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Glossary of Terms

Use this glossary to find definitions, examples and context for print-related terms.

A

It refers to a standard paper size usually used in various documents, specifically, letters, forms, and reports. The dimensions for this size of paper are 210 x 297 millimeters or 8.27 x 11.69 inches. This office paper A4 is part of the ISO 216 standard, which describes all A-series paper sizes used internationally

This term refers to the capability of paper or substrates to soak up and retain ink of other liquids. If the ink absorbency is high, it means that paper will take in the ink really quickly, causing a print to finish with softer and more muted characteristics. Absorbency impacts drying time, color clarity, and image sharpness. The absorbency levels differ based on printing techniques and paper types.

Folding technique in printing and finishing in which paper is folded back and forth using a zigzag pattern. This accordion foldable technique generates multiple and easily expandable panels that make the piece compact when closed. This is commonly used for brochures, maps, and informational handouts, and a great technique for reflecting segmented visually organized information.

This transparent or translucent plastic is often used as an overlay or protective layer for several printed materials. Any print product requiring a clear and protective surface will use acetate, for example: presentations, report covers, and packaging.

Substances that are used to stick materials together, used by paper, labels, packaging, or displays. There are different types of adhesives: Permanent, pressure-sensitive, repositionable, and removable; an adhesive is chosen based on a project need.

It's a double-sided signage and portable display stand that's shaped like the letter "A". These are usually made from multiple materials depending on the quality requirements, such as metal, plastic, and wood. The function of an A-Frame is to hold posters, boards, or printed inserts on each side providing the advantage of two-directional visibility. A-Frames are perfect for sidewalk promotions, event signage, outdoor advertising, etc.

Precise arrangement of visual elements on an artwork, page, or digital layout to provide visual coherence, readability, and a professional appearance. This is crucial to provide clean and organized designs, essential for multi-page documents, signage, and any printed material to enhance user experience.

If you're looking to enhance the durability, appearance and resistance for fingerprints, scuffs, and smudges, the aqueous coating is a water-based protective coating that can help with that. Often used in brochures, book covers, postcards and packaging, providing smooth finishes, which can be gloss, satin, and matte. The aqueous coating is also environmentally friendly due to its low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC's).

This is a very high-quality, coated paper, known for its smooth finish and excellent printability, making it ideal for reproducing artwork, photography, and detailed graphics. This is commonly used for magazines, catalogs, and brochures or other high-end printed materials. Art paper is crucial for print projects where visual quality and color accuracy are critical.

An artwork is all the visual elements and design components (such as images, graphics, text, and layout) that result in a finished piece ready to be printed. This includes all digital and physical processes to prepare the file. In print, an artwork needs to include resolution, color mode, bleed, and margins, to maintain the final print quality with professional standards.

B

Printed materials that only use black ink on a white background, creating shades of gray using a variety of densities of black ink. This printing technique is often chosen due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for documents that don't require color. Black ink is often referenced as the letter "K" as in CMYK.

This refers to the spine or edge of a book where pages are bound together. This is the structural support that allows the book to open and close while maintaining the shape and the pages intact. The backbone's functionality is to display information about the book, especially in hardcover and paperback books.

It is a thin, transparent and translucent plastic sheet that works as the foundational layer for various printing processes, especially in screen printing and photography. This is usually made of polyester or acetate and provides support and stability for printable coatings applied on top.

This is the imaginary line upon which most characters in a line of text sit. For a text layout, this is the guide that helps maintain alignment and consistency. Readable and appealing texts depend on the baseline.

Is a folding type in printing, where a single sheet of paper is folded in the middle creating two panels, and four pages when folded. This format is commonly used for brochures, menus, greeting cards, invitations, providing a simple and organized layout.

Process that secures individual pages or sections of a printed document together to create a cohesive book, booklet or brochure. This is an essential finishing step in printing that allows the piece to have structure, and durability. Some binding methods are saddle stitching, perfect bound, spiral bound, and hardcover.

Side of a printed document where the pages are bound together. This edge needs to respect the content; therefore, it is left with additional margin to accommodate the binding method (saddle stitching, perfect bound, comb binding). For booklets, catalogs, and other multi-page items, the binding edge helps determine the overall reading experience and functionality of the document.

It refers to the area of a design that extends beyond the trim or crop edge of the printed page. This extra margin, which is usually around 1/8 inch, guarantees that images, colors and any background elements reach the edge of the final print, avoiding unintended white borders. Bleeds, also known as bleed marks, are crucial for creating professional looks, especially in brochures, posters, and business cards.

