Print

Planography

Printing from a flat surface where ink sticks only to greasy areas; includes lithography and giclée

Stencil

A cut-out design used as a mask so ink only passes through exposed areas

Matrix

The surface (plate

Top Number

Indicates the order of the print in the edition (which number it is)

Bottom Number

Indicates the total number of prints in the edition

Edition

The total number of nearly identical prints made from one plate or block

Plate Mark

The indented edge left on the paper by the printing plate

AP (Artist’s Proof)

Extra prints reserved for the artist that are not part of the edition

Proof

A test print made before the final edition is produced

Bon-à-tirer (Printer’s Proof)

The approved print that serves as the standard for the edition

Cancellation Print

A print made after the plate is defaced to show the edition is complete

Ben-Day Process

A technique using dots to create shading or tone (common in comics)

Monotype

A one-of-a-kind print often made by hand without a press

Monoprint

A single print made using a press

Collagraph

A printmaking process where materials are collaged onto a plate to create texture