In honor of National Dictionary Day, we are covering common book printing terminology to help you better understand the printing process with 48 Hour Books. Here’s a list of common printing terms organized into categories:
Printing Methods
Offset: Traditional printing method where ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, then onto the paper.
Digital: Printing directly from digital files; ideal for small print runs or customizations.
Inkjet: A type of digital printing where tiny droplets of ink are sprayed onto the paper.
Types of Book Printing
Cross-over Printing: Where a single image or design extends across two adjacent, facing pages of a book or magazine.
Inside Cover Printing: The process of printing text, images, or designs on the inside of a book's front or back cover.
One- Sided Printing: Printing method where ink is applied only to one side of each sheet of paper, leaving the other side blank.
Edge Printing: Technique of printing designs, text, or patterns on the edges of a book’s pages. This means that instead of printing on the flat surface of the pages, the ink is applied to the outer sides of the book when it is closed. 48 Hour Books just launched our own edge printing service!
Fore-edge Printing: Technique of applying ink or designs specifically to the fore-edge of a book, which is the outer edge of the pages opposite the spine.
Inverse or Reverse Printing: Technique where the typical relationship between text (or images) and the background is flipped. In reverse printing, the background is printed as a solid color (usually black or another dark color), while the text or image is left as the color of the paper, typically white or lighter.
Binding Types
Perfect Binding: The pages are glued together at the spine with a strong adhesive and have a flat spine.
Case Binding: Also called hardback binding, this is where the book is bound in a rigid cover.
Spiral Coil Binding: A plastic or metal coil is used to bind the book, allowing it to lay flat.
Saddle Stitched Binding: Folded sheets are stapled through the fold line, commonly used for booklets.
Learn more about our book binding options!
Colors and Printing Processes
Bleed: Printing that goes beyond the edge of where the sheet will be trimmed, avoiding white margins.
RGB: Color model used for digital screens (Red, Green, Blue).
CMYK: Color model used in printing (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black).
Pantone: A standardized color matching system used for consistent colors in printing.
Spot Color: A specific, premixed ink used to print solid colors.
Halftone: A pattern of dots used in printing images to simulate shades of color or grayscale.
Continuous Tone: Images with smooth transitions between tones, typically used in photographs.
Registration: The precise alignment of different layers of ink or printing elements when producing multi-color prints.
Registration mark: A small, typically cross-shaped symbol or target printed on the edges of the page or in the margins of the printed material. These marks serve as visual guides to ensure accurate alignment (or registration) of the different color plates during the printing process.
Overprint: Printing technique where one color of ink is printed on top of another color instead of using just one color at a time.
Transparency: The application of transparent inks or coatings that can enhance colors, add a glossy finish, or create a subtle overlay effect without obscuring underlying images.
Crop: The process of trimming the edges of a printed sheet to achieve the desired final dimensions of a printed piece.
Crop mark: Small lines or guides printed in the corners or edges of a printed sheet to indicate where the paper should be trimmed to achieve the final dimensions of the printed piece.
Drop shadow: A graphic design technique used to create the illusion of depth by adding a shadow effect to text or images.
Watermark: A recognizable image or pattern that is embedded into paper during its manufacturing process. Watermarks are typically created by varying the thickness of the paper or by using a specific design that becomes visible when held up to the light.
File and Document Terminology
PDF: Common file format for printing, as it retains formatting across different systems.
Cover Treatments and Finishes
Foil Stamping: Applying metallic or pigmented foil onto a surface using heat and pressure.
Embossing/Debossing: Raising or recessing parts of the page to create a tactile effect.
Die (for foil stamping): A specialized tool used for cutting or shaping the material.
Lamination: A clear plastic coating applied to a printed sheet to protect it.
Gloss UV: A glossy coating that is cured with ultraviolet light, often used for durability.
Spot Varnish: A glossy or matte finish applied to specific areas for contrast.
Silk Laminate: A soft, smooth laminate that is a matte finish.
Diamond 3D Printing: A special cover treatment offered by 48 Hour Books, our Diamond 3D Printing gives elements on your book cover a raised 3D effect. It is available in three options: Clear, Metallic Foil, and Smart Textures.
Paper and Measurement
Resolution: The clarity and detail of an image or design, measured by DPI or PPI
DPI (Dots Per Inch): Refers to the resolution of an image; more DPI means a higher resolution.
PPI (Pixels Per Inch): Measures the resolution of digital images.
GSM (Grams per Square Meter): Paper weight measurement, higher GSM indicates thicker paper.
Caliper: The thickness of a sheet of paper, usually measured in thousandths of an inch.
Collating: Organizing printed pages into the correct sequence.
Book Materials
Spine: The part of the book where all the pages are attached.
Tailband/Headband: A small band of fabric at the top (head) or bottom (tail) of the spine of a hardcover book, used to reinforce the binding.
Endsheet: The paper that is glued to the inside covers of a hardcover book.
Flysheet: A blank or unprinted sheet of paper that is inserted at the front or back of a book, typically between the cover and the first or last printed page.
PUR (Polyurethane Reactive adhesive): A type of high-performance adhesive used in bookbinding. It is known for its superior strength, flexibility, and durability compared to traditional hot-melt adhesives.
Index Tabs: Divider tabs used to organize sections within a printed book.
Special Cover Options:
Pearl Linen Cloth: A cloth-like cover with a textured linen weave.
Advantage Leatherette: A 9 Pt embossed acrylic cover that gives the look and feel of real leather.
Taratan II Leather: A bonded leather, which uses 100% genuine cowhide fibers for the feel and smell of real leather.
Dust Jacket: A removable cover on hardcover books to protect the actual cover.
Are you ready to self-publish your book? Start with our Self-Publisher Checklist.
For more information on the book printing process, our print options, or how to prepare your files for printing, please contact us – we’re here to help!
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