Glossary of Printing Terms
Your comprehensive guide to printing industry terminology. Search or browse alphabetically to understand the language of professional printing.
B
Bindery
Post-printing processes such as cutting, folding, binding, laminating, and other operations that complete a printed product.
Binding
The process of securing printed sheets together into a book, booklet, or other finished product. Common methods include saddle-stitching, perfect binding, spiral binding, and case binding.
Bleed
The area of artwork that extends beyond the trim edge of a printed piece. Standard bleed is typically 0.125 inches (1/8") to ensure no white edges appear after trimming.
C
CMYK
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black) - the four-color printing process used in offset and digital printing. These colors combine to create a full spectrum of colors.
Collate
The process of arranging printed sheets or pages in a specific order. Essential for multi-page documents, booklets, and reports.
Color Separation
The process of separating full-color artwork into individual color components (typically CMYK) for printing on a printing press.
Commercial Printing
Large-scale printing production for business and commercial purposes, including brochures, catalogs, business forms, and marketing materials.
Continuous Forms
Forms printed on continuous paper stock with perforations, commonly used for multi-part business forms, invoices, and computer printouts.
D
Die Cutting
A finishing process that uses sharp steel rules to cut paper or cardstock into custom shapes. Common for business cards, labels, and packaging.
Digital Printing
Printing method where digital files are sent directly to a printer without the need for printing plates. Ideal for short runs and variable data printing.
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
A measurement of print resolution. Higher DPI values (typically 300 DPI or higher) result in sharper, more detailed prints.
E
Embossing
A finishing technique that creates a raised surface on paper by pressing it between two dies. Adds texture and dimension to printed materials.
F
Foil Stamping
A printing technique that applies metallic or pigmented foil to paper using heat and pressure, creating a shiny, decorative finish.
G
Grain Direction
The direction in which paper fibers align during manufacturing. Affects how paper folds, tears, and behaves during printing and finishing.
Gutter
The inside margin where two pages meet at the binding. Important to consider when designing multi-page documents.
L
Lamination
Applying a thin plastic film to printed materials for protection and durability. Available in gloss, matte, and soft-touch finishes.
O
Offset Printing
Traditional printing method where ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to paper. Ideal for high-volume, high-quality printing.
P
Pantone (PMS)
A standardized color matching system that ensures consistent color reproduction across different printers and materials.
Perforation
A series of small cuts or holes in paper that allow for easy tearing along a specific line. Common in forms, tickets, and coupons.
Pre-Press
All processes that occur between design completion and the actual printing, including file preparation, proofing, and plate making.
Proof
A sample print used to check colors, layout, and content before final production. Can be digital or physical.
R
Registration
The precise alignment of colors and design elements in multi-color printing. Proper registration is critical for quality printing.
Resolution
The detail an image holds, measured in DPI or PPI. Higher resolution images produce better print quality.
RGB
Red, Green, Blue - the color model used for digital displays. Must be converted to CMYK for printing.
S
Saddle Stitching
A binding method where folded sheets are stapled through the spine. Common for booklets, magazines, and catalogs.
Score
A crease or indent in paper to facilitate clean folding. Especially important for heavy paper stocks.
Snap-out Forms
Multi-part business forms with carbon or carbonless paper that create copies as you write. Used for invoices, receipts, and order forms.
Spot Color
A printing method using premixed inks (often Pantone colors) rather than process colors. Ensures exact color matching.
Stock
Paper or other substrate used for printing. Varies in weight, finish, and quality.
T
Thermography
A printing process that creates raised lettering by fusing powder to ink. Popular for business cards and invitations.
Trim Size
The final dimensions of a printed piece after it has been cut to size.
U
UV Coating
A high-gloss protective coating applied to printed materials and cured with ultraviolet light. Provides protection and visual appeal.
V
Variable Data Printing
Digital printing that allows text, graphics, and images to be changed from one printed piece to the next without stopping the press. Ideal for personalized marketing.
Varnish
A clear coating applied to printed materials for protection and aesthetic enhancement. Available in gloss, satin, and matte finishes.
W
Weight
The thickness and stiffness of paper, typically measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm).
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