Compact printing knowledge from A to Z

From bleed to collating - printing knowledge explained clearly

In the world of printing, we encounter numerous technical terms that are essential for design, production, and quality. This encyclopaedia provides a compact overview from A to Z - ideal for anyone who works professionally with print products or would like to refresh their knowledge.

4/0-colour - One-sided four-colour printing.

4/4-colour - Two-sided four-colour printing.

B

Binding - The gathering of individual pages and subsequent joining, e.g. by means of adhesive or wire binding.

The choice of binding influences the durability, appearance and functionality of the end product. Common types of binding include perfect binding, wire stitching, spiral binding, and thread stitching. The appropriate technique is selected depending on the number of pages and intended use.

Bleed - Area that extends beyond the final format of a printed product and is cut off after printing. Slight deviations may occur during cutting; the bleed ensures that no white edges are visible if the motif extends to the edge.

The bleed is typically 2-3 mm and must be considered in the design to ensure that elements that extend beyond the edge are printed correctly. In layout programmes, the bleed is defined as an additional area outside the final format. Without a bleed, visible white flashes may occur during cutting, which will impair the print result.

Bundling - Combining already printed products into handy packages.

Bundling facilitates transport, storage and further processing, for example, during dispatch or packaging. The bundles are often secured with banderoles or film to prevent them from slipping. The bundle size can vary depending on the product type and customer requirements.

C

Capitalisation - capital letter.

Capital letters are used for emphasising, headings or initials and lend structure and weight to texts. They differ from minuscules in their size and shape and can be explicitly used in typography to create hierarchies. However, too many capitals in continuous text can impair readability.

Cellophaning - A process for print finishing: A thin film is applied to the entire surface of the printed product, providing protection as well as visual and tactile enhancement.

The film can be matt, glossy or textured and influences the feel and visual effect of the product. It protects against scratches, moisture and wear and tear - especially in the case of heavily used printed matter such as packaging or envelopes. Cellophane wrapping can also be combined with embossing or UV varnish.

CMYK - The primary colours of subtractive colour mixing in four-colour printing: C = cyan, M = magenta, Y = yellow, K = key (black).

This colour model is used in offset and digital printing to create a wide range of colour tones by overlaying the four primary colours. The colours are applied in halftone dots, with black (K) providing depth and contrast. CMYK is not identical to RGB and is particularly suitable for print media.

Coated art paper - Also known as art paper. This is a coated paper specially developed for printing images and graphics.

Thanks to its smooth, coated surface, it enables brilliant colour reproduction and razor-sharp details. It is ideal for high-quality brochures, magazines or illustrated books. The coating can be matte, glossy, or semi-gloss, depending on the desired look and feel.

Coated paper - Also known as coated. Paper that is coated with a binding agent. This makes the surface smoother, more stable and whiter.

The coating creates a closed surface that makes colours appear particularly brilliant and sharp. It is ideal for image printing as the ink does not penetrate deep into the paper. The surface can have a matt, glossy, or semi-gloss finish, depending on the desired effect.

Collating - The proper stacking of folded printed sheets before binding.

Collating is usually done by machine and is a preparatory step before binding, for example, for brochures, catalogues, or books. The sequence of the printed sheets must be exactly correct so that the content is correctly organised. Errors during collating lead to an incorrect page sequence and render the product unusable.

Corporate design - The visual appearance of a company, e.g. logo, typography, icons, colour scheme and imagery.

A consistent corporate design strengthens recognisability and trust in a brand. It is used in all forms of communication - from business cards and brochures to websites. The design usually follows a style guide that contains binding rules for colours, fonts and imagery.

Corporate identity - The self-image and characteristic features of a company that set it apart from others.

In addition to corporate design, it also includes corporate culture, communication and behaviour towards customers and employees. A strong corporate identity fosters internal identification and external differentiation. It is strategically planned and practised across all channels.

Creaser - a component of a folding machine that breaks the paper along a line.

The folding knife works precisely and quickly to produce clean breaks along defined lines. It is essential for the quality of the folding process, especially for long runs. Modern machines combine a folding knife and control technology for maximum efficiency.