This is a printing technique which creates a raised and three-dimensional impression on paper or any other materials without using ink or foil. To deliver this effect, a metal die is needed to press it into the material, resulting in an embossed or raised area that stands out visually and texturally. Blind embossing or embossing provides a very elegant effect on logos, monograms or decorative patterns, creating a tactile experience in your business cards, and any corporate stationery.

Printed pages, commonly organized in chapters or sections, that includes content that ranges from text, images, illustrations, or diagrams. Various formats are used to produce books; hardcover, or paperback.

A booklet is a small and multi-page printed document that is bound together. A booklet is often used for concise presentations or information, varying from 8 to 40 pages, and printed using a compact size for easy handling. Product catalogs, event programs, manuals and promotional materials are often printed using a booklet document.

High-quality and heavy-weight paper, with a very smooth, durable and stiff surface. With a typical thickness ranging from 200 to 500 gsm (grams per square meter), it's widely used in applications that require a sturdy paper, such as business cards, postcards, covers, or art prints. It's a popular choice in printing and art for projects needing a clean, polished appearance with excellent durability.

In printing, brightness refers to how reflexive and white a paper is, specifically how much light it is capable of reflecting. Brightness is measured on a scale of 0 to 100, this singularity affects how colors and text appear on paper, and a very important characteristic for high-quality printing projects.

Small and multi-page printed document often used to provide information or promote events, products, services or ideas. A brochure is usually folded into panels, for example: bi-fold, trifold, z-fold, etc. This printed piece is mainly used for marketing purposes that can be distributed in several settings, such as trade shows, direct mail, store displays, and more.

This refers to the thickness or volume of a paper in relation to its weight. High-bulk paper is thicker and stiffer than low-bulk paper of the same weight. For projects like books, brochures, and catalogs, bulk affects how printed materials look and feel. If the bulk is higher, it can create a perception of quality and durability, however, lower bulk can be used for reducing the cost of mailing printed pieces.

C

C1S means Coated One Side, the paper has been treated with a fine layer of clay or polymer on its surface, providing a smooth and non-porous finish. This is commonly used when printing postcards, packaging, and labels, especially when a gloss or smooth finish is needed for printing on one side.

C2S refers to Coated Two Sides, this paper is coated on both sides, and provides a smooth, uniform surface on each side. This is ideal for projects that require high-quality images and text on both sides, such as catalogs, brochures, magazines, as it enhances color vibrancy and detail.

Thickness of a sheet of paper or cardstock, which is measured in thousandths of an inch (mils) or microns. A calliper is an important specification in determining the paper's bulkiness and stiffness, impacting the overall feel and durability of the final piece. If a paper is high in caliper, it feels thicker and more substantial, needed for high-quality prints such as business cards, postcards, and book covers. Lower-caliper paper is more flexible and typically used for text pages, brochures, and flyers.

Paper that has been produced with the purpose of offsetting the carbon emissions generated throughout its life cycle, from manufacturing to transportation. This process begins with calculating the total carbon footprint of the paper production process and then "balancing" it through various environmental initiatives, such as reforestation, renewable energy projects, or carbon credits.

Type of paper coated with a light-sensitive layer of gelatin mixed with a pigment. A carbon tissue paper is traditionally used in photographic printing processes like carbon printing. In this process, the carbon tissue is exposed to light, hardening the gelatin in proportion to the light received. The tissue is then transferred to a support material, where the unhardened areas are washed away, creating a high-quality, durable print. Carbon tissue prints are known for their rich tonal range, depth, and long-lasting quality, making them popular in fine art photography and archival printing.

This is a high-quality, thick, and durable paper, originally used for making gun cartridges. Nowadays, it is typically used for drawing, sketching, and printing projects that require a robust paper with good absorbency. It is also suitable for various art mediums, such as pencils, charcoal, ink, and watercolor. In printing, cartridge paper is needed for applications that result with a sturdy and professional look, like brochures, posters, and high-quality stationery.

This is also known as hardcover binding, and it refers to a durable bookbinding method where a book's pages are sewn and glued together, then encased in a hard and protective cover. Case-bound books are more resilient than paperbacks and are often used for high-quality publications like novels, textbooks, coffee table books, and archival materials.

Ability of any material such as, ink, coating, or paper to put up with exposure to chemicals without degradation or alteration. If there's a high chemical resistance, this means that the material can resist effects like fading, staining, dissolving, or weakening when substances such as cleaning agents, solvents, and oils are used.

