Key Print Industry Terms Every Business Owner Should Know
Navigating the world of printing can be overwhelming, and leave you feeling like, HUH?” -especially if you’re not familiar with the terminology. While we know that not everyone is as into printing as we are and try not to use too many industry terms, it’s still helpful to understand some key print industry terms.
Here are a few essential terms to get you started:
Bleed
Bleed refers to the area of your design that extends beyond the edge of the final print size. This ensures that no unprinted edges show up when your materials are trimmed. For example, if your design includes a full-color background, it should extend slightly past the trim line, otherwise you may see the white border around your design once printed.
CMYK
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black), the color model used in most printing processes. Unlike RGB (used for digital screens), CMYK is optimized for creating vibrant, accurate colors in print.
Resolution
Resolution measures the clarity of an image or design, typically in dots per inch (DPI). For high-quality printing, images should generally be at least 300 DPI to avoid pixelation or blurriness.
Paper Stock
Paper stock refers to the type and thickness of paper used for your project. Common options include glossy, matte, and uncoated finishes, as well as varying weights (measured in pounds or grams per square meter). Choosing the right paper stock impacts the look and feel of your materials.
Proof
A proof is a sample of your design provided by Alamo Prints before the full production run. It’s your opportunity to check for errors and ensure everything looks the way you intended before committing to the final print.
Pantone Matching System (PMS
PMS is a standardized color system used to ensure consistent colors across different printing projects. If your brand uses specific colors, PMS makes it easier to match them perfectly every time.
Die Cutting
Die cutting is a process that uses a custom-shaped blade to cut paper or other materials into unique shapes or designs. This is often used for custom packaging, stickers, folders, or creative marketing pieces.
Offset Printing
Offset printing is a traditional printing method that transfers ink from a plate to a rubber sheet and then onto paper. It’s ideal for high-volume jobs and delivers exceptional color consistency and quality.
Final Thoughts
Understanding these basic print industry terms helps us ensure that we’re all speaking the same language – meaning your projects run smoothly and you get the results you want.
Looking to create attention-grabbing materials for your business? Let’s get started!