D

DIN formats - Standardised paper sizes according to the German Institute for Standardisation (e.g. A4, A5).

The DIN series is based on the ratio √2:1, whereby formats can be logically derived by halving or doubling the original. The most widely recognised format is DIN A4, which serves as the standard for letters and documents. Standardisation facilitates the further processing, storage and international exchange of printed products.

DPI - Dots per Inch (dots per inch = 2.54 cm). Measure for image resolution. A resolution of at least 300 dpi is required for optimal printing.

The higher the DPI (dots per inch) number, the finer and more detailed the image appears when printed. A resolution that is too low results in blurred or pixelated images, especially for those with fine lines or text. For large-format prints, such as posters, a lower DPI may be sufficient, as the viewing distance is greater.

E

Embossing - a process for the plastic deformation of paper by pressure and heat; it produces raised or recessed motifs.

Embossing can also be combined with colour or foil, such as hot foil stamping, to create visual accents. It not only creates a tangible structure but also conveys value and exclusivity. It is used in particular for business cards, invitations or packaging to emphasise the brand.

Euroscale - Standardised colour system in four-colour printing (CMYK) with defined colour nuances. It guarantees colour fidelity and consistency across different printing systems.

The Euroscale defines precise colour values for cyan, magenta, yellow and black to ensure uniform colour reproduction. It is imperative when colour matching between different printers or machines. Colour deviations can be minimised through proofs and calibration.

F

Feeder - Markings in the form of front and side marks that are used to align the printed sheet when it is fed into the machine to ensure correct positioning.

The feeder ensures precise alignment of the sheet and prevents register errors in multi-colour prints. It is particularly important for double-sided printing so that the front and reverse sides are exactly on top of each other. Modern printing presses recognise the system automatically and correct minimal deviations digitally.

Final format - The finished, trimmed format of the print-ready product.

The final format is crucial for subsequent processing, such as during dispatch or packaging. It must already be taken into account in the layout phase, including bleed and trim marks. Deviations from the final format can cause issues during machine processing.

Finishing - Process steps that enhance the look and feel of a printed product, such as varnishing and embossing.

Finishing enhances the value and attention of a printed product and is particularly popular in the premium segment. They can have a visual (e.g. gloss, colour) or haptic (e.g. structure, relief) effect. Standard processes are varnishing, embossing, foil lamination or cellophane wrapping.

Fold - Machine breaking of the paper fibres to create folds.

The fold enables the production of brochures, flyers or multi-page print products without binding. Depending on the type of fold—e.g., spiral fold, zigzag fold, or cross fold—different page layouts and formats are created. The choice of fold influences both the appearance and handling of the end product.

Fold marks - Markings on printed sheets for orientation during machine folding.

They serve as a visual guide for the folding machine, helping to determine the exact folding position. These marks are indispensable for correct further processing, especially for complex fold types. They are specifically placed in the pre-press stage to avoid production errors.

Format - Specifies the exact dimensions of a print product in width and height.

The format influences the design, printing costs and further processing. Standard formats, such as DIN A4, are widely used, while special formats are often employed for creative or functional purposes. The final format, including bleed, must also be taken into account during the planning stage.

G

Grammage - weight of a sheet of paper per square metre (g/m²).

The grammage influences the feel, stability and intended use of a printed product. Lightweight papers (e.g. 80 g/m²) are suitable for stationery, while heavier variants (e.g. 300 g/m²) are used for postcards or packaging. This is a decisive factor when choosing paper.

Grip margin - Area of the sheet that cannot be printed on as the machine holds it.

The grip margin remains unprinted during printing as it is held in place by the machine's grippers. It is usually located at the bottom or top edge of the sheet and must be included in the design. Elements in the grip edge area cannot be printed reliably.

H

HKS - special colour system (similar to Pantone) that is widely used in Germany and Europe. It enables consistent colour reproduction.

The HKS colour system comprises over 350 colour tones that are specially defined for offset printing on uncoated and image printing paper. It is particularly suitable for corporate design applications where colour fidelity across different media is crucial. HKS colours are designed as solid colours and offer greater colour precision than CMYK mixtures.