Type of thick and coarse paperboard made from recycled paper pulp. Commonly used in packaging for backing notepads, and as a sturdy material for book covers. This material provides structural support and protection.

Stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. This model is the foundation of color printing. By layering these four inks, printers can recreate a wide range of colors on paper, with black added to ensure sharpness and richness, particularly in dark areas.

Refers to paper that has been treated to create a polished surface, available in finishes such as gloss, matte, and satin. This coating improves ink holdout, allowing for sharper, more vibrant printing, often used in marketing materials. This type of paper is commonly used for materials like catalogs, posters, and high-end photography.

In printing, this refers to the application of a protective layer on paper or printed materials. Coatings are available in various finishes, such as gloss for shining or matte for a softer look.

These are small symbols or markings placed on the edges of printed sheets to assist in assembling (collating) multi-page documents in the correct order. They streamline the collating process, particularly in the production of books and magazines.

This refers to the difference in brightness or color between elements, helping make text and images stand out for better readability and visual impact. High contrast in printed materials such as brochures and magazines enhance clarity, making images appear sharper and colors more vibrant, especially in monochromatic designs or low-light print settings

This is a high-quality, thick paper stock used for book covers, brochures, and business cards. Known for its durability, cover paper stock gives printed materials a premium look and feel. In the print industry, cover paper is valued for its smooth, sturdy feel, making it an excellent choice for high-end print projects and luxury marketing materials

It's a pre-cut piece of paper, widely used in digital printing for high-quality, precise prints. Cutting sheets come in standard sizes, such as A4 and letter size, making them compatible with commercial and office printers for convenient, ready-to-use printing. These are commonly used in laser and inkjet printers, making them a preferred option for business documents and high-resolution printing.

A cutting die is a specialized tool in the print and packaging industry used to cut paper or other materials into specific shapes, perfect for custom packaging and label design. Cutting dies creates precise shapes by pressing a metal form into materials, making them essential in custom die-cut projects for branded print products.

D

Process of applying a thin layer of water or dampening solution to the printing plate in offset printing, helping to repel ink from non-image areas and improve print clarity.

This refers to a printing technique that creates an indented impression on a material by pressing a design into it, commonly used for business, invitations, and luxury packaging. Blind debossing is a form of debossing without ink or foil, making it a subtle and sophisticated choice for minimalist designs.

It's a process that uses a shaped die to cut materials into custom shapes, widely used in packaging design, labeling, and promotional print materials. In print finishing, die-cutting allows for intricate shapes and patterns, offering unique design possibilities for brochures, stickers, and product labels.

Refers to a printing process that uses a metal die to press or stamp images onto paper, creating a raised or recessed effect often used in high-end stationery. Metal die stamping allows for precise detail, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and professional business cards that require a premium look.

Modern printing method that transfers digital files directly to paper, offering speed and flexibility for short-run and on-demand printing. On-demand digital printing is perfect for small batches, making it cost-effective and ideal for custom brochures, flyers, and posters.

This is a process that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials like fabric or metal, known for producing vibrant, durable images. In custom apparel printing, dye-sublimation allows for full-color, photo-quality prints on items such as T-shirts, banners, and mugs, widely used for custom sportswear and promotional items.

This refers to a measure of print resolution, indicating the number of individual dots a printer can produce within a one-inch area. In printing technology, DPI affects the clarity and detail of printed images, with higher DPI values offering greater precision.

Rotating cylinder that holds the image or ink, playing a critical role in transferring images onto paper in laser and digital printing. Drum technology in laser printing provides accurate image transfer, making it ideal for commercial printers that need high-volume, precise output.

This refers to the ability of a printer to print on both sides of a sheet, reducing paper usage and improving print efficiency. Duplex settings in printers allow for easy two-sided printing, commonly used for brochures, manuals, and instructional guides.

In advertising, direct mail is a powerful tool that allows businesses to reach potential customers directly, with personalized offers and information. Direct mail marketing services can boost brand visibility by delivering high-quality print materials, ideal for reaching specific demographics.

E

This refers to the ability of a material, such as paper or fabric, to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed, important for durability in high-wear print applications.

Print finishing technique that creates a raised design on the surface of paper or card, adding texture and depth to business cards, invitations, and packaging. Blind embossing is a type of embossing without ink, giving a subtle, elegant finish to high-end stationery and marketing materials.

Pages at the beginning and end of a book that are glued to the cover, providing support to the binding and often used for decorative or branding purposes. Endpaper design in publishing can reflect the theme or brand of a book, making it an additional canvas for creativity in high-quality book printing.

