Navigating the world of printing can often feel like deciphering a foreign language, but fear not! We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you grasp the essential terms you need to know when delving into the world of print.
A Size: This refers to paper size, commonly used for various printing needs.
B Size: A larger paper size typically utilised for bigger printing projects.
Bleed: An area outside the main job that gets printed but is ultimately trimmed off in the final stage. Typically around 3mm, this additional space accommodates any variations in paper size or printing processes.
C Size: Paper sizes specifically designed for envelopes.
CMYK: An acronym representing Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black), which together constitute the primary colors used in full-color printed images. CMYK is the standard color model for offset printing of colorful documents.
Colour Separation: The process of dividing an image into its constituent colors for printing purposes.
Digital Printing: Printing directly from electronic artwork without the need for plates, making it ideal for short print runs, typically around 1000 copies.
Embossing: A technique used to create a three-dimensional image on paper through the application of heat and pressure.
Finishing: Processes performed after printing, including folding and binding.
Four-Colour Process: Utilising CMYK colours for full-colour printing.
GSM: Grams per square meter, a standard measure of paper weight.
Lithographic Printing: A printing process involving chemical treatments to create an image.
Perfect Binding: A method commonly used in book production, resulting in a square spine.
Printing Plate: In lithographic printing, each color requires a separate plate, typically made of metal.
Proof: A sample of the printed work, checked by both the client and printer for accuracy in positioning, text, and quality before finalising the print run.
Saddle-Stitch: Binding pages together using metal staples.
Sheet-Fed Press: A printing press that handles single sheets of paper, producing high-quality prints.
Varnishes: Various coatings applied to prints for protection. Types include machine, gloss, matt, silk, and UV varnishes.
Web-Fed Press: A printing press designed for high-volume work, fed paper from a reel.