I

Initial - Designed, usually enlarged initial letter of a section or chapter.

Initials are not only used for visual organisation, but also to enhance the style of texts - especially in editorial designs or high-quality printed works. They can be typographically designed or graphically illustrated and are often set off from the body text in terms of colour or style. In historical printed works, initials also had a decorative and narrative function.

J

JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group. Image format for lossy compression. JPEG files require less storage space than PNG files.

The JPEG format is particularly suitable for photos and complex image motifs with many colour gradations. Image details can be lost due to compression, which becomes visible with multiple edits. It is widely used on the web and is suitable for printing, provided the resolution is sufficiently high.

L

Layout - Visual structure and arrangement of text, images and graphics.

A well-designed layout creates a visual hierarchy and guides the viewer's eye through the content. It takes into account design grids, white spaces and the balance between text and image. In the pre-press stage, the layout is exported as a print-ready file, typically as a PDF with bleed and marks.

Leporello fold - Also known as a zigzag fold. Pages are folded alternately inwards and outwards, creating an accordion shape.

This type of fold is ideal for multi-page flyers, inserts or presentations with a continuous structure. The zigzag shape allows the product to be folded to save space and easily unfolded again. The number of pages must be precisely matched to the fold structure when designing.

Level marks - Small markings to control cutting or routing plotters for precise cuts.

Position marks are essential for further processing, especially when punching, cutting or routing. They enable the precise positioning of the printed sheet in automated machines. Without correctly placed register marks, register errors or unclean cuts can occur.

M

Macrotypography - overall layout design: columns, paragraphs, organisation.

It defines the visual structure of a document and provides orientation and rhythm when reading. Elements such as column width, paragraph layout or page grid are part of macro typography. Well-thought-out macro typography improves user guidance and supports the content message.

Microtypography - design in detail: character spacing, spaces between words, line spacing.

It significantly influences the readability and the overall aesthetic appearance of a text. Fine adjustments, such as kerning, ligatures, or word spacing, are often carried out manually or using high-quality typographic software. Microtypography is a quality feature, especially in high-quality editorial design.

Minuscule - lower case letter.

Minuscules form the main component of continuous text and are essential for good legibility. They differ from capitals in their shape and height. In typography, they play a central role in the design of text systems.

N

N-up - Number of identical print copies that are placed on a print sheet to optimise the use of space.

A print sheet can contain multiple copies, such as eight business cards or four flyers, to save material and costs. The optimal panel arrangement is planned in the pre-press stage and influences the production efficiency. The number of panels can vary greatly depending on the format and print run.

O

Offset paper - Uncoated paper, optimised for offset printing.

Offset paper has a rough, absorbent surface that absorbs ink effectively and allows for quick drying. It is particularly suitable for text printing, forms or books where a high-gloss finish is not required. The surface is uncoated, which makes colours appear more matt than on picture printing paper.

Opacity - opacity of a paper. Necessary for clean double-sided printing.

High opacity prevents print elements on the reverse side from showing through, ensuring clean legibility. Opacity is crucial for print quality, especially with thin paper or intensely coloured areas. The paper composition and fillers influence it.

P

Pagination - Page number of a multi-page print product.

The layout of the pagination can also be used for design purposes, such as incorporating special typography or graphic elements. In multilingual or modular publications, it helps with navigation and structuring. In automated layouts, pagination is often controlled via sample pages.

Pantone - International colour system for spot colours. Each colour has a unique ID for consistent reproduction.

Pantone colours are created as spot colours and are not mixed from CMYK; instead, they are applied directly. They guarantee exact colour fidelity - regardless of the printing system or medium. Especially in corporate design, Pantone colours are indispensable for consistent brand communication.

Perforation - Fine row of holes or cuts for easy separation of a part of the product.

Perforations are often used for vouchers, tickets or reply cards. They enable controlled and clean separation without damaging the rest of the product. The type of perforation - micro-perforation, slitting or tear perforation - is selected depending on the intended use.