Detailed cost projection provided by a printer to outline the expected expenses for a specific project, based on factors like materials, labor, and volume. Requesting a print estimate provides a breakdown of potential costs and timelines, which helps streamline the process of producing items like brochures, posters, and booklets.

Premium printing technique where an image or text is etched onto a metal plate, then filled with ink and pressed into paper to create a raised, refined finish. In luxury printing, engraving produces sharp, detailed impressions, commonly used for wedding invitations, business stationery, and certificates.

F

This refers to a type of folding where paper is folded in an accordion-like style, allowing it to expand and collapse easily, commonly used for forms, invoices, and continuous-feed printing. Fan fold paper design creates multiple sections in a stack, ideal for customizable forms and informational brochures that require easy handling and storage.

These are printing techniques performed in the post-print stage, such as cutting, folding, and binding, which enhance the appearance and durability of printed materials. Professional finishing options add aesthetic and tactile qualities to print projects, ideal for high-end marketing materials and promotional items.

Modern printing method that uses flexible relief plates to print on materials like plastic, cardboard, and fabric, often used in packaging and labeling. Flexo printing allows for sharp, vibrant colors on non-paper materials, making it a popular choice for food packaging and retail branding.

This refers to various ways of creasing paper to create sections, including bi-folds, tri-folds, and accordion folds, essential for brochures and pamphlets. Custom fold designs add uniqueness to printed materials, giving flexibility in how information is presented in flyers, menus, and mailers.

In printing, a feeder is a device that automatically supplies paper to a printing press, crucial for maintaining a steady workflow in high-volume printing.

This is a standard used in publishing to confirm that content is fully prepared for high-quality printing, ensuring text and images are optimized.

Flat in printing refers to a single, unfolded sheet as opposed to a folded or assembled item, often used for posters, flyers, and large format prints. Flat printing is straightforward and effective for advertising materials like sales sheets and promotional flyers.

These are adhesive-backed prints designed to stick to floors for advertising, directional signage, or branding purposes, commonly seen in retail and event spaces

A flyer is a one-page printed piece used to promote events, products, or services, commonly distributed in high-traffic areas for quick, effective messaging. Custom flyers are versatile and easy to distribute, making them perfect for direct mail campaigns or handouts in community events.

It refers to a lightweight yet sturdy material with a foam core, commonly used for signage, posters, and presentations due to its professional appearance.

In printing, foil is a metallic or pigmented film applied to a surface, creating a reflective finish, commonly used in luxury packaging and invitations. Foil printing adds a touch of elegance to designs, making logos or titles stand out with a shimmering effect, ideal for high-end stationery.

CMYK printing is the standard for producing color images in brochures, magazines, and posters by combining four ink colors.

G

Gray scale refers to an image or design composed of varying shades of gray, without color, often used for black-and-white printing and monochromatic photography.

A guillotine cutter is a machine used to make precise, straight cuts through large stacks of paper, essential for trimmed brochures and flyers, this is used in print finishing.

This is an unwanted effect that occurs when residual ink creates a light duplicate of an image on a printed sheet, impacting the quality and clarity of high-resolution prints.

Gloss is the shiny reflective finish applied to paper, enhancing color vibrancy and making printed images pop, popular in brochures, magazines, and posters.

It's the direction of paper fibers, affecting how it folds, tears, and absorbs ink. Understanding grain direction is essential in bookbinding and packaging.

This refers to the inner margin between two facing pages, allowing for a gap to accommodate the binding and ensure text isn't cut off. Gutter space is crucial for readability in multi-page documents, ensuring that important content isn't lost in the binding of books, magazines, and catalogs.

Gravure printing is a high-quality printing method that uses engraved cylinders to transfer ink, ideal for long-run jobs like magazines, packaging, and catalogs. In commercial printing, gravure provides consistent, sharp images with deep colors, making it a preferred method for high-volume publications.

H

This refers to the resistance of a surface to scratching or pressure, impacting its durability and suitability for specific printing applications in paper or materials. Paper hardness testing ensures that substrates meet the required specifications for specialized printing projects like embossing or foil stamping.

It's a simple folding technique where a sheet is folded once to create two equal panels, commonly used in brochures, greeting cards, and invitations. Custom half-fold designs allow for creative layouts, enhancing the visual appeal of personalized invitations and announcements.

