If you are new in printing packaging field, there are so many related terms you should know. In this article, Opack, a professional custom printing packaging manufacturer & supplier will walk you through 15 commonly used printing terms.
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1. DPI:
DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. It’s a unit that measures printer resolution—the higher the number, the better the print quality. For professional results, you’ll need at least 300 DPI, while web graphics only require 72 DPI.
2. CMYK:
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. In printing, colors are defined by percentages of these four inks. For example, 0-0-0-100 refers to solid black. In contrast, devices like computer monitors use RGB for color definitions.
3. Offset/Lithographic Printing:
Most printing companies use offset printing to produce high-quality materials in bulk. Although the setup costs are higher, the process becomes more economical in large runs. This method involves transferring ink from a metal plate to a rubber sheet, then onto paper, often with a machine that can handle up to eight printing stations.
4. Digital Printing:
Compared to offset printing, digital printing is more expensive and lower in quality but ideal for small runs as it saves time. Digital printing eliminates many mechanical steps involved in traditional printing, such as making plates or color proofs.
5. Screen Printing:
Screen printing provides crisp, clean images and text. It’s affordable to set up, making it a great choice for small runs. This method can print on various materials, such as fabric, corrugated packaging, and plastic, making it perfect for items like T-shirts and mugs.
6. 4-Color Process:
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK) are the four inks used in full-color printing, also called 4-color process printing. Black is added as a fourth color to improve contrast and details since mixing the first three doesn’t produce a true black.
7. Pantone Matching System (PMS):
The Pantone Matching System specifies and mixes colors for printing. It offers designers over 700 colors and provides printers with formulas for creating these colors. PMS ensures precise color matching, unlike the 4-color process, which can have variations.
8. Bleed or Bleeding Edge:
Bleed refers to when a design extends beyond the edge of the paper. To achieve this, the design is printed on oversized paper, and the extra is cut off to the desired size, ensuring no unprinted edges are visible.
9. Embossing:
Embossing is a design technique where raised patterns are created on paper without using ink, also known as blind embossing. It creates a raised texture, making logos or text literally stand out.
10. Crop Marks:
Crop marks, or trim marks, are lines in the corners of a printed page to guide where to cut the paper. These marks are used by commercial printers, especially for designs with bleed, to ensure the final size and appearance are correct.
11. Dieline:
A dieline is a template used in packaging and printing to show where to fold and cut the material for the final product. Designers use dielines to create layouts for things like boxes and envelopes.
12. Spot Varnish:
Spot varnish is applied to specific parts of a printed piece to highlight them. Only part of the page gets a glossy or matte finish to enhance or emphasize text or images, creating a special effect.
13. Hologram:
A hologram is a 3D image created using a laser and recorded on a special surface. It can be embossed onto foil and is often used in packaging as a symbol of high quality and luxury, changing colors depending on how you look at it.
14. Golden Foil Stamping:
Foil stamping uses heat and pressure to transfer metallic foil onto a surface. It’s a clean, quick process often used for marking materials like plastic, leather, and paper, making products look more premium.
15. UV Coating:
UV coating is often used in packaging to give it a high-end look. It can be applied to specific areas (spot UV) to draw attention to parts of the design. UV coating is eco-friendly, durable, and comes in both glossy and matte finishes.
If you still have any other questions about printing or want to customize printing packaging in bulk, feel free to contact Opack. We are always happy to help you.