PNG - Portable Network Graphics. Image format with lossless compression and support for transparency. Larger than JPEG.

PNG supports transparency through alpha channels, which makes it ideal for cropped graphics. It is particularly suitable for digital applications where lossless display is essential. For printing, PNG files must be converted to printable formats such as TIFF or PDF.

Print run - number of printed copies.

The run length has a significant influence on production costs and the choice of printing process. Small print runs are often suitable for digital printing, while large quantities are produced more economically using offset printing. The calculation of paper requirements and dispatch also depends on the planned print run.

Print sheet - Large-format sheet of paper that can contain multiple publications and is folded and trimmed after printing.

A print sheet can contain several pages that are assembled into a finished product after being folded and trimmed. Optimum utilisation of the sheet influences cost-effectiveness and material consumption. In the pre-press stage, the sheet is digitally assembled to ensure the correct sequence and alignment.

Process colours - The four CMYK colours used in multicolour printing.

They are standardised and can be used worldwide, which facilitates reproducibility across different printing locations. The colours are mixed by screening, with the dot size and density influencing the colour effect. Special colours are also used for particularly brilliant colours or high colour fidelity.

Proof - Colour-accurate proof for checking before the final print job.

A proof is indispensable for colour-critical projects such as product packaging or corporate materials. It serves as a reference for the print shop and minimises the risk of colour deviations. For complex productions, a stand proof can also be created, which also checks the position and bleed.

R

Registration mark - A marking used to align the individual colour plates in multi-colour printing. Prevents register differences.

Registration marks are small crosses or circles located outside the printing area that aid in plate mounting. They enable precise alignment of the individual colour forms and are essential for a clean print image. Deviations lead to so-called register inaccuracies, which become visible as colour shadows.

Reverse printing - the reverse side of a double-sided printed sheet (opposite of straight printing).

Reverse printing must be precisely matched to straight printing to ensure register accuracy and a clean overall image. Correct alignment is crucial for brochures or double-sided flyers. Technically, back printing usually occurs in the second print pass or on the reverse side of the sheet.

RGB - Primary colours of additive colour mixing: red, green, blue. Used for digital media.

RGB colours often appear brighter on screens than their CMYK counterparts in print. The conversion from RGB to CMYK can lead to colour shifts, which is why a soft proof or colour profile is recommended. In image processing, RGB mode is usually used before the data is converted for printing.

Roll printing - A Printing process with continuous paper feed from a roll. Suitable for large print runs.

This process is particularly efficient with long run times and consistent motifs. The paper roll can be several kilometres long and is processed at high speed. Inline processing enables the integration of production steps, such as varnishing or perforation, directly.

Running direction - orientation of the paper fibres. There are narrow web (fibres lengthwise) and wide web (fibres crosswise).

The running direction influences the behaviour of the paper during folding, binding and processing. Working against the direction of the fibres can lead to unclean breaks or curling. The correct grain direction ensures stability and a professional result.

S

Screenproof - Screen preview for checking content (layout, arrangement), not colour binding.

A screen proof is used to quickly check layout, text flow, and image placement—especially during the coordination phase with customers or editors. It shows the design as it could later look in print, but is not binding in terms of colour. A certified proof is required for final colour approval.

Sheet-fed printing - A Printing process in which individual printed sheets are fed through the printing press one after the other.

This process is particularly suitable for small to medium print runs with high quality. The printed sheets can be further processed after printing, for example, by folding, cutting, or binding. In contrast to web printing, sheet-fed printing offers greater flexibility with various paper formats and grammages.

Spacing - distance between characters; influences the legibility and visual effect of a text.

Too narrow a spacing can make texts difficult to read, while too broad a spacing disrupts the reading flow. In microtypography, the spacing is specifically adjusted to harmonise blocks of text visually. It plays a key role in the design of headlines and logos in particular.

Spot colour - A Special colour that CMYK does not mix. Guarantees maximum colour precision.

Spot colours are produced directly and not by screening, which enables maximum colour accuracy and opacity. They are ideal for corporate colours that require precise reproduction. Pantone and HKS are well-known systems for spot colours with defined colour codes.