This involves creating precise holes in paper for binding purposes, commonly used in notebooks, reports, and planners. Three-hole punching is a standard format for documents intended for ring binders, offering an organized and professional look

Hotcard is a bold attention-grabbing printed card often used for advertising events, promotions, or special offers. Custom hotcards often include glossy finishes or bold graphics to maximize visibility in high-traffic areas.

This creates an image using dots of varying sizes to simulate shades of gray or color, commonly used in newspapers and magazines. Halftone printing technology allows for precise replication of images, making it a key element in photo reproduction and fine art printing.

In printing this refers to sharply defined ink dots, which enhance detail and contrast in high-resolution prints. Hard dot control helps achieve consistent quality in commercial printing, minimizing blurriness or fading in large-scale jobs

It's the standard paper stock a printer keeps in inventory, often used for cost-effective printing projects. Printers' house sheets are versatile, designed for a variety of applications like flyers, brochures, and business cards.

I

Occurs when wet ink from a freshly printed sheet transfers onto the next sheet in a stack, often requiring proper drying techniques to prevent smudging. Set-off problems arise in high-speed printing processes where ink doesn't dry quickly enough, affecting bulk print jobs.

In printing is the arrangement of pages on a press sheet to ensure they are in the correct order after folding, cutting, and binding. Efficient imposition layouts reduce paper waste and optimize printing by fitting multiple pages on a single sheet, commonly used in book and magazine production

This refers to a replaceable container in a printer that holds liquid or powder ink, essential for inkjet and laser printing.

This has a shimmering surface that reflects light, adding an elegant, eye-catching effect to invitations, packaging, and luxury print projects.

Interleaves are thin sheets placed between printed pages to prevent ink transfer, commonly used in high-end books and photo albums. Pre-cut interleaves simplify the process of adding protective sheets to manuals, certificates, or greeting cards.

These are additional printed pieces placed inside publications or packaging, often used for promotional offers, product information, or coupons.

Digital process in which paper is sprayed tiny droplets of ink, ideal for producing high-resolution images and documents.

Integrates multiple steps, such as printing, cutting, and folding, into one continuous operation for efficient production workflows. In modern printing presses, inline processing systems streamline the production of brochures, catalogs, and magazines.

J

It's a detailed overview of all current printing projects in a production queue, helping to track progress and manage priorities in commercial printing workflows.

This refers to a unique identifier assigned to each printing project, ensuring efficient tracking and organization in production workflows.

A job ticket is a document containing all the specifications and details for a print job, serving as a guide for the production team in printing workflows.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a commonly used file format for images, known for its ability to compress files while maintaining acceptable quality, making it ideal for web and print use.

This is a machine used in printing to align and straighten stacks of paper, ensuring precise cutting, folding, and binding for professional print jobs.

K

This refers to the adjustment of space between individual characters in text to improve visual balance and readability in typography and print design.

A key plate in printing is the main plate that carries the majority of the detail in a design, often printed in black to define the outlines and finer details in multi-color printing.

In printing refers to a light pressure applied during the press run, ensuring that ink is transferred without damaging the paper or substrate.

It is a strong, durable paper made from wood pulp, commonly used in packaging, wrapping, and eco-friendly print projects.

L

It's the process of applying a thin protective layer, usually plastic, to printed materials, enhancing durability and providing a glossy or matte finish. Hot and cold lamination techniques are used based on material type, ensuring flexibility for business cards, posters, and banners.

Refers to the arrangement of text, images, and graphics in a design, ensuring visual balance and readability for printed materials. These are planned to optimize space while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing flow for brochures, magazines, and books.

Printed sticker or tag used for branding, product identification, or instructions, commonly found on packaging and consumer goods

Large format printing produces oversized prints, such as posters, banners, and signs, commonly used for advertising and events. Wide-format printing technology handles materials like vinyl, canvas, and fabric, making it versatile for indoor and outdoor displays.

This is a small and single-page sheet commonly used for campaigns, event promotions, and advertising. Custom leaflet designs offer a cost-effective way to distribute key messages in high-traffic areas or through direct mail campaigns.

It's a heavy-weight, durable paper commonly used for accounting, record-keeping, and spreadsheets due to its strength and long-lasting quality.

Paper that has a standard size measuring 8.5 x 14 inches, typically used for legal documents, contracts, and agreements.

Paper that has a standard size measuring 8.5 x 11 inches, typically used for business correspondence, reports, and personal printing.

Process in which laser beams are used to etch designs onto surfaces like metal, glass, or wood, ideal for customized promotional items. High-precision laser engraving creates intricate designs for corporate gifts, trophies, and branded merchandise.

