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A

Color model where colors are created by adding light (RGB). Opposite of subtractive color.
The design files, images, and text that will be printed. Also called “mechanicals” or “print-ready files.”

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B

Extra area beyond the trim edge where design elements extend. Typically 3mm (0.125”). Prevents white edges if cutting is slightly off.See Understanding Bleed
Method of holding pages together. Types include:
  • Saddle-stitch: Stapled in center fold
  • Perfect binding: Glued spine
  • Spiral: Wire or plastic coil
  • Case binding: Hardcover
Number of bits used to represent color information. Higher = more colors.
  • 8-bit: 256 colors per channel
  • 16-bit: 65,536 colors per channel

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C

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black (Key) - The four ink colors used in printing. Subtractive color model.See RGB vs CMYK
Paper with smooth, glossy coating. Better for vibrant colors and detailed images. Opposite: uncoated paper.
Range of colors a device or system can reproduce. RGB has wider gamut than CMYK.
See ICC Profile
Process of separating full-color artwork into CMYK components for printing.
Lines printed outside the design to guide cutting. Also called trim marks or cut marks.See Crop Marks Guide

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D

Custom-shaped cut using a steel die (like a cookie cutter). Used for unique shapes beyond rectangles.
Printing directly from digital files without plates. Good for short runs and variable data.
Dots Per Inch - Measurement of print resolution. Standard is 300 DPI for quality printing.See DPI & Resolution
Image printed with two colors (usually black + one other color).

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E

Actual resolution of an image based on its size in the design. Formula: Image pixels ÷ Physical size in inches.
Raised impression created by pressing paper between two dies. Opposite: debossing (recessed).
Encapsulated PostScript - Vector graphics file format. Good for logos and illustrations.

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F

Surface treatment applied after printing:
  • Gloss: Shiny, reflective
  • Matte: Non-reflective, smooth
  • Satin: Between gloss and matte
  • UV: Ultra-glossy coating
European standards organization for print. FOGRA39 is a common ICC profile standard.
Metallic or pigmented foil applied using heat and pressure. Creates shiny, decorative effect.

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G

See Color Gamut
Gray Component Replacement - Method of replacing CMY gray with K (black) to reduce ink usage and improve stability.
Image using only shades of gray (black to white). Usually printed with black ink only.
Grams per Square Meter - Measurement of paper weight. Higher GSM = thicker, heavier paper.
  • 80gsm: Standard copy paper
  • 350gsm: Thick card stock
Inner margin where pages are bound together. Requires extra margin space to avoid content loss in binding.

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H

Pattern of dots used to simulate continuous tones in printing. Smaller, closer dots = darker area.
6-character code representing RGB color. Example: #FF0000 = red. Format: #RRGGBB.

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I

International Color Consortium profile - Standard file defining color characteristics of a device or printing condition.See ICC Profiles Guide
Arrangement of pages on printing sheets for efficient printing and correct folding sequence.
Total amount of ink applied. Measured as percentage. Most printers limit to 280-320% total (TAC).

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K

Black ink in CMYK. “K” = Key plate. Used for text and details for registration accuracy.
Adjustment of space between individual letter pairs for better visual appearance.
When top color removes (knocks out) underlying colors instead of overprinting.

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L

Vertical space between lines of text. Measured baseline to baseline.
See Safety Zone
Lines Per Inch - Halftone screen frequency. Higher LPI = finer detail, smoother appearance.

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M

Non-glossy, flat surface finish. Reduces glare, softer appearance than gloss.
Ink containing metallic particles for shimmer effect. Often used with foil stamping.
Unwanted pattern caused by incorrect screen angles. Appears as ripples or waves in printed images.