Straight printing - The side is printed first in double-sided printing.

Straight printing is usually done first, as it is more relevant in terms of design - for example, on title pages or the outside of brochures. The reverse side is printed using reverse printing, whereby the accuracy of fit is crucial. A correct sequence is essential for further processing and the visual impact of the end product.

Stitching - joining sheets of paper into a complete product, e.g. with wire or thread stitching.

The choice of stitching depends on the number of pages, intended use and desired durability. Wire stitching is a cost-effective and widely used method, while thread stitching offers a high-quality, long-lasting solution for books and brochures. The stitching also influences the flatness and opening behaviour of the product.

T

Trim marks - Short lines on the edge of a printed sheet that indicate where it needs to be cut.

They serve as orientation for the cutting machine and are placed outside the bleed. Bleed marks are automatically generated in layout programmes to ensure an exact final format. Without these marks, inaccurate cuts and loss of quality can occur.

Type area - The defined area on a page in which text and design elements are placed.

The type area defines the usable area within a page and is determined by margins, columns and design grids. It ensures a harmonious layout and good legibility, regardless of the format. In the pre-press stage, the type area is often defined using sample pages and design guidelines.

Type styles - variants of a font (e.g. bold, italic, narrow). Used for typographic hierarchy and legibility.

Typefaces help to structure content and create visual hierarchies - for example, by emphasising or grading. They not only influence the aesthetics, but also the legibility and character of a text. In professional layouts, typefaces are explicitly used to convey brand identity and tonality.

Typography - design and effect of text through the selection and combination of font, font size, font colour, line spacing, alignment, etc.

Typography significantly influences the legibility, mood and brand impact of a print product. It includes design decisions as well as technical details such as spacing, line spacing and font style. In professional layouts, typography is explicitly used to structure content and convey emotions.

U

Uncoated paper - Also known as uncoated paper. Without coating, with an open, rough surface.

Due to the open surface, uncoated paper absorbs more ink, which leads to matt colour results. It is particularly suitable for writing paper, books or sustainable print products with a natural feel. The surface can appear slightly fibrous, conveying authenticity and environmental awareness.

UV surface varnish - Special varnish that hardens immediately when exposed to UV light. Gives lustre, protection and structure.

UV lacquer is usually applied to the entire surface or partially to emphasise certain areas. It not only offers protection against abrasion and moisture, but also creates visual effects such as a high gloss or texture. The rapid curing by UV light enables further processing to proceed quickly.

V

Vector graphics - Resolution-independent, mathematically defined graphics that can be scaled without loss.

Vector graphics consist of paths and curves that are mathematically defined, making them ideal for logos, icons, and technical illustrations. They can be scaled without loss of quality. Standard formats include EPS, SVG, and AI, which are equally suitable for both print and digital media.

W

Waste - rejects during press set-up; faulty or unusable prints.

Waste mainly occurs during machine set-up, colour matching or due to technical faults. It is not processed further and is often used as test material. Waste is included in the calculation to ensure production reliability.

Whiteness - a measure of the optical brightness of a paper. Higher whiteness = whiter appearance.

A high degree of whiteness ensures brilliant colour reproduction and strong contrasts, especially for images and fine details. It is achieved by optical brighteners in the paper, but can be perceived differently depending on the light source. The degree of whiteness also influences the colour effect and the overall aesthetics of a printed product.

WYSIWYG Editor - What You See Is What You Get. Editor in which the layout and content are displayed during editing as they will appear later.

WYSIWYG editors facilitate design, as changes are directly visible - without programming knowledge. They are often used in web design, layout software or content management systems. The visual preview largely corresponds to the final result, which simplifies coordination with customers or editorial teams.

Conclusion: Printing knowledge that connects - from technical terms to finishing touches

This encyclopaedia not only provides a compact overview of key terms in the world of printing, but also creates a deeper understanding of processes, materials and design principles. Whether in pre-press, design or production, precise specialised knowledge is the key to quality, efficiency and creative excellence. A valuable reference work for anyone who works with print and wants to do more than just design surfaces.