Printing Terms – Glossary Of Common Printing Terms

2025-05-23 Printing Terms Time to read: 6min
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Printing is vital in sharing information, ideas, and creativity. To navigate the world of print effectively, it’s helpful to understand key terms used in the industry. This guide offers a clear overview of essential printing vocabulary, covering techniques, materials, tools, and historical references. Whether you’re a designer, student, or simply curious, these terms will help you better grasp the language of print.

Definition: Printing terms

Printing terms are words and phrases commonly used in the printing industry to describe processes, materials, tools, layouts, and techniques. They help professionals communicate clearly and ensure accuracy throughout the design and production stages.

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Printmaking

Printmaking refers to the full range of techniques used to produce printed images and text, from historic methods like woodcut and engraving to advanced digital and 3D printing. These processes influence the look, texture, and function of printed media across many formats.

Traditional techniques

Traditional techniques in printmaking rely on manual craftsmanship and centuries-old methods like engraving, woodcut, and etching. These forms laid the foundation for modern printing by shaping how images and text were first reproduced.

Aquatint An etching technique creating tonal areas with resin.
Collagraph Prints made from textured collages on a plate.
Engraving Cutting designs into hard surfaces for printing.
Etching Acid-carved lines in a metal plate for prints.
Intaglio printing Printing from recessed lines or areas on a plate.
Letterpress printing Relief printing with raised type or plates.
Linocut Relief printing using carved linoleum blocks.
Lithography Flat surface printing based on oil and water repulsion.
Planographic printing Printing from a flat, chemically treated surface.
Relief printing Printing from raised areas of a surface.
Screen printing Ink pushed through a mesh stencil onto material.
Stencil printing Applying ink through cut-out designs.
Woodcut Relief prints carved from wood blocks.

Modern techniques

Modern techniques in printmaking use digital tools and advanced machinery to create precise, high-speed prints. From inkjet and laser printing to 3D and sublimation, these methods have revolutionized how we produce images and text today.

3D printing Creating objects layer by layer from digital files.
Digital printing Directly transferring digital images to paper or media.
Flexography printing Rotational relief printing with flexible plates.
Gravure printing Intaglio printing using engraved cylinders.
Inkjet printing Spraying tiny ink droplets onto surfaces.
Large format printing Producing oversized prints like banners and posters.
Laser printing Electrostatic printing with toner and lasers.
Offset printing Ink transferred from plate to rubber to paper.
Pad printing Transferring ink with a silicone pad.
Sublimation printing Heat-based transfer of dye into materials.
Thermal printing Using heat to create images on special paper.

Print finishing includes all techniques applied after the printing process to improve the final product. These methods can enhance visual appeal, add functionality, protect the surface, or create custom effects tailored to specific purposes.

General finishing techniques

General finishing techniques cover a wide range of processes used to refine printed materials, whether by improving durability, adding texture, or creating a more polished, professional look.

Debossing Pressing designs below the paper surface.
Die cutting Cutting custom shapes into printed materials.
Edge painting Coloring the edges of a printed item.
Embossing Raising parts of the design into relief.
Perforating Adding tearable lines or holes in paper.

Paper coating

Paper coating refers to surface treatments applied to printed materials to improve durability, enhance appearance, or create special tactile effects.

Aqueous coating Water-based protective layer.
Glitter paint Coating with reflective particles.
Lamination Creates raised textured effects on the surface.
Relief paint Creates raised textured effects on the surface.
Scratch-off printing Coating that can be removed by scratching.
Textured paint Paint that adds tactile surfaces.
UV coating Glossy finish cured with ultraviolet light.
Varnish Gloss or matte protective finish.

Foil stamping

Foil stamping is a decorative printing technique that uses heat and pressure to apply metallic or pigmented foil to a surface, adding visual flair and texture.

Cold foil stamping Using adhesives to apply foil without heat.
Digital foil printing Digital process of adding foil effects.
Holographic foil printing Foil with rainbow or 3D holographic effects.
Hot foil stamping Heat-based application of foil materials.

Printing inks

Printing ink encompasses all substances used to apply color and images to surfaces, from specialty security inks to standard pigments.

Ink types

Ink types refer to the various formulations of ink used across different printing methods. Each type is designed for specific surfaces, effects, or technologies, from water-based inks to metallic and UV-reactive options.

