The Ultimate Glossary of Printing Terms

Printing has its own vocabulary. Understanding common terms makes it easier to prepare artwork, compare specifications and communicate with a printer.

Artwork and File Preparation

Bleed

Extra artwork extending beyond the final trim edge, allowing the printed image to reach the edge after cutting.

Trim Size

The final size of the printed product after cutting.

Safe Area

The area inside the trim where important text and graphics should remain.

Crop Marks

Marks showing where a printed sheet should be trimmed.

Resolution

The level of detail in an image, commonly measured in dots or pixels per inch. Print images are typically prepared at 300 dpi at final size.

Print-Ready PDF

A PDF prepared with the correct size, bleed, fonts, colour settings and image quality for production.

Colour

CMYK

Cyan, magenta, yellow and black: the standard process colours used in commercial printing.

RGB

Red, green and blue: a colour model used by screens. RGB artwork usually needs converting for print.

Pantone

A standardised spot-colour matching system.

Spot Colour

A separately mixed ink used instead of, or alongside, process colour.

Paper

GSM

Grams per square metre, used to describe paper weight.

Coated Paper

Paper with a smooth coating that improves ink holdout and image sharpness.

Gloss Paper

Coated paper with a highly reflective surface.

Silk Paper

Coated paper with a softer sheen and good readability.

Uncoated Paper

Paper without a surface coating, offering a natural texture and good writability.

FSC-Certified Paper

Paper sourced through a system supporting responsible forest management.

Printing Methods

Digital Printing

Printing directly from a digital file without traditional plates. It is efficient for shorter runs and variable content.

Lithographic Printing

A plate-based printing method commonly used for longer runs.

LED UV Printing

Printing in which ink is cured instantly using energy-efficient LED ultraviolet light.

Finishing

Lamination

A thin film applied to a printed surface for protection or visual effect.

Matt Lamination

A smooth, low-reflection laminate.

Gloss Lamination

A shiny laminate that increases colour intensity.

Soft-Touch Lamination

A laminate with a velvety tactile finish.

Spot UV

A clear gloss coating applied to selected areas.

Raised Spot UV

Spot UV applied with additional thickness to create texture.

Foil

A metallic or pigmented finish applied to selected artwork.

Die Cutting

Cutting a printed product into a custom shape.

Creasing

Creating a controlled line that helps thicker material fold cleanly.

Binding

Saddle Stitching

Folding sheets and securing them through the spine with wire stitches.

Perfect Binding

Gluing pages into a wraparound cover with a square spine.

PUR Binding

Perfect binding using a strong polyurethane reactive adhesive.

Wire-O Binding

Binding punched pages with a double-loop wire.

Spiral Binding

Binding pages with a continuous plastic or metal coil.

Case Binding

Producing a hardback book with a rigid cover.

Production and Delivery

Proof

A version supplied for checking before full production.

Makeready

Setup work and material used before production reaches the required standard.

Turnaround

The expected production period before dispatch.

Pagination

The sequence and arrangement of pages in a document.

Imposition

Positioning pages on a larger sheet so they appear in the correct order after folding and cutting.

Conclusion

Clear terminology helps reduce errors and makes print buying more straightforward.

When in doubt, ask the printer to explain how a term affects the artwork, price, production method or finished product.