In printing, it's a traditional relief printing method where raised designs or type are inked and pressed into paper, creating a tactile and elegant impression.

Lithocoated paper is a type of paper with a smooth, clay-coated surface designed for high-quality lithographic printing, offering vibrant colors and sharp details.

Lithography is a printing process based on the principle that oil and water do not mix, using flat plates to transfer ink onto paper for sharp and detailed prints. Offset lithography is one of the most common techniques used in commercial printing, ideal for magazines, posters, and packaging.

M

Process of creating a sample or draft version of a print project to check for errors in design, layout, or color before final production. Proofing ensures accuracy, allowing clients to approve or request changes before large-scale printing begins for brochures, posters, or catalogs.

This is a durable, semi-rough paper often used for folders, envelopes, and art projects, known for its light brown color and strength

Special type of ink containing iron oxide particles, used for printing checks and documents that can be read by magnetic character recognition (MICR) technology.

Refers to a non-glossy coating that is applied to printed materials, providing a smooth, muted surface ideal for professional and understated designs. Matte finishes reduce glare and fingerprints, making them perfect for business cards, brochures, and photo prints.

Matte ink creates a flat, non-reflective finish on printed surfaces, making it ideal for text-heavy documents and professional materials. This color provides consistent tones, ensuring high-quality results for booklets, postcards, and business reports.

It's a precision tool used to measure the thickness of paper or other materials, ensuring consistent quality in print production.

Prototype that reflects how the final printed product would look like. Digital mock-ups allow designers to present concepts for brochures, posters, and business cards before production begins.

When printing monochrome, the document uses a single color, typically black to create sharp and detailed prints. Monochromatic designs are ideal for projects requiring simplicity and focus, such as manuals, technical drawings, and minimalistic posters.

N

In printing, this refers to tones and shades that mimic organic hues, such as earthy browns, greens, and muted neutrals, often used in eco-friendly or rustic designs. Print designs with natural colors convey warmth and authenticity, making them ideal for handcrafted brands, environmental campaigns, and sustainable packaging.

This is a lightweight and inexpensive paper commonly used for newspapers, flyers, and low-cost publications, known for its slightly rough texture. Custom newsprint projects are popular for creating a vintage aesthetic in posters, menus, and promotional materials.

Refers to a reversed image or text where light and dark areas are inverted, used in traditional photographic or screen printing processes.

Novelty printing refers to creating unique, eye-catching items such as custom T-shirts, mugs, pens and calendars, often used for promotional purposes.

Small, and sturdy card designed for personal notes, thank-you messages, or invitations, often paired with an envelope for a polished look.

O

Printing technique where ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket and then onto paper, known for its consistency and high-quality results. Offset printing advantages include vibrant colors and precise image reproduction, commonly used for brochures, magazines, and posters.

This refers to a commercial technique that produces sharp, and detailed images, suitable for large-scale projects like catalogs and magazines.

Degree to which paper or ink blocks light, affecting the visibility of print on the reverse side in booklets, magazines, and flyers.

Opaque materials do not allow light to pass through, making them essential for professional documents and vibrant print designs.

This is designed to completely cover surfaces, making it ideal for printing on dark or textured materials.

It's the direction of a printed piece, could be portrait or landscape, important and crucial for flyers, posters, and brochures.

This happens when you hire external printing services for large or complex projects, for example brochures, catalogs, banners, direct mail services.

Process of printing one layer of ink over another, often used for creating rich colors and special effects in design.

Refers to a transparent layer placed over a design, often used to add annotations, watermarks, or visual effects in printing.

Overset text occurs when the content exceeds the available space in a text box, requiring adjustments in print layouts.

P

Refers to the process of arranging text, images, and other design elements on a page to ensure proper alignment and readability in print or digital formats.

Small, unbound booklet used for informational or promotional purposes. Pamphlet distribution is ideal for spreading awareness in community events, trade shows, or conferences.

Thick, and durable paper material commonly used for packaging, cartons, and displays, offering excellent sturdiness and printability. Double-sided paperboard provides versatility for point-of-sale displays and advertising signage, ensuring visibility from all angles.

A painted sheet is a specialty paper with a colored or textured coating, often used for invitations, packaging, and premium stationery.

Perfect binding is a popular bookbinding method where pages are glued along the spine with a strong adhesive, used for magazines, catalogs, and paperback books.

In printing, a plate is a flat surface that holds the image or text for transferring ink onto paper, commonly used in offset and lithographic printing.

