Printing Industry Glossary

Printing Industry Terms

Bleed

The portion of a design that extends beyond the edge of a printed document to ensure a clean cut with no white margins. Print420 recommends a .125” bleed on all files.

CMYK

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black), the four colors used in the printing process to create a full spectrum of colors.

Crop Marks

Small lines placed near the edges of a printed document to indicate where it should be trimmed.

DPI (Dots Per Inch)

A measurement of print resolution that defines how many dots fit horizontally and vertically in one inch. Higher DPI results in sharper images.

Grommets

Brass rings inserted along the edges of banners to allow for easy hanging using ropes, zip ties, or anchors.

Sintra Board Posters

A lightweight, rigid PVC material that is UV-resistant and moisture-resistant, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor signage.

JPEG

A widely used compressed image format that supports up to 24-bit color, ideal for web graphics and digital photos.

Retractable Banner Stands

A portable display stand with a mechanism that allows the banner to retract into its base when not in use. Perfect for trade shows, malls, and retail displays.

Matte Finish

A subtle, non-glossy coating applied to printed materials to reduce glare while adding protection.

Four-Color Process Printing

A method that uses CMYK inks to create a wide range of colors in printed images.

Postcards

Custom-printed cards used for direct mail campaigns, invitations, or promotions. Available in different sizes and finishes.

Vinyl Printed Decals

Custom-cut vinyl graphics that adhere to smooth surfaces, perfect for branding vehicles, storefronts, or walls.

Coroplast Signs

Lightweight, weather-resistant signs made from corrugated plastic, commonly used for real estate, political campaigns, and event signage.

Batch Printing

The process of grouping multiple print jobs together to be printed in one run for efficiency.

PDF (Portable Document Format)

A universal file format that preserves fonts, images, and layouts, ensuring consistent printing across different devices.

Canvas Prints

High-resolution images printed onto canvas and stretched over a wooden frame to create an artistic display.

Window Graphics

Graphics printed on adhesive-backed vinyl designed for storefronts, offering promotional or decorative visuals.

Lamination

A thin, protective plastic layer applied to printed materials to enhance durability and finish, available in matte or gloss.

Pole Pockets

A finishing option for banners that creates a sleeve at the top and bottom, allowing poles to be inserted for easy display.

Upload

The process of transferring a digital file from a computer to Print420’s online system for printing.

Gallery Wrap

A method of stretching canvas prints so the edges wrap around the sides of the wooden frame, creating a frameless appearance.

Four over Zero (4/0)

A printing method where four-color process printing appears on one side of a document, while the other side remains blank.

Contrast

The difference between light and dark tones in an image, affecting visibility and vibrancy.

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)

A file format often used for vector-based artwork like logos, allowing for high-quality resizing.

Die Cut

A specialized cutting process that allows for unique shapes beyond standard squares and rectangles.

Safe Zone

The area within a printed design where important elements should be placed to ensure they aren’t trimmed off during production.

RGB

A color mode used for digital screens that mixes Red, Green, and Blue light to create colors. Not suitable for print production.

Turnaround Time

The estimated time required to complete a print order from file submission to shipping. Standard turnaround is 2-4 days.

Mesh Window Graphics

Perforated vinyl material used for window advertising that allows visibility from inside while displaying full-color graphics outside.

Business Cards (14 pt)

High-quality, customizable business cards printed on thick 14 pt paper stock with various finishing options.

Foil Printing

A specialty printing process that applies a metallic foil layer to specific design elements for a premium look.

Full Bleed

Printing that extends to the edge of the paper without a white border, achieved by trimming excess material.

Dibond

A composite material made of aluminum and plastic, known for its durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions.

Cyan

A shade of blue that is one of the four primary inks used in CMYK printing.

Die

A tool used for cutting, embossing, or shaping printed materials into custom forms.

Scale

The percentage by which an image or design is enlarged or reduced to fit a specific print size.

Opaque

A material or ink that does not allow light to pass through.

Car Magnets

Durable, weather-resistant magnets that can be placed on vehicles for temporary signage and advertising.

Pantone Matching System (PMS)

A standardized color system that allows for precise color reproduction across different printing processes.

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)

A high-quality image file format commonly used for professional printing due to its lossless compression.

Trim

The final cutting process that removes excess material from a printed piece.

Floor Graphics

Printed graphics designed for application on floors, using durable, slip-resistant materials.

Live Chat

A real-time online chat service where customers can receive immediate assistance.

Backlit Posters

High-quality prints designed to be illuminated from behind for dynamic visual displays.

100lb Gloss Cover

A thick, high-quality paper stock with a glossy finish that enhances colors and sharpness in printed materials.

Account

A user profile on Print420’s website that allows customers to track orders, save preferences, and manage projects.

Job Ticket

A form used to specify production details such as size, materials, and finishing options.

Local Pickup

An option that allows customers to collect their orders directly from Print420’s location instead of shipping.

Magenta

A reddish-pink color and one of the four primary inks in CMYK printing.

Order Tracking

The ability to check the status of an order through Print420’s customer dashboard.

Hems

Reinforced edges on banners created by folding and heat-sealing the vinyl for added durability.

H-Frame Stakes

Metal stakes designed to hold corrugated plastic signs in place, commonly used for lawn signs.

Shipping Stage

The phase in which printed materials are packaged and labeled for delivery.

Substrate

Any surface or material that printing is applied to, such as paper, vinyl, or aluminum.

Post-Press

The finishing stage of production, including trimming, laminating, binding, or folding.

Pre-Press

The phase where files are reviewed for errors before being sent to print, ensuring they meet printing specifications.

UV Coating

A glossy protective layer applied to printed materials and cured with ultraviolet light for durability.

Ordering Process

Print420 simplifies the ordering process into easy steps: choosing your product, uploading artwork, and finalizing payment and shipping.

Resolution

The clarity of an image, measured in pixels per inch (PPI); higher resolution means sharper prints.

Window Clings

Graphics printed on static-cling vinyl, designed for easy application and removal on glass surfaces.

Foam Board Posters

A lightweight yet rigid material ideal for printing, die-cutting, and mounting photos or artwork for display.