Have you ever walked out of a meeting with your printer more confused than when you walked in? You used words like "glossy finish" and "high resolution," but their response sounded like gibberish. Fear not! This guide will translate the secret language of printers and empower you to get exactly what you need from your next print project.
Artwork
Artwork refers to everything on the original document submitted to the printer. This includes all its design elements, such as text copy, images, and other graphics.
Binding
Binding is the process of joining pages together to create items like booklets, brochures, magazines, or books. There are different methods to bind your prints, such as wire, glue, or stitching. The method you use will depend on what you're looking to produce. When deciding, remember that some bindings require a minimum number of pages.
Bleed
Bleed refers to any design element on your document that exceeds the edge of the paper. Ideally, you should set up your document with a 3mm bleed. If your artwork features frameless elements, this can help ensure there won't be any unwanted white edges, as it can be extremely difficult to print right to the edge of the paper.
Celloglaze
Celloglaze is a thin plastic film applied to printed material to give it a glossy or matte finish. This coating protects the print from damage and enhances its appearance. Commonly used on business cards, high-end brochures, book covers, presentation folders, and luxury packaging, celloglaze adds a sophisticated touch that not only safeguards the print but also makes colours more vibrant and images more striking.
Crop Marks
Crop marks are two thin black lines in each corner of your document. They usually hover a few millimetres above the page and show you where your page is going to be trimmed.
Die Cutting
Die cutting is a process where a sharp, specially shaped cutting tool called a "die" is used to cut paper or other materials into specific shapes. This technique is often used to create custom shapes, windows, or intricate designs in printed materials.
Digital Printing
Digital printing, also described as 4-colour process printing, is commonly used for smaller print jobs of about 250 to 1,000 copies. This is when it's most cost-effective. It also requires less preparation prior to the job compared to offset printing, so can often be completed within a shorter period of time.
PPI/DPI
PPI and DPI are abbreviations for 'pixels per inch' and 'dots per inch'. They both refer to the resolution of an image and can be used interchangeably. The higher the PPI/DPI count on an image, the better its quality. The optimal image resolution for print is set at 300dpi, whereas you only need 72dpi for digital purposes.
Proof
Before your job goes into production, your printer will set up your file for print. To make sure it's correct, it's converted to a PDF and sent to you for review. This document is called a 'proof' and is used to prevent unexpected design or content flaws from ending up in the final document. Once you give your thumbs up, it's go time!
Saddle Stitching
Saddle stitching is a binding method where folded sheets are stapled through the fold line, usually with two staples, creating a spine. This method is commonly used for booklets and brochures with a smaller number of pages.
Spiral Binding
Spiral binding involves winding a plastic or metal coil through holes punched along the spine of the pages. This method is durable and allows the pages to lie flat or be folded back on themselves, commonly used for notebooks and sketchbooks.
Stock
Stock refers to the type and quality of paper or cardstock used for printing. Different projects require different stock to achieve the desired look and feel. When selecting stock, you can choose from various specifications, including weight (thickness), coating, and texture. For instance, you might opt for a heavier weight for business cards to convey a sense of durability and quality, while a lighter weight might be suitable for flyers and brochures.
Wire-O Binding
Wire-O binding uses a series of parallel wire loops that run along a wire, which are passed through punched holes in the pages. This type of binding allows the document to lay flat when open, making it ideal for notebooks and calendars.
Now that you're equipped with this printing glossary, you can confidently navigate conversations with your printer. At Inteliprint, we believe in simple communication. If anything remains unclear, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and chat with our friendly experts! We're here to translate printing jargon into plain English and ensure your project goes from vision to vibrant reality.
Get a free quote today and let's discuss how Inteliprint can bring your printing dreams to life!
