Print Dictionary

The terms you meet when preparing a print job, explained in plain language by people who have printed in Montreal every day since 1996. Every definition links to the products where the term actually matters.

Bleed

Bleed is the extra margin of artwork that extends past the final trim line, normally 1/8 inch (3 mm) on each side. It exists because cutting is mechanical: b…

Digital vs offset printing

Digital printing transfers your file directly to the press, no plates, no setup runs, using toner or inkjet technology. Offset printing transfers ink from et…

DPI vs PPI

PPI (pixels per inch) measures the pixel density of a digital image. DPI (dots per inch) measures the density of ink dots a press or printer lays on paper. T…

Foil stamping

Foil stamping is a finishing process that transfers a thin metallic film onto paper using a heated die and pressure. The result is a mirror-bright metallic s…

Kiss-cut vs die-cut

A kiss-cut sticker is cut through the vinyl layer only, so the sticker peels off a backing sheet that stays intact. A die-cut sticker is cut through both the…

Paper weight and finishes

Three choices define how a printed piece feels before anyone reads it: the paper's weight (GSM or points), its surface (coated or uncoated), and its finish (…

Saddle-stitch vs perfect binding

Saddle-stitching binds a booklet by folding sheets in half and stapling them through the fold line, the "saddle". Perfect binding stacks single pages, roughe…

Spot UV

Spot UV is a clear, high-gloss varnish applied to specific areas of a printed piece and instantly hardened (cured) under ultraviolet light. "Spot" means it g…

CMYK vs RGB

Why printed colour needs CMYK files and what happens to RGB artwork on press.

Brochure folds

Tri-fold, Z-fold, gate fold: how each brochure fold works and when to use it.

Missing a term? Ask us at 514.844.0388, it will probably end up on this page.

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