Discharge ink Removes dye from fabric instead of adding color.
Dye ink Color dissolved in liquid for vivid prints.
Fluorescent ink Bright inks that glow under UV light.
Glow in the dark ink Stores light and glows in darkness.
Invisible ink Only visible under special conditions.
Magnetic ink Contains particles readable by machines.
Metallic ink Reflective ink with metal particles.
Oil-based ink Ink using oil carriers for drying and adhesion.
Pigmented ink Contains solid particles for color stability.
Plastisol ink Plastic-based ink commonly used on textiles.
Reflective ink Reflects light for high visibility.
Ribbon ink Used in impact printers with inked ribbons.
Solid ink Wax-based ink melted during printing.
Solvent ink Uses chemical solvents for adhesion.
Sublimation ink Becomes gas when heated for transfer printing.
Toner cartridge Powdered pigment for laser printers.
UV ink Cured instantly with ultraviolet light.
Water-based ink Uses water as the primary solvent.

Printer paper

Printer paper refers to the wide range of materials used in printing, varying in weight, texture, coating, and format. These paper types are chosen based on print purpose, quality requirements, and compatibility with specific printers or ink types.

Printer paper types

Printer paper types describe the various kinds of paper available for different printing needs, ranging from standard office sheets to specialized textured or coated stocks.

Bond paper Durable paper often used for documents.
Book paper Paper commonly used for books and publications.
Coated paper Paper with a smooth treated surface.
Copy paper Standard white paper for office use.
Glossy paper Shiny surface for vivid colors.
Inkjet paper Optimized for inkjet printers.
Kraft paper Durable brown paper for packaging.
Laid paper Textured paper with visible lines.
Linen paper Textured to look like linen fabric.
Matte paper Non-reflective surface.
Metallic paper Shimmery, reflective finish.
Mirror paper Highly reflective surface.
Newsprint paper Lightweight paper for newspapers.
Perforated paper Pre-cut lines for easy tearing.
Photo paper Special coating for photo printing.
Recycled paper Made from recovered materials.
Resume paper High-quality paper for resumes.
Satin paper Soft sheen surface.
Seed paper Contains plant seeds for planting.
Silk paper Smooth, low-sheen finish.
Tracing paper Transparent paper for drawing copies.
Uncoated paper No surface treatment.
Vellum paper Translucent, smooth paper.
Waterproof paper Resistant to water damage.
Wove paper Smooth, uniform surface.

Paper weight

Paper weight indicates the thickness and density of paper, which affects its feel, durability, and suitability for specific print jobs.

Caliper Measurement of paper thickness.
Cardboard Heavy-duty paperboard material.
Cardstock paper Thick, stiff paper for covers or cards.
Cover stock Heavy paper used for cover pages.
GSM Grams per square meter, measures paper weight.
GSM in pounds Conversion of GSM to pounds per ream.
Heavyweight paper High-density paper stock.
Lightweight paper Thinner, low-weight paper.
Paper thickness Distance between the surfaces of a sheet.
Paperboard Thick material used for packaging.

Paper size

Paper size refers to standardized dimensions of paper used around the world, including both international ISO formats and regional standards like U.S. Letter or Legal.

A0 paper dimensions ISO A0 size measuring 841 × 1189 mm (33.1 × 46.8 inches).
A1 paper dimensions ISO A1 size measuring 594 × 841 mm (23.4 × 33.1 inches).
A10 envelope dimensions Envelope format for very small inserts (26 × 37 mm).
A2 paper dimensions ISO A2 size measuring 420 × 594 mm (16.5 × 23.4 inches).
A3 paper dimensions ISO A3 size measuring 297 × 420 mm (11.7 × 16.5 inches).
A4 paper dimensions ISO A4 size measuring 210 × 297 mm (8.3 × 11.7 inches).
A5 paper dimensions ISO A5 size measuring 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 inches).
A6 paper dimensions ISO A6 size measuring 105 × 148 mm (4.1 × 5.8 inches).
A7 paper dimensions ISO A7 size measuring 74 × 105 mm (2.9 × 4.1 inches).
A8 envelope dimensions Envelope format measuring 52 × 74 mm (2.0 × 2.9 inches).
A9 paper dimensions ISO A9 size measuring 37 × 52 mm (1.5 × 2.0 inches).
ANSI paper size American National Standards Institute engineering paper series.
Envelope sizes Standard envelope dimensions used internationally for mailing.
Paper size A series ISO 216 A series standard, ranging from A0 to A10.
Paper size B series ISO 216 B series standard, often used for posters and books.
Paper size C series ISO 269 C series standard for envelopes matching A sizes.
Paper size half letter US size measuring 279 × 432 mm (11 × 17 inches).
Paper size ledger US size measuring 432 × 279 mm (17 × 11 inches).
Paper size legal US size measuring 216 × 356 mm (8.5 × 14 inches).
Paper size letter US size measuring 216 × 279 mm (8.5 × 11 inches).
Paper size tabloid US size measuring 279 × 432 mm (11 × 17 inches).
US paper size Standard paper formats, commonly used in the US and Canada.