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O

Traditional commercial printing using plates. Image transferred from plate to rubber blanket to paper. Good for large runs.
How much light passes through paper. Higher opacity = less show-through from back side.
Colors that cannot be reproduced in a specific color space. RGB colors outside CMYK gamut will shift.
When one ink prints on top of another instead of knocking out. Used for certain color effects and registration.See Overprint Settings

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P

Standardized color matching system using pre-mixed spot color inks. Ensures consistent brand colors.See Spot Colors Guide
ISO standard for print-ready PDFs. Ensures files contain necessary information and follow printing guidelines.
Binding method where pages are glued together at spine. Used for paperback books and thick catalogs.
Pantone Matching System - See Pantone
Pixels Per Inch - Resolution measurement for digital images. Often used interchangeably with DPI.
Final check of files before printing to catch errors. Automated in professional workflows.
On-site inspection during printing run to verify colors and quality. Done for critical jobs.
CMYK printing. Opposite: spot color (premixed inks).
Test print to verify colors, layout, and quality before full production run.
  • Digital proof: On-screen preview
  • Physical proof: Actual printed sample

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R

Image made of pixels (bitmap). Opposite: vector. Examples: JPG, PNG, TIFF.
Precise alignment of color plates in printing. Registration marks help achieve this.
Crosshair symbols (+) used to align multiple color plates during printing.
Method for handling out-of-gamut colors during conversion:
  • Relative Colorimetric: Preserves relationships (most common)
  • Perceptual: Compresses gamut smoothly
  • Absolute: Exact match including paper white
  • Saturation: Maximum vibrancy
Amount of detail in an image. Measured in DPI or PPI. Higher = more detail.
Red, Green, Blue - Additive color model used by screens and displays.See RGB vs CMYK
Black created using all four CMYK inks (e.g., C40 M30 Y30 K100). Deeper than pure black (K100).See Black Handling

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S

Binding by folding sheets in half and stapling through the fold. Used for magazines and thin booklets. Page count must be multiple of 4.
Area inside trim line where important content must stay. Typically 3-5mm from edge. Also called safe area or live area.See Safety Zone Guide
Crease or fold line pressed into paper. Helps paper fold cleanly without cracking.
Printing method pushing ink through mesh screen. Used for t-shirts, posters, specialty items.
Area outside bleed containing job information (printer notes, colors used, etc.). Trimmed off final product.
Premixed ink color printed as separate plate. Pantone is most common spot color system.See Spot Colors
Glossy UV coating applied to specific areas only. Creates contrast between coated and uncoated areas.
Two facing pages viewed together, as in an open book or magazine.
Standard RGB color space for web and general use. Smaller gamut than Adobe RGB.
Paper or substrate being printed on. “What stock are you using?” = What kind of paper?
Color model where colors are created by subtracting (absorbing) wavelengths of light. CMYK is subtractive.

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T

Total Area Coverage - Sum of all four CMYK percentages. Most printers limit to 300% maximum.
Tagged Image File Format - High-quality raster image format. Supports layers and CMYK. Large file size.
Final cut line where paper is trimmed to finished size.
Line indicating where paper will be cut. Same as trim edge or cut line.
See Crop Marks
Final dimensions of printed piece after trimming. Does not include bleed.

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U

Under Color Removal - Removing CMY inks under black areas. More traditional method than GCR.
Paper without coating. More absorbent, softer appearance. Colors less vibrant than coated.
High-gloss protective coating cured with ultraviolet light. More durable and shinier than standard varnish.

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V

Clear coating applied to protect and enhance printed piece. Types: gloss, matte, satin, spot.
Image made of mathematical paths, not pixels. Scalable without quality loss. Examples: SVG, PDF, AI, EPS.

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W

Unprinted areas in design. Important for readability and visual balance. Also called negative space.

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Quick Reference: Common Measurements

TermValueUsage
Bleed3mm (0.125”)Standard for most projects
Safety Zone3-5mm from edgeKeep content inside
DPI300Print quality standard
TACMax 300%Total ink coverage limit
Text Size Min6-8ptMinimum readable size
GSM Card300-350Business card weight

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