Looking for clear explanations of common printing terms? This glossary covers essential language used across the printing industry, helping you understand your project and communicate your requirements with confidence.
Whether you are ordering flyers, business cards, booklets, or banners, knowing the right terminology can make the process smoother. That said, you do not need to be an expert, at Afford A Print, we explain everything in plain English and guide you every step of the way.
Why understanding printing terminology matters
Before placing a print order, it helps to understand a few key terms. This can:
- reduce errors in your artwork
- speed up the production process
- ensure your final product looks exactly as expected
These printing definitions are widely used across the industry and are not specific to any one company.
Common printing terms (A–Z)
Below is a glossary of frequently used printing and design terms, explained in simple language.
Artwork
All materials used to create your print project, including images, graphics, and text files.
Bleed
The area that extends beyond the edge of the page to ensure no white borders appear after trimming.
Tip: Always include at least 3mm bleed in your design.
Before designing your artwork, see our guide about bleed here.
Calendaring
A finishing process where paper passes through heated rollers to create a smooth, polished surface.
Carbon Copy
A duplicate created using carbon paper.
Carbonless Paper
Special paper that transfers writing from one sheet to another without carbon paper.
C-Fold (Letter Fold)
A common fold used for brochures, creating six panels by folding the outer sections inward.
CMYK
The colour model used in printing: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black.
It’s important to make sure your design is created in CMYK, not RGB. Otherwise your colours may come out looking very different on paper. Contact us for more information.
Collate
Arranging printed pages in the correct order, often used for booklets and manuals.
Crop Marks
Small lines that show where a printed piece will be trimmed.
Digital Printing
A modern printing method that prints directly from a digital file, ideal for short runs.
You can find out what the difference is between digital and litho by clicking here.
Digital Proof
A preview of your design before printing. Colours may vary slightly from the final print.
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
A measure of image resolution. Higher DPI means sharper printed images.
Drop Shadow
A visual effect that adds depth by placing a shadow behind an object.
Finish
The surface texture of paper, such as gloss, matt, or silk.
Gloss Lamination
A shiny coating that enhances colour and protects against wear and moisture.
GSM (Grams per Square Metre)
Indicates paper weight. Higher GSM means thicker, heavier paper.
Justification
Text alignment, such as left, right, or fully justified.
Lamination
A protective layer applied to printed materials to improve durability.
Litho Printing (Lithography)
A traditional printing method, ideal for high-volume, high-quality print runs.
You can find out what the difference is between digital and litho by clicking here.
Logo
A visual symbol that represents your brand.
While printing terms are important, it’s more important to try and contact us before putting your design together. This is so you have the right format for us to print from. Different printers can require different formats.
Matt Finish
A non-glossy paper or coating that provides a softer appearance. See our guide here.
Offset Paper
Uncoated paper commonly used for books and stationery. See our guide here.
Outline Font
A scalable font defined by shapes rather than pixels, ensuring clean printing at any size.
Overprinting
Printing over an existing design, often used for letterheads and forms.
Pantone
A standardised colour matching system used for consistent print colours.
Perfect Binding
A binding method used for thicker booklets and books, creating a flat spine.
Physical Proof
A printed sample that shows how your final product will look and feel.
Print-Ready File
A file prepared correctly for printing, with no further adjustments needed.
Rasterisation
Converting vector graphics into pixel-based images for printing.
Resolution
The clarity of an image, usually measured in DPI or PPI.
RGB
A colour model used for screens (Red, Green, Blue).
It’s important to make sure your design is created in CMYK, not RGB. Otherwise your colours may come out looking very different on paper. Contact us for more information.
Saddle Stitch
A booklet binding method using staples along the fold.
Silk
A smooth paper finish between gloss and matt.
Sublimation Printing
A method used to transfer designs onto fabrics using heat.
Transparency
Design elements that allow background content to show through.
Z-Fold (Zig Zag Fold)
A folding method that creates equal panels in a zig-zag pattern.
Need help with your print project?
While understanding these terms can be helpful, the most important step is speaking with your printer early. Different print providers may have slightly different requirements for artwork setup.
At Afford A Print, we are here to guide you, whether you need help with design, print setup, or choosing the right materials.
Why choose Afford A Print?
We focus on clear communication, fast turnaround times, and high-quality results. Here is what one of our clients had to say:
“Outstanding service and products every time. The business cards were printed and delivered within 48 hours, amazing quality and very professional.”
— M. Eames
Get in touch
If you have questions about any of these printing terms or need help with your next project, contact us today. We are always happy to help you get the best possible results from your print.