Printing Terms

This refers to how the back of a page is printed in relation to the front. Head-to-head means the top of both sides is the same edge (standard for books). Head-to-foot means the back side is upside down compared to the front, often used for legal forms or clipboards.

The instructions for the final finishing of the product, such as folding, stapling, or trimming to size.

Commonly known as "No Carbon Required" paper. These are multi-part forms where writing on the top sheet is chemically transferred to the sheets underneath. Specify how many parts are in the set and where it should be padded.

A thick, rigid cardboard used as a sturdy backer for notepads or NCR books.

The specific order in which your pages are gathered and stacked.

• Collated: Organized in final reading order (1, 2, 3). Ten copies of a 3-page document results in 10 separate sets.

• Uncollated: Grouped by page number. Ten copies of a 3-page document results in a stack of ten Page 1s, then ten Page 2s, etc.

The process of using a drill to punch holes (usually single or 3-hole) through stacks of paper so they can be placed in binders.

The size and style of envelope needed, such as #10s (standard business), #9s (return envelopes), 9x12, etc.

The final dimensions of the item after all trimming, folding, and binding are completed. (Example: An 8.5x11 saddle-stitched book has a finished size of 8.5x11, but a flat size of 17x11).

The "flat" size of the paper before it is folded or bound into its final shape.

Cover Ink: The ink specifications used specifically for the outside cover of the project.
Text Ink: The ink colors (Black & White vs. Full Color) used on the internal pages. "Text" refers to the paper weight (lighter inside pages), not the actual words or copy.

A specific style of binding where a single piece of heavy paper (the cover) is wrapped around a stack of sheets (typically NCR) and stapled at one edge. It is designed to function like a book of matches so the cover can be placed under the top set, preventing the image from transferring to the sets beneath.

Standardized pads created by gluing sheets (typically copy paper) together at the top with a chipboard backer, typically provided in 50 sheets per pad.

The process of printing unique, sequential identification numbers on each individual piece in a press run.

Refers to the total number of printable sides in your project, regardless of how many physical sheets of paper are used.
Example: A 2-sided flyer is one sheet of paper but has a 2-page count. Page count is about content; "Quantity" refers to how many finished copies you need.

Cover Paper: The thicker, more durable paper stock used for the outside of a publication. This also applies to posters or single pages printed on thicker paper. 
Cover Paper Selection: Used for paper details (like color), not ink details.
Text Paper: The lighter weight paper used for inside pages, flyers, or thinner copies.
Text Paper Selection: Used for paper details (like color), not ink details.
Paper Finish: The texture and coating of the paper, such as silk, matte, gloss, or uncoated.
Paper Weight: The thickness of the paper stock, measured in pounds (e.g., 20lb, 28lb, 60lb, 80lb, 100lb).
Gloss: A shiny paper coating that makes colors appear more vibrant.
Silk/Matte: A less shiny paper finish that is easier to read and has a more understated, modern look.

A process where pages are glued together at the spine with a wrap-around soft cover, creating a flat squared-off edge. This requires a minimum of 100 pieces of paper.

Creating a line of small, punched holes in the paper to make it easy to tear off a section, such as a coupon or return-mail form.

A preliminary version of the printed piece (digital PDF or physical hard copy) provided for review and approval before the final print run.

A binding method where sheets are folded and stapled through the center fold (the "spine"). This is common for booklets and catalogs. Limited to a maximum of 96 pages per file.

A packaging method where clear plastic film is heat-sealed around a bundle of finished products for protection and organization.

Blank or colored pieces of paper inserted at regular intervals during the finishing process to act as visual markers or separators.

A binding style where a continuous plastic loop is wound through holes punched along the edge, allowing the book to lay completely flat when open.

Small adhesive circles used to seal the open edges of a self-mailing piece (like a brochure) for mailing without an envelope.

Durable materials used for large-scale printing, such as banners, poster paper, sintra board, or foamcore.