Types of printers

Printers come in many forms, each suited to specific tasks and technologies. This section covers the main types of printers used in homes, offices, and production environments.

Printer types

Printer types encompass a wide variety of printing machines used in home, office, and industrial settings. Each model is suited to different formats, speeds, and functions, from basic inkjet printers to high-end sublimation or 3D units.

A3 printer Supports printing on A3 size paper.
All-in-one printer Combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.
Barcode printer Prints barcode labels and tags.
Canvas printer Prints directly onto canvas material.
Color printer Produces prints in full color.
Continuous ink printer Uses refillable ink tanks for high-volume printing.
Digital printer Receives data digitally to produce prints.
Dot matrix printer Impact printer using pins and ribbons.
Duplex printer (and simplex) Prints on both sides of the paper (duplex) or one side (simplex).
Flatbed printer Prints on flat surfaces or rigid media.
Ink tank printer Uses large ink reservoirs instead of cartridges.
Inkjet printer Sprays droplets of ink onto paper.
Inkjet printer vs. laser printer Comparison of inkjet and laser technologies.
Label printer Produces adhesive labels.
Large format printer Prints oversized materials such as posters.
Laser printer Uses toner and laser beams for high-speed output.
LED printer Similar to laser printers but uses LED arrays.
Line printer High-speed printer that prints a line at a time.
Mobile printer Portable printer for on-the-go use.
Monochrome printer Prints in black and white only.
Multifunction printer Performs multiple tasks like printing and scanning.
Network printer Shared printer connected to a network.
Plotter Produces vector graphics, often for engineering drawings.
Portable printer Compact, battery-powered printer.
Poster printer Prints large posters and banners.
PVC card printer Prints on plastic cards like IDs.
Solid ink printer Uses solid wax-based ink sticks.
Sticker printer Produces stickers and labels.
Sublimation printer Transfers dye into materials via heat.
Thermal printer Heat-sensitive printing, often for receipts.
UV printer Cures ink instantly with UV light.

Print resolution describes the clarity and detail of printed images. It depends on how data is measured and rendered by devices.

Resolution terms

Resolution terms describe the level of detail and clarity in printed images. Understanding units like DPI and PPI is essential for ensuring high-quality, sharp print output across different media.

DPI Dots per inch; measures print resolution.
Megapixel One million pixels; measures image resolution.
Pixel Smallest unit of a digital image.
PPI Pixels per inch; measures screen or digital resolution.
Vector image Graphics made of paths and shapes, scalable without quality loss.

Paper folding

Paper folding techniques are used to shape printed sheets into structured formats like brochures, mailers, or product inserts. Each fold type affects layout, navigation, and how information is visually delivered to the reader.

Folding styles

Folding styles are the standard ways printed sheets are folded during production. These formats affect layout, readability, and how printed pieces like brochures or mailers function.

Accordion fold Zig-zag folding into multiple panels.
C fold Tri-fold with panels folded inward.
Double parallel fold Folded in half, then in half again in same direction.
French fold Folded twice perpendicular to each other.
Gate fold Panels that open to reveal content inside.
Half fold Single fold down the center.
Roll fold Each panel folds in over the previous.
Tri fold Divides sheet into three equal parts.

Print color covers the use of color models, systems, and reproduction techniques to ensure accurate and consistent results. It includes both technical aspects, like RGB or CMYK, and visual concepts such as hue, saturation, and tone.

Color concepts

Color concepts cover the fundamental principles of how color is defined, mixed, and reproduced in print. From color models to saturation and gamut, these terms help ensure color accuracy across devices and materials.

Additive colors Colors created by combining light sources (e.g., RGB).
Color cast An unwanted overall tint in an image or print.
Color correction Adjusting colors to achieve accurate reproduction.
Color depth The number of bits used to describe color in a pixel.
Color gamut The full range of colors that a device can reproduce.
Color gradient A smooth transition between two or more colors.
Color hue The attribute that defines a pure color (e.g., red, blue, yellow).
Color mixing Combining colors to create new hues or shades.
Color model A mathematical system describing how colors are represented (e.g., RGB).
Color space A specific implementation of a color model defining a range of colors.
Color tone The lightness or darkness of a color.
Hex code A six-digit alphanumeric code representing a specific color digitally.
ICC profile Data describing how a device reproduces color for consistent output.
Metamerism When colors look the same under some lighting but different under others.
Pigment A coloured substance used in ink or paint to create color.
Saturation color The intensity or purity of a color.
Subtractive colors Colors created by combining pigments or dyes (e.g., CMY/CMYK).

