprocess`.
 * The `call` methods of nbconvert post-processsors have been renamed to
   `postprocess`.