Navigating the world of professional printing can sometimes feel like learning a new language. Miscommunication over terminology can cause unnecessary delays and frustration, especially when your project’s success hinges on getting it right. To help you feel confident when discussing your print jobs, we’ve broken down 12 essential printing terms that will give you a head start on speaking the same language as your printer – and we’re ready to guide you through all of them at Cityscape Design & Print.

Artwork

Artwork is the foundation of any print project. It refers to the complete design file submitted for printing, including text, images, and graphic elements. We’ll review your artwork to ensure it’s print-ready, and if you need help perfecting it, our in-house graphic design team is here to assist.

Binding

Binding is the method used to join pages together to create booklets, brochures, or books. Options include wire, glue, and stitching, and we’ll help you choose the best fit for your project. For instance, wire and saddle stitching are great for thinner booklets, while perfect binding gives a polished finish for thicker publications.

Bleed

If your design extends to the edge of the paper, you’ll need a bleed – typically 3mm beyond the trim line – to avoid white edges. Our team ensures your files are properly set up to achieve that seamless, frameless look you’re after.

CMYK

The backbone of colour printing, CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and key/black) is used to create the full colour spectrum. If your file is in RGB (digital format), we’ll convert it to CMYK to preserve the integrity of your colours during printing.

Crop Marks

Crop marks are tiny black lines that show where your print will be trimmed. These ensure precise cuts and clean edges. We handle all the technicalities so your final product is trimmed perfectly every time.

Digital Printing

Ideal for smaller print runs (250 to 1,000 copies), digital printing is fast, flexible, and cost-effective. It’s perfect for everything from business cards to short-run brochures, and we’ll ensure the process is seamless from start to finish.

Finish

The finish of your print refers to the paper’s texture or surface treatment, which affects the final look and feel of your project. Choose from glossy, matte, or specialty finishes like lamination or varnish to elevate your print’s presentation. Not sure what works best? We’ll guide you to the perfect choice for your needs.

Offset Printing

When you’re dealing with large runs (1,000+ copies), offset printing is the way to go. This traditional method delivers unbeatable precision and colour consistency, especially when paired with Pantone matching for specific brand colours. We manage the setup and ensure every print is flawless.

Pantone Colours

Pantone colours ensure global colour consistency. If you’re aiming for a specific shade, we’ll use Pantone’s colour codes to match it exactly, so your brand colours remain consistent across all your materials.

PPI/DPI

Image resolution matters. PPI (pixels per inch) and DPI (dots per inch) determine print quality, and for professional printing, 300dpi is the standard. We’ll flag any resolution issues before printing to ensure sharp, vibrant results.

Proof

Proofs are your opportunity to double-check your design before printing begins. We’ll provide a detailed digital proof for your review, and once you give us the green light, we’ll move forward with production.

RGB

RGB is for digital screens, not print. Files in RGB need to be converted to CMYK for printing. If you’re unsure about your file’s settings, don’t worry – we’ll handle the conversion for you and ensure the colours look as vibrant on paper as they do on your screen.

Why It Matters

Understanding these terms can make your printing experience smoother and more efficient. But don’t stress if it still feels a bit technical – that’s where we come in. At Cityscape Design & Print, we’re here to handle the details, answer your questions, and ensure your next print project is exactly what you envisioned.