Color systems

Color systems are standardized ways to define and reproduce colors across different devices and media, ensuring visual consistency in design and printing.

CMY Cyan, magenta, yellow subtractive model.
CMYK Cyan, magenta, yellow, black subtractive model.
HSL Hue, saturation, lightness model.
HSLA colors HSL model with alpha transparency.
HSV colors Hue, saturation, value model.
Munsell color system Defines colors by hue, value, and chroma.
Pantone colors Standardized color matching system.
RAL European color matching system.
RGB Red, green, blue additive color model.
RYB Red, yellow, blue traditional model.

Bookbinding

Bookbinding is the process of assembling printed pages into a finished book using specific tools, techniques, and materials. It enhances durability, usability, and presentation, ranging from simple softcover formats to elaborate hardcover bindings.

Binding components

Binding components are the individual parts that make up a bound book, such as the spine, cover, and endpapers. These elements affect both the structure and usability of printed books.

Book block Main body of a book's pages.
Book corners Reinforcements applied to book corners.
Book cover Outer protective covering of a book.
Book rebinding Repairing or replacing existing bindings.
Book spine Edge that holds pages together.
Endpaper Sheet connecting the book block to the cover.
Fore edge Outer edge opposite the spine.
Ribbon marker Fabric bookmark sewn into the spine.

Bookbinding materials

Bookbinding materials are the fabrics, adhesives, and reinforcements used to construct and hold books together during the binding process.

Book cloth Fabric used to cover the book board.
Bookbinding glue Adhesive for securing pages and covers.
Buckram Durable cloth for book covers.
Gauze Mesh reinforcing the book spine.
Muslin Cotton cloth liner used in binding.

Book boards

Book boards are rigid panels that form the core structure of hardcovers, giving books their shape, strength, and protection.

Bristol board Smooth, stiff paperboard.
Chipboard Recycled fibre board for covers.
Davey board High-grade bookbinding board.
Greyboard Thick, gray recycled board.
Museum board Archival-quality board for preservation.

Bookbinding tools

Bookbinding tools are the specialized instruments used in assembling, binding, and finishing books by hand or in small-batch production.

Awl Pointed tool for piercing holes.
Book press Compresses books for binding.
Folding bone Tool for creasing and folding paper.
Paper drill Drills holes through paper stacks.

Bookbinding types

Bookbinding types refer to the various ways books are constructed and bound, from rigid hardcover editions to flexible paperback formats.

What is hardcover Rigid-bound book cover.
What is softcover Flexible paper cover.
What is paperback Softcover bound book.

Miscellaneous printing terms

Printing involves countless details, from specialized tools to design principles and production processes. This section gathers additional terms you may encounter in any aspect of printing and publishing.

Layout & design

Layout and design covers visual elements and formatting principles used to organize printed content, enhance readability, and support aesthetic appeal.

ASCII A basic text format made of characters and symbols.
Bookplate Decorative label identifying the book owner.
Contrast Difference between light and dark areas.
Crop marks Lines showing where to trim a print.
Dog ear Folded corner of a page.
Golden ratio Ideal proportion, often used in design.
Indicia Postal info printed on bulk mail.
ISBN Unique identifier number for books.
Landscape format Horizontal page orientation.
Logotype A text-based logo design.
Opacity How see-through an element is.
Portrait format Vertical page orientation.
Raster Pixel-based image made of a grid.
Scaling Resizing an image or object up or down.

Historical & cultural

Historical and cultural printing terms relate to the origins, traditions, and evolution of print media and book production throughout history.

Ex libris A label indicating the owner of a book.
Facsimile An exact copy or reproduction of a document.
Imprimatur Formal approval to print a work, often from an authority.
Incunabulum Books printed before the year 1501.
Johannes Gutenberg Inventor of the first movable-type printing press.
Lorem ipsum Placeholder text used in design layouts.
Papyrus Early paper-like material used in ancient writing.

Materials & components

Materials and components refer to the physical elements involved in printing and binding, including types of paper, sheets, and structural materials.

