Glossary of Printing Terms & Definitions

Now You’re Speaking Our Language!

Whether it’s lawn care, insurance, auto, or medical — there is a special “language” that those who work within each industry understand. With our many terms from offset to bleed, we have a unique language all our own. Whether you’re new to print or a seasoned veteran, we thought we’d share a glossary of common terms so that when the time comes to order, ask or answer a question, everyone is on the same page. 

Knowing and understanding our unique printing language helps us share our thoughts, ideas, needs, and aspirations through words. Not only that, it adds value to your business and gives you an edge over competitors.

Aqueous Coating

A fast-drying, water-based coating that is applied after printing, giving a glossy finish that protects the print’s surface

Artwork

The original digital copy which includes all text, graphics, photos, and illustrations, which is used as a print design file 

Batch

Multiple projects printed at a time on a defined set of data

Bleed/Cut Lines

Limits to where your image can be placed

CMYK (Cyan Magenta Yellow Black)

Color space that uses ink to display colors during the printing process. Standard for offset and digital printing

Coating

Texture or coating on paper

Die Cut 

In the printing world, a die refers to a precise, razor-sharp blade that allows multiple cuts of the same shape. A die cut is a process where the die cuts through the material, paper, cardstock, etc., on a die press. This process allows identical cuts to be made for a uniform look

Digital Printing

Also known as four-color process printing, digital printing is the ideal process for small-volume print jobs ranging from 1 to 5,000 sheets of paper. It is the most cost-effective print process, is designed for use with CMYK color, and requires less setup work for the print technician

Direct Mail

Traditional direct mail targets a specific demographic. You can use it to send postcards, flyers, and brochures to a mailing list that consists of people that fit your target age, gender, income, and other variables

Dye-Sublimation

Digital printing technology that uses heat transfer to apply an image to the intended substrate. Also referred to as digital sublimation, the process is commonly used for decorating apparel, signs, and banners as well as other items with sublimation-friendly surfaces.

EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail)

Using mailing routes from the United States Postal Service (USPS), you can choose a specific area that you want to cover with your direct mail, EDDM targets a specific geographic area. No mailing list is necessary

Foil

A thin metal applied to paper used in foil stamping and foil embossing (typically gold or silver)

Four Color Process

The process of printing using the combination of four basic color inks: CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) to produce a range of colors and create a color image

Four Over Four (4/4)

A print job with four, full-color printing on both sides of the paper

Four Over One (4/1)

A print job with four, full-color printing on the front side and one color (usually black) on the back side

Four Over Zero (4/0)

A print job with four-color printing on the front side and no printing on the back side

Gang Run

A printing method where multiple printing projects are placed on a common paper sheet in an effort to reduce printing costs

Gloss

A shiny coating applied to paper

Group Sets 

The shipping option that allows the customer to ship the exact same product, but to various locations. This option is intended to save the customer time from repeating the same ordering process

Group Shipping 

A shipping option that allows customers to combine multiple sets that will be shipped in one package to save costs in shipping

Indicia

Preprinted postal information that takes the place of a stamp on a mailing envelope, postcard, etc.

Lamination

The process of applying a thin layer of plastic to paper or card sheets to enhance and protect the printed material. Common types of laminate are gloss, matte, and silk

Large Format

A broad print category of printed material that is too big for most commercial printing presses

Lithographic Printing 

Also known as litho printing (for short), and offset printing, is where the image of the desired content to be produced is placed on a plate which is then covered in ink and used for printing. This process can be used to print on paper, cardboard, and many other materials

Majestic

Majestic products are 4over’s signature line of premium finishes including luxury stocks, laminates, and treatments. Majestic upgrades allow you to offer your customers a unique visual and tactile marketing experience by adding unconventional color, texture, and sheen to business cards, postcards, and other printed materials

Matte

Dull, non-glossy finish

Offset Printing

Commonly used for high-volume print jobs of 1,000 pieces and more, this process requires the setup of a different printing plate for each color and runs every print through each color printing plate to create the finished product

Pantone Color

A universal color language that designers, printing companies, and brand owners use

Perfect Bind

A binding technique in which pages are collated into a single sheet, glued together, and attached to the cover with an adhesive

Perforation

The process of making holes or a series of cuts to make tearing or folding easier

Plating

Chemically edging the full batch onto steel plates

Process Colors (use this definition below on CMYK)

The four basic colors used in printing to simulate full spectrum color – Cyan (blue), magenta (process red), yellow (process yellow), black (process black)

Proof

A sample of your final design — available in either digital or hard form. This is the best way to avoid expensive mistakes in printing, and it’s important to pay close attention to the proofs you receive to make sure the design, copy, and color are free from errors

RGB (Red Green Blue)

Color space that uses light to display images onscreen. Commonly used for TV, websites, and other digital advertising that will be displayed on a monitor

Run Size

Number of copies printed at one time

Saddle Stitch

A method of binding using staples in the spine or seam of a booklet or book where it folds

Set

Classifies how many units of a particular print product are printed at the same time

Spot UV

Refers to the application of the UV coating to a specific area(s) of a printed piece to add interest or texture, rather than coating the entire surface. It’s a creative way to add depth and contrast through varying levels of sheen and texture

Substrate

The base material onto which printing will be applied, typically used when referring to the materials used for large format products 

UV Coating

Liquid, glossy coating applied to the paper’s surface and cured with UV light

Vector Images

Images made up of solids, lines, and curves that can be scaled or edited without affecting the image’s resolution

4over is always here to help you grow your business and deliver for your clients. And as a trade-only printer and promo provider, 4over will never compete with you — the best measure of our success is yours!

4over LLC is one of the largest wholesale trade printers in the US, with multiple production facilities across North America. A trusted source of print fulfillment since 2001, the company helps large franchise printers, single print shops, print brokers, graphic designers, photographers, and every type of print reseller in between grow profitable businesses by offering a vast selection of quality products at guaranteed trade-only prices. With capabilities such as gang-run offset, digital, grand format, and promotional printing, plus state-of-the-art equipment, 4over offers every customer savings, selection, and scale. Not yet a 4over reseller? Register Today!