(Portable Network Graphics) is a widely used file format for images, offering lossless compression and high-quality transparency features, ideal for digital and print design. This is essential for projects like business cards, invitations, and promotional materials, ensuring consistency across platforms.

These are compact and double-sided print materials used for advertising, personal messages, or promotional campaigns, offering cost-effective marketing solutions.

It encompasses all activities before printing, such as file preparation, proofing, and plate making, ensuring flawless production for print projects.

Prepress proofing allows clients to review designs for layout and color accuracy before final printing.

Refers to the duration a printing press operates to complete a print job, including setup, adjustments, and production, essential for project scheduling and cost estimation.

Process of reproducing text, images, or designs onto paper or other materials using various methods like digital, offset, or screen printing. Custom printing solutions cater to unique branding needs, producing business cards, banners, and packaging.

It's the process in which a sample print is reviewed and approved after ensuring that layout, color, and design accuracy before mass production.

Portable, retractable displays used for trade shows, events, and retail promotions, offering an easy setup and professional presentation.

Q

In printing, this involves inspecting materials, layouts, and colors to ensure the final product meets specifications for professional-grade results.

Document that provides a detailed estimate of costs for a project, considering materials, labor, and finishing, tailored to the client's specific needs.

R

This is a vertically designed promotional card, typically 4x9 inches, displayed in racks at hotels, tourist centers, or retail locations to advertise products or services.

High-quality paper made partially from cotton fibers, known for its durability and elegance, often used for certificates and legal documents.

It is a portable, freestanding display that rolls into a base for easy transportation widely used for trade shows, events, and retail promotions.

In printing, this means using white or light text on a dark background creating striking contrasts for brochures, posters, and invitations.

Paper made from post-consumer materials, offering an eco-friendly alternative for flyers, brochures, and packaging.

A roll-up banner is a portable, vertical display used for events, conferences, and retail promotions, designed for quick setup and takedown. Custom roll-up banners feature brand-specific graphics, making them a key tool for corporate marketing and trade shows.

Refers to the movement of plates, paper, or print heads during production to ensure alignment and efficiency in large-scale projects.

Ability of paper or other materials to move smoothly through printing equipment, critical for ensuring efficient production and quality results.

S

Binding method where folded sheets are stapled along the spine, commonly used for booklets, brochures, and magazines.

It's a transparent plastic film used to protect, and bundle printed materials, such as books, brochures, and promotional packages.

This involves stapling sheets along one edge, commonly used for manuals, workbooks, and notepads.

These are outlined and detailed requirements of a print job, which includes dimensions, materials, colors, and finishes that ensure accurate production.

Spiral binding involves using a plastic or metal coil to hold pages together, ideal for notebooks, manuals, and calendars.

Type and quality of paper used in a print project, affecting the texture, weight, and finish of printed materials.

This is a type of booklet or catalog where the cover is made from the same paper stock as the interior pages, providing a uniform and cost-effective option.

Printed piece designed to be folded and mailed without an envelope, commonly used for flyers, postcards, and promotional campaigns.

Paper coated with semi-gloss finishes that provide a smooth, luxurious texture, often used for high-end brochures, catalogs, and magazines.

Refers to a paper treatment that reduces ink absorption, improving print quality and sharpness for text and images.

In printing, this refers to the waste produced during setup or errors, including misprints, damaged materials, or overruns in bulk production.

Clear coating applied to specific areas of a design to create contrast and emphasize elements like logos or graphics.

Clear coating applied to specific areas of a design to create contrast and emphasize elements like logos or graphics.

A stock order refers to a standard printing request using pre-selected paper or materials, often chosen for speed and cost efficiency.

Surface or material on which printing is done, such as paper, plastic, fabric, or metal, depending on the project's requirements.

These materials have a sticky back, allowing them to be easily applied to surfaces, often used for labels, stickers, and decals.

A stand-up banner is a freestanding display used for trade shows, conferences, and retail promotions, offering a professional and portable solution. Custom stand-up banners feature brand-specific designs and vibrant graphics, perfect for corporate marketing and events.

Adhesive-free and sticks to smooth surfaces through static electricity, commonly used for window decals and temporary signage. Custom static cling designs allow for repositionable and reusable graphics, ideal for seasonal promotions and retail displays.

T

In printing, tint is the lighter or diluted shade of a color created by reducing its opacity, often used for backgrounds, gradients, or subtle design elements. Custom tint options add depth and visual interest to printed materials like brochures, flyers, and stationery.

