Design & Print Terms


CMYK 4 Colour Process Printing (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
300 dpi Image Resolution Measurement – best setting for high quality print
Embedded Fonts Fonts that are embedded while creating PDF
Outlined Fonts Fonts that have been outlined in the design software
4 Colour Black 10%C 10%M 10%Y 100%K Rich Black
Dieline A dieline is the blueprint for a layout to be cut out
Digital Printing Our on demand method of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media. Ideal for small-run jobs and quick turn arounds.
Gusset A gusset creates two folds instead of a single fold in a presentation folder. A gusset is applied to a presentation folder’s flaps, which increases the pocket size. As a result more space is available to insert the documents.
Variable Data A form of digital printing, in which elements such as text, graphics and images may be changed from one printed piece to the next, without stopping or slowing down the printing process and using information from a database or external file.
Trim Size Finished size of the printed product
Gusset A gusset creates two folds instead of a single fold in a presentation folder. A gusset is applied to a presentation folder’s flaps, which increases the pocket size. As a result more space is available to insert the documents.
Gusset A gusset creates two folds instead of a single fold in a presentation folder. A gusset is applied to a presentation folder’s flaps, which increases the pocket size. As a result more space is available to insert the documents.
Gusset A gusset creates two folds instead of a single fold in a presentation folder. A gusset is applied to a presentation folder’s flaps, which increases the pocket size. As a result more space is available to insert the documents.
Bleed Extra image or text that is outside of the trim area
Trim Marks Corner marks to indicate where the trim is
Finishing All processes that follow the sheets being printed
Imposition Layout of artwork on the printed sheet
Offset Printing Method that transfers image on plate to the stock
Resolution Number of pixels in an image
RGB Colours made from emitting light (Red, Green, Blue) – not suitable for printing
Creep Refers to the moving or shift that happens to the margins in a document when pages are folded during the finishing process of a booklet. The amount of creep can vary depending on the thickness of paper and the number of pages.
Opacity The quality of the paper defines the opaqueness of it. If it isn’t opaque enough, your design might show through to the other side.
Ream 500 sheets of paper.
Spot Colour This is achieved by actually mixing ink into the desired colour you want in your print project, as opposed to using the CMYK process to achieve it.
Gang Run The process of putting together a number of clients jobs to get a

Paper Stock Terms


GSM Grams per Square Metre (Measure of the Weight of Paper)
Bond Laser Stock
Uncoated No coating, similar to laser stock, absorbs more ink
Coated Surface coated for a smoother even finish
Gloss Shiny looking stock
Matt Flat looking stock
Satin Neutral looking stock
Laminated Plastic coating bonded to the printed stock Celloglaze – Same as Laminating
Varnish Ink or liquid based coating added to stock during printing

Finishing Terms


Aqueous Coating A clear coating used to protect printed pieces to create a high-gloss surface that improves durability.
Binding Binding is used to bind or fasten a book together. Some printers may offer you a service to bind your printed works.
Spot UV A way of highlighting a certain area of a page by selectively applying a varnish to it
Scodix Scodix adds a raised, 3D effect to your business cards, much thicker than Spot UV. It is a print finish that adds a luxury look and feel to ordinary print runs by producing a raised ink experience.
Embossing The process of creating raised relief images on paper and other materials. The design will bulge out of the paper
Debossing Stamping a design into the surface of an object or paper so that there’s an indent.
Metallic Ink Made with powdered metal or pigments that reflect to make text look metallic. The most common colours used are silver and gold.
PUR Binding This refers to a softcover book binding method that uses Polyurethane Reactive (PUR) adhesive, which creates clean and perfect edges.
Velvet Lamination Velvet lamination provides such a soft texture that has been compared to the skin of a fresh peach! Also known as "velvet-feel" or ‘soft-touch’, it adds a protective layer that results in long-lasting prints with a delicate feel.
Foiling A finishing technique where heat, pressure and glossy UV are used to bind a thin film of metal (foil) to paper or card