Whether you’re ordering business cards, brochures, or large-format banners, understanding basic printing terminology can help you communicate effectively with your print service provider and ensure your project turns out exactly as you envision. This comprehensive guide breaks down the most important printing terms every customer should know.
Essential Design and File Terms
1. Bleed
Bleed refers to the area beyond your actual document size where your design extends. When your design includes colors or images that go right to the edge of the paper, the printer needs this extra area (typically 3mm or 1/8 inch) to account for slight shifts during cutting. Without proper bleed, you risk having white borders on your final printed piece.
2. Resolution and DPI (Dots Per Inch)
DPI measures print resolution quality. For professional printing, images should be at least 300 DPI to ensure sharp, crisp output. Using low-resolution images (72 DPI, which is standard for web) will result in blurry, pixelated prints. Always provide high-resolution files to your printer.
3. CMYK vs RGB
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the color mode for digital screens, while CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is used for printing. Files designed in RGB may look different when printed because printers use CMYK inks. Always convert your files to CMYK before sending them to print to avoid color surprises.
4. Vector vs Raster
Vector graphics (AI, EPS, SVG files) are made of mathematical paths and can be scaled to any size without losing quality—perfect for logos and illustrations. Raster images (JPEG, PNG) are made of pixels and lose quality when enlarged. For best results, provide vector files for logos and graphic elements.
5. Trim Size
The trim size is the final dimensions of your printed piece after it has been cut to size. This is different from the document size you design in, which includes bleed. For example, if you want a final business card that’s 3.5″ x 2″, your document size should be larger to accommodate bleed.
Color and Quality Terms
6. Pantone (PMS)
Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a standardized color reproduction system. When brand consistency is critical, Pantone colors ensure your logo or brand colors print exactly the same every time, across different printers and materials. Each Pantone color has a unique number for precise matching.
7. Proof
A proof is a sample version of your print job that allows you to review the final design before the full print run. Digital proofs show you how the design looks on screen, while physical proofs provide an actual printed sample. Always review and approve proofs to catch any errors before printing thousands of copies.
8. Spot Color
Unlike CMYK which mixes four colors to create various shades, spot colors use pre-mixed inks to achieve specific colors. Spot colors are ideal for brand-specific colors, metallic inks, or when you need consistent color across different print runs.
Paper and Material Terms
9. Stock (Paper Stock)
Stock refers to the paper or material used for printing. Paper stock comes in different weights, textures, and finishes. Common options include matte (non-reflective), glossy (shiny), and uncoated (natural paper texture). The choice of stock significantly affects the look and feel of your printed materials.
10. GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
GSM measures paper thickness and weight. Higher GSM numbers indicate thicker, heavier paper. For example, standard copy paper is around 80 GSM, while business cards typically use 300-400 GSM cardstock. Understanding GSM helps you choose the right paper weight for your project.
Printing Process Terms
11. Digital Printing
Digital printing transfers your design directly from computer to printer without printing plates. It’s cost-effective for small print runs, offers quick turnaround times, and allows for easy customization. Ideal for business cards, flyers, and short-run projects.
12. Offset Printing
Offset printing uses plates to transfer ink onto paper. It’s the traditional printing method that delivers superior quality for large print runs. While setup costs are higher than digital printing, the per-unit cost decreases significantly with larger quantities, making it economical for bulk orders.
13. Finishing
Finishing refers to post-printing processes that enhance your printed materials. Common finishing options include lamination (protective coating), die-cutting (custom shapes), embossing (raised design), foil stamping (metallic accents), and UV coating (spot gloss effects).
14. Binding
Binding is how multi-page documents are held together. Options include saddle stitch (stapled through the fold), perfect binding (glued spine like paperback books), spiral binding (coiled wire), and case binding (hardcover books). The choice depends on page count, usage, and budget.
Tips for Working with Print Providers
Now that you understand these printing terms, here are some practical tips for ensuring successful print projects:
1. Always ask for print specifications – Request your printer’s preferred file formats, color modes, bleed requirements, and resolution specifications before starting your design.
2. Request samples – Ask to see paper samples and previous work to understand the quality and finish options available.
3. Review proofs carefully – Take time to check proofs for typos, color accuracy, and alignment issues. It’s much cheaper to fix errors before printing.
4. Communicate clearly – Use these printing terms when discussing your project to ensure everyone is on the same page.
5. Plan for turnaround time – Digital printing is faster, but offset printing and complex finishing can take longer. Factor this into your timeline.
Conclusion
Understanding these common printing terms empowers you to make informed decisions about your print projects. Whether you’re creating marketing materials, business stationery, or promotional products, knowing the language of printing helps you communicate your vision clearly and achieve professional results.
Don’t hesitate to ask your print service provider questions using these terms. A good printer will appreciate your knowledge and work with you to deliver exactly what you need. With this glossary as your guide, you’re ready to tackle any printing project with confidence.
Have questions about printing terms or need help with your next print project? Feel free to reach out to us for expert guidance and quality printing services.