The printing industry uses a wide range of specialised terms to describe materials, techniques, and production processes. Understanding these terms helps you communicate clearly with your printer and make informed decisions about your print projects.

General Terms

• Bleed: The part of a design that extends beyond the final trim size to avoid unprinted edges after cutting.
• Trim: The final size of a printed item after the bleed and excess material are cut away.
• CMYK: Stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) — the four inks used in full-colour printing. By combining these inks, printers can reproduce a wide range of colours.
• RGB: Red, Green, and Blue — the colour model used for screens and digital media. Files created in RGB need to be converted to CMYK for accurate print results.
• DPI (Dots Per Inch): A measure of image resolution. A higher DPI means a sharper, more detailed print. 300 DPI is the standard for professional printing.
• Resolution: Refers to the level of detail in an image. Low resolution may result in blurry or pixelated printing.
• Stock: The paper or material being printed on, available in different weights, textures, and finishes.
• GSM (Grams per Square Metre): Indicates the weight and thickness of paper. The higher the GSM, the heavier and thicker the stock.
• Prepress: The stage where artwork is prepared for printing — including colour correction, image setup, proofing, and layout adjustments.
• Proof: A printed or digital sample used to check colour accuracy, layout, and design before full production begins.
• Pantone / PMS (Pantone Matching System): A universal colour system that ensures colour consistency across different printers and materials.

Common Paper Sizes

Paper sizes follow international ISO standards and are grouped into three main series — A, B, and C — each serving a particular purpose in printing and stationery.

A Series (Most Common in Australia & Europe)
Used for general printing, documents, and publications. Each size is half the area of the one before it when folded parallel to its shorter side.

• A0: 841 × 1189 mm — large posters and architectural plans
• A1: 594 × 841 mm — posters and charts
• A2: 420 × 594 mm — medium posters and artwork
• A3: 297 × 420 mm — small posters, folded brochures
• A4: 210 × 297 mm — standard office and letterhead size
• A5: 148 × 210 mm — flyers, booklets, and notepads
• A6: 105 × 148 mm — postcards, small invitations

B Series
Provides intermediate sizes between A-series measurements. Often used for books, catalogues, and posters.

• B4: 250 × 353 mm — booklets, documents
• B5: 176 × 250 mm — books, journals, small catalogues and some envelopes

C Series (Envelope Sizes)
Designed to fit A-series paper. For example, an A4 sheet fits into a C4 envelope, and an A5 sheet fits into a C5 envelope.

• C4: 229 × 324 mm — fits an unfolded A4 sheet
• C5: 162 × 229 mm — fits an A5 sheet or an A4 sheet folded once
• C6: 114 × 162 mm — fits an A6 sheet or an A4 sheet folded twice
• DL: 99 × 210 mm — fits an A4 sheet folded into thirds (standard business envelope size)

Tip: Always confirm your finished size and any folding requirements before setting up artwork for print.

Printing Methods

Different projects require different printing techniques. Common methods include:

• Digital Printing: Prints directly from a digital file. Ideal for smaller print runs, quick turnarounds, and personalised work.
• Offset Printing: Uses metal plates to transfer ink onto paper via a rubber blanket. Offers high quality and is cost-effective for large quantities.
• Screen Printing: Pushes ink through a fine mesh screen onto a surface — often used for fabrics, signs, and promotional products.
• Large Format Printing: Used for oversized materials such as posters, banners, and signage.
• Letterpress: A traditional method that presses raised type or designs into paper, creating a distinctive tactile impression.

Finishing Processes

Finishing enhances both the durability and visual appeal of printed materials.

• Coating: A clear layer applied to protect and enhance the print surface.

1.  Aqueous Coating – quick-drying, water-based, and eco-friendly 
2. UV Coating – high-gloss, durable, and vibrant

• Lamination / Celloglazing: Applies a thin film to the surface for protection and texture. Available in gloss, matte, and soft-touch finishes — some films are biodegradable.
• Varnish: A clear coating applied overall or selectively to add shine or protection (available in gloss, matte, or satin).
• Die-Cutting: Cuts printed materials into custom shapes using a metal die — ideal for packaging, folders, and shaped cards.
• Embossing / Debossing: Creates raised (embossed) or recessed (debossed) designs using pressure and metal dies.
• Foil Stamping: Uses heat and pressure to apply metallic or coloured foils for a premium, reflective finish.
• Spot UV: A clear, glossy coating applied only to specific design elements for contrast and emphasis.

Binding Methods

Binding joins printed pages together into a finished product.

​There are two main types — adhesive bindings and stitched or punched bindings.

Adhesive Bindings

• Perfect Binding: Pages are glued along the spine and attached to a soft cover. Common for magazines, catalogues, and books.
• PUR Binding: Uses a stronger, more flexible polyurethane adhesive for a long-lasting and durable bind — ideal for thicker books.
• Thermal Binding: Uses a pre-glued cover and heat to bond pages. Quick, professional, and often used for reports and presentations.
• Case Binding (Hardcover): Pages are sewn together in sections and attached to a rigid cover for maximum durability. Common in premium publications and coffee table books.

Stitched and Punched Bindings

• Saddle Stitching: Folded sheets stapled along the centre fold. Best for small booklets, brochures, and newsletters (typically under 64 pages).
• Wire-O Binding: Twin metal loops bind punched pages, allowing them to lie flat or rotate 360°. Often used for notebooks, diaries, and calendars.
• Comb Binding: Uses a plastic spine with rings that can be opened and closed, allowing pages to be added or removed easily.
• Spiral Binding: A single continuous coil is threaded through punched holes, creating a flexible and durable binding.

Other Useful Terms

• Imposition: The arrangement of pages on a press sheet so they appear in the correct order once printed, folded, and trimmed.
• Registration Marks: Small printed targets used to align colour separations during printing.
• Crop Marks: Fine lines that show where the printed sheet should be trimmed to its final size.
• Overprint: Allows one colour to print over another for deeper tones or layered effects.
• Knockout: Removes the underlying colour where another colour is printed on top, preventing overlap.

Whether you’re producing brochures, packaging, or business stationery, understanding these printing terms will help you achieve the best results and ensure your finished product looks exactly as intended.