Printing is a complex process that involves many technical terms and jargon. If you're new to printing, it can be overwhelming to try and understand all the terminology. In this post, we will go over the most commonly used terms in printing to help you become more familiar with the language of the industry.
Bleed: The area outside the final cut line that ensures your design extends all the way to the edge. Read the full blog on bleed here.
CMYK: The color model used for printing, which stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black).
DPI: Dots per inch. A measurement of the resolution of an image, with higher DPI indicating a higher quality image.
Embossing: A printing technique that raises an image or text on paper, giving it a 3D effect.
Foil stamping: A technique that applies a metallic or colored foil to paper using heat and pressure.
Gutter: The blank space between two facing pages in a publication.
Halftone: A technique that simulates continuous-tone images using dots of varying sizes.
Matte finish: A non-glossy finish that has a muted appearance.
Pantone: A standardized color matching system used in printing that assigns a unique number to each color.
Perfect binding: A bookbinding technique where pages are glued together along the spine with a wrap-around cover. Read more about perfect binding here.
Resolution: The amount of detail in an image, measured in pixels per inch (PPI) for digital images and dots per inch (DPI) for printed images.
RGB: The color model used for digital images, which stands for Red, Green, and Blue.
Saturation: The intensity or purity of a color.
Spot color: A single color used in printing that is not created through the CMYK model, often used for logos or branding.
UV coating: A clear, glossy coating applied to printed materials for protection and a high-end look.
Understanding these terms will help you communicate with printers and designers more effectively, ensuring that you get the results you want from your printing project. If you're ever unsure about a term, don't hesitate to ask for clarification to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Happy Printing!
K.R. Printers (Bookman) is an emerging printing press based in New Delhi. We are manufacturers of School stationery, new year diaries, and calendars. You can place custom printing orders with us. We can be reached via the following channels:
Call/WhatsApp us: +91-8287626311 / 9871255634
Reach out via E-mail: abhishek@krprinters.com
Visit the website: www.krprinters.com