Cover stock Thicker paper used for covers.
Deckle edge Rough, untrimmed edge of paper.
Interleaves Extra sheets placed between printed pages.
Paper stock The base paper used for printing.
Ream A standard pack of 500 sheets of paper.

Print techniques and effects describe various artistic and functional methods used to produce visual outcomes, textures, and finishes in printed work.

Airbrush Smooth, sprayed-on color effect.
Black and white Printing using only black ink.
Blind embossing Raised design without using ink or foil.
Blueprint A detailed reproduction of technical drawings.
Die-cut Custom-cut shape or pattern in printed material.
Dithering Technique to simulate gradients with small dots.
Grayscale Image made of shades of gray, without color.
Moiré pattern Visual distortion caused by overlapping patterns.
Monochrome Printing in one single color or tone.
Watermark Faint image or text embedded in the paper for copyright.

Printing hardware & prepress

Printing hardware and prepress include essential tools and processes used before and during printing, from preparing plates to assembling printed pages.

CDD (Charge-coupled device) Sensor used in scanners.
Collate To assemble printed pages in the correct order.
Densitomete Tool to measure ink density on prints.
Prepress All steps before the actual printing begins.
Printhead Part of a printer that applies ink.
Printing plate Surface used to transfer ink to paper.
Thread counter Magnifying tool for checking fine print details.

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FAQs

Printing terms are industry-specific words that describe materials, techniques, tools, and processes used in printing and design.

Grayscale uses different shades of gray, while monochrome means one single color (usually black or another solid tone).

“Lorem ipsum” is used as placeholder text to focus on layout and design without being distracted by actual content.

The main methods are: Offset, digital, flexography, gravure, screen, 3D, letterpress, and inkjet printing.

From

Leo Neumann

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About the author

Leo Neumann has completed a bachelor's degree in Marketing Management from IU Nuremberg. They have gained practical experience and regularly wrote scientific papers as part of their academic journey. Their expertise makes them an excellent fit for the BachelorPrint team, where they emphasize the importance of high-quality content and aim to support students in navigating their busy academic lives. As a recent graduate, Leo understands the challenges students face and the kind of support they need.

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As a leading expert in the printing and binding of academic papers, theses, and dissertations, the BachelorPrint online printing service furnishes a diverse range of bindings and configuration options. BachelorPrint’s goal is to elicit a proud smile on every single Canadian student’s face, as they hold their ideal binding in their hands.<br/>Moreover, BachelorPrint provides numerous educational articles on insightful subjects related to academic writing in their Study Guide, assisting students during the process of writing their thesis or dissertation.


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Bibliography

Neumann, L. (2025, May 23). Printing Terms – Glossary Of Common Printing Terms. BachelorPrint. https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/printing-guide/printing-terms/ (retrieved 2025-07-27)

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Neumann, Leo. 2025. "Printing Terms – Glossary Of Common Printing Terms." BachelorPrint, Retrieved July 27, 2025. https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/printing-guide/printing-terms/.

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Parenthetical
(Neumann 2025)

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Leo Neumann, "Printing Terms – Glossary Of Common Printing Terms," BachelorPrint, May 23, 2025, https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/printing-guide/printing-terms/ (retrieved July 27, 2025).

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Neumann, "Shortened title."

Bibliography

Neumann, Leo: Printing Terms – Glossary Of Common Printing Terms, in: BachelorPrint, 2025-05-23, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/printing-guide/printing-terms/ (retrieved 2025-07-27).

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Neumann, Leo: Printing Terms – Glossary Of Common Printing Terms, in: BachelorPrint, 2025-05-23, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/printing-guide/printing-terms/ (retrieved 2025-07-27).
Direct quote
Neumann, 2025.
Indirect quote
Neumann, 2025.

Bibliography

Neumann, Leo (2025): Printing Terms – Glossary Of Common Printing Terms, in: BachelorPrint, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/printing-guide/printing-terms/ (retrieved 2025-07-27).

In-text citation

Direct quote
(Neumann, 2025)
Indirect quote
(Neumann, 2025)
Narrative
Neumann (2025)

Bibliography

Neumann, Leo. "Printing Terms – Glossary Of Common Printing Terms." BachelorPrint, 2025-05-23, https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/printing-guide/printing-terms/ (retrieved 2025-07-27).

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Neumann)
Narrative
Neumann

Bibliography

Number. Neumann L. Printing Terms – Glossary Of Common Printing Terms [Internet]. BachelorPrint. 2025 [cited 2025-07-27]. Available from: https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/printing-guide/printing-terms/


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