The standard method for full-color printing is CMYK, or 4-color process. It utilises cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks, deposited as tiny dots. These dots combine visually to simulate a broader spectrum of colours. A magnified view reveals the distinct CMYK dot pattern.

Spot colors are pre-mixed inks, offering vibrant, precise hues compared to process (CMYK) printing. They can be used alone or in conjunction with CMYK for expanded color ranges. Cost is a key factor in determining the number of spot colors used.

Pantone® spot colors (PMS) are used for exact color matching in design and printing. While CMYK can approximate these colors, they often differ. Pantone also provides paper-specific color guides to maintain consistency across various print materials.

These are spot colours that have a metallic constituent in the ink, giving a shiny quality to a range of colours from Pantone®.

By using six colors instead of the standard four in CMYK, it is possible to expand the spectrum on a full colour print job. This system has been developed by Pantone® and results in a bigger visual impact. However, there are higher costs involved due to the extra inks and plates.

Coated paper stock features a surface layer on one or both sides, available in gloss, silk, or matte finishes. This coating minimizes ink absorption and enhances light reflection, resulting in sharp, vibrant prints.

This is paper printing stock that does not have an outer layer of coating. It is sometimes preferred by designers for its natural feel. However, the effect is very different to Coated paper because the ink is absorbed and the dots expand. This results in print that is less sharp or bright than Coated paper, depending on the quality of the paper.

A proof is a representation of the final printed product, allowing for error and print quality checks before full production. Proofs range from press sheets to digital printouts, with varying costs. Digital PDF proofs offer speed and convenience but lack color and physical attribute accuracy.

A blank version of a proposed printed document, produced to demonstrate the feel of the paper stock that has been specified and the size of the document. On larger more expensive jobs this can help the designer or customer decide if they are happy with their choice of paper.

This is a printing of method which uses a metal plate inside a printing press machine. The plate carries the image to be printed, to which the ink is applied. This is then applied to the paper as it passes through the press.

This very common printing method refers to Litho printing where the paper does not actually come into contact with the plate. Instead it is transferred from the plate to a rubber ‘blanket’ cylinder and then onto the paper.

Digital presses print directly from digital files, eliminating the need for plates. Ideal for short runs, digital printing offers lower setup costs and the option for personalized prints, though print quality may not always match lithography.

Registration refers to the accurate alignment of two or more colour separations during the printing process. When multiple colours are printed, each colour is applied in a separate pass. Ensuring these passes are perfectly aligned is vital for a high-quality, crisp final image. Misregistration can lead to undesirable color shifts or blurred edges.

Letterpress is a traditional relief printing technique. Ink is applied to a raised surface and pressed onto paper, resulting in a distinctive debossed texture. Once the standard for book printing, it's now celebrated for its exquisite, handcrafted quality in applications like invitations and letterheads.

Thermography is a printing technique that produces a raised, glossy texture on the printed surface. Unlike engraving or embossing, which physically alter the paper, thermography achieves this effect using a special powder and heat.

Web printing, also known as roll-fed printing, is a high-volume printing process that utilizes a continuous roll of paper rather than individual sheets. This method allows for significantly faster production speeds, making it ideal for large print runs.

n the world of printing, a varnish coating is a liquid applied to a printed surface to provide a protective layer and enhance its visual appeal. This versatile finishing technique not only shields your printed materials from scratches, fingerprints, and general wear and tear but also offers a range of aesthetic options.

Often referred to as "Spot UV," this technique allows for precise application of the varnish to specific areas of your print. Imagine highlighting a company logo, emphasizing a vibrant photograph, or adding a glossy sheen to key text. By selectively applying UV varnish, you can create captivating contrasts and draw attention to the most important elements of your design.

"Self cover" refers to printed materials where the cover is created using the same paper as the internal text pages. This means there's no separate, heavier or differently finished cover stock used. It's a cost-effective option that maintains a consistent look and feel throughout the document.

Fold formats offer diverse ways to present information compactly, with common styles including the simple 4 or 6-page fold for brochures, the elegant gate fold for revealing large central panels, the accordion-like concertina fold for multi-panel displays, and the sequential roll fold for step-by-step information. Choosing the right fold enhances both the visual appeal and functionality of your document, whether it's a brochure, leaflet, or promotional piece.

While paper sheet sizes vary globally, the ISO standard is most prevalent. It includes the A series (e.g., A4), the C series for envelopes (e.g., C4 for A4), and the less common B series. RA and SRA sizes (e.g., SRA4), used by printers, are slightly larger than A series for grip and trim. For alternative size conventions, refer to the Designers Toolbox website.

The standard form of binding which uses folded pages inserted into a folded cover, all of which are then stapled through the fold. This method is only suitable up to a limited number of pages (depending on the paper weight) as using too many will result in the finished job buckling and not lying flat. Typical uses are brochures, magazines and small booklets.

This method is for books of at least about 80 pages and gives a hard, durable cover. Pages are sewn together with thread and then the whole thing is glued into the hard cover. It is generally the most expensive method of binding. Typical uses are hardcover books and documents.

Perfect binding offers a sleek, professional finish, creating a flat spine that's ideal for shelf storage. This method involves stitching pages together and then gluing them into a softcover, making it a robust solution for documents with high page counts. The result is a clean, book-like appearance, commonly seen in applications like annual reports, paperback books, and thicker catalogs.

This consists of a line of small holes along the edge of the cover next to the spine. Then, either a Spiral or Wire-O (double loop) wire is then inserted into the holes. The main benefit of this method is that it allows the document to lie flat or be folded over. Typical uses are notebooks and calendars.

This is a very thin plastic coating which is sealed onto the printed sheet in either a Matt or Gloss finish. Matt tends to create a very smooth and professional looking surface, while Gloss creates a very vibrant and shiny effect. Lamination is often used to improve the durability of the printed job, but can add to the costs and be seen as ecologically unfriendly as it cannot be recycled.

A technique where a metallic foil is applied to a specific area of a printed sheet (such as a logo) to create an eye catching shiny effect. The method uses heat and pressure too apply the foil and the result is a much shinier finish than normal Metallic inks. However, it is more expensive as it requires special tools to be made.

This effect is where a a specific area or detail of a printed job (such as a logo) is either raised up (Embossed) or pressed down (Debossed). This makes the area more tactile and prominent than the surrounding area, or it can be used to suggest a slightly 3-dimensional look, such as a bevel.

This technique refers to either punching an irregular hole in a printed page or trimming the whole sheet in an irregular way. It requires a metal punch tool to be made which adds to the cost, depending on its complexity. Often used in packaging, where unusual shapes need to be created.

Encapsulation involves completely sealing a printed sheet within a durable, clear plastic layer. This process provides a significantly higher level of protection compared to standard lamination. By fully encasing the print, encapsulation creates a robust, waterproof barrier, making it ideal for items requiring exceptional durability. Common applications include ID badges, signage, and any surface that needs to withstand frequent handling or cleaning.