Transparency in printing refers to the ability of an image or design element to allow light or background colors to show through, creating dynamic, layered effects in graphic designs and overlays. Custom transparency designs are popular for business cards, brochures, and posters, adding depth and sophistication to printed materials.

11 x 17 inches sized paper that is commonly used in newspapers, newsletters, and event posters, offering ample space for bold designs. Custom tabloid prints are ideal for eye-catching layouts in promotions, catalogs, and graphic-rich marketing materials.

This secures pages along with the spine with an adhesive strip, commonly used for reports, manuals, and workbooks. Custom tape binding options include various colors and textures, offering professional finishes for corporate documents and presentations.

A template is a pre-designed framework that simplifies the creation of print materials like flyers, brochures, and business cards, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

These are self-standing displays used for table advertisements, menus, or event promotions, offering compact and effective messaging. Custom tent cards allow businesses to showcase branding and offers with double-sided visibility in hospitality and retail spaces.

Text weight paper refers to thinner, flexible paper commonly used for flyers, brochures, and newsletters, offering a lightweight and cost-effective solution

Also known as crop marks, trim marks are guidelines printed on the edges of a design to indicate where the final cut will be made, ensuring accuracy in finished materials.

A tri-fold is a popular folding style for brochures and flyers, creating three panels from a single sheet of paper, ideal for marketing, menus, and informational guides. Tri-fold brochures are compact and easy to distribute, making them ideal for trade shows, mailers, and retail displays.

It is a printing technique that uses heat to create raised, glossy text or images, commonly used for business cards, wedding invitations, and certificates.

Turnaround time refers to the total time needed to complete a print job, from placing the order to final delivery, ensuring projects meet tight deadlines. Fast turnaround times are available for urgent projects like flyers, posters, and business cards, supporting last-minute promotions or events.

U

Uncoated paper lacks a glossy or matte finish, providing a natural, textured surface ideal for stationery, books, and minimalist designs.

This is a high-gloss finish applied to printed materials and cured under ultraviolet light, providing a vibrant and durable surface for business cards, postcards, and brochures. Custom UV coatings can be applied to specific areas (spot UV) or entire surfaces, enhancing designs for luxury branding and promotional items.

UV inks are cured instantly under ultraviolet light, offering quick drying and vibrant results for signage, packaging, and marketing materials.

Clear coating cured under ultraviolet light, adding a glossy or matte finish to printed materials for brochures, catalogs, and luxury items.

UV curing is a process where ultraviolet light hardens coatings or inks, ensuring quick drying and durability for signage, packaging, and promotional materials.

V

Clear coating applied to printed materials to enhance their finish and durability, commonly used for brochures, business cards, and catalogs. Gloss, matte, and satin varnishes add different textures to printed surfaces, offering options for branding and marketing materials

(VDP) enables customization of each printed piece by altering text, images, or layouts, making it ideal for personalized marketing campaigns. Custom variable data printing enhances engagement by adding recipient-specific details, such as names or offers, to postcards and direct mail.

It's a durable, weather-resistant material used for signage, decals, and outdoor graphics, offering long-lasting results in various environments. Custom vinyl printing allows for personalized designs on materials like stickers, banners, and window clings, ideal for branding.

Large format printed material designed for events, promotions, and outdoor advertising, offering durability and vivid graphics.

W

Leftovers or unusable materials, such as paper trimmings or misprinted items, that occur during the production process.

A watermark is a subtle design or text embedded into paper or digital documents to indicate authenticity or ownership, commonly used for official stationery and certificates

Adhesive-free decals designed to stick to smooth surfaces, ideal for decorations, advertising, and branding in retail or office spaces. Custom wall clings allow for unique designs, making them perfect for seasonal promotions, logos, and event signage.

In printing, large format produces large-scale graphics on materials like vinyl, canvas, and fabric, ideal for banners, posters, and vehicle wraps. Custom wide-format projects accommodate unique dimensions for trade shows, exhibitions, and outdoor advertising.

Adhesive-free decals designed to adhere to glass surfaces, often used for promotions, seasonal decor, and branding.

Y

Yard signs are durable outdoor signs printed on corrugated plastic or other sturdy materials, commonly used for real estate, political campaigns, and events

Z

Type of folding where the paper is divided into three equal panels folded in alternating directions, often used for brochures, mailers, and informational handouts

ZIP files are compressed folders used to organize and transfer large graphic or document files for printing projects. ZIP file usage simplifies file sharing for multi-page projects like catalogs, brochures, and manuals.
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