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 This guide offers a clear overview of essential printing vocabulary, covering techniques, materials, tools, and historical references.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.

Index

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1 Definition: Printing terms
2 Printmaking
3 Print finishing
4 Printing inks
5 Printer paper
6 Types of printers
7 Print resolution
8 Paper folding
9 Print color
10 Bookbinding
11 Miscellaneous printing terms
12 FAQs

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

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

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

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 & effects

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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