Strand 5: Print Production Process — Deep Learning Notes

Print production

The end-to-end process of turning a visual design into a physical printed product.

Prepress

The phase of planning and preparing files so they can be printed.

Press

The actual printing phase where ink/toner is applied to the substrate.

Postpress

The finishing phase consisting of cutting, folding, binding, and packaging.

Specification (spec)

A precise description of what will be printed and how, including size, colour, and method.

Trim size

The final size of the printed piece after cutting.

Bleed

Extra artwork extending beyond the trim line to ensure color/images reach the edge.

Safe area

A margin inside the trim where important content should avoid being cut off.

Folding

The process of bending a printed sheet, which can cause issues if not designed correctly.

Creep

The phenomenon in saddle-stitched booklets where inner pages extend slightly more when folded.

Pagination

The arrangement of pages within a printed product, often in multiples for efficient printing.

CMYK

The process colour model used in printing consisting of cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black).

Spot colour

A pre-mixed ink printed as a separate unit, often used for consistent brand colours.

Colour management

The system of keeping colour predictable from capture through editing to proofing.

Rich black

Black created by mixing CMY inks with black for deeper color in large areas.

Overprint

A printing technique where one layer of ink is printed on top of another.

Knockout

A technique where the top object removes the underlying ink beneath it.

Raster Image Processor (RIP)

A system that converts vector and image data into a format suitable for printing.

Preflight

The process of checking files for issues that could lead to printing errors.

Soft proof

An on-screen simulation of the printed output used for quick checks.

Hard proof

A physical print used to more accurately predict the final printed output.

Imposition

The layout of multiple pages on a larger sheet for correct order and orientation after printing.

Offset lithography

A commercial printing method using plates for high-quality, high-volume work.

Digital printing

A printing method that outputs directly from digital files without traditional plates.

Screen printing

A method of printing that pushes ink through a mesh stencil onto a substrate.

Flexography (flexo)

A method that uses flexible relief plates and fast-drying inks, commonly used for packaging.

Gravure printing

A method that uses engraved cells to produce high-quality output at very high volumes.

Letterpress

A relief printing method where a raised type presses into paper, often used for premium prints.

Substrate

The material that print is applied to, typically paper but can include other materials.

Dot gain

The phenomenon where printed dots become larger than intended, affecting image quality.

Opacity

The measure of how well ink covers what’s beneath it on a substrate.

Coating

A layer applied to printed materials to improve durability and appearance.

Varnish

A clear coating applied to enhance appearance and protect printed materials.

UV coating

A technique that uses UV light to cure a clear coating for durability and gloss.

Embossing

The process of creating a raised image or design on paper.

Die-cutting

A method to cut custom shapes using a specialized die.

Registration

The precise alignment of separate colour units during printing.

Ink density

The concentration of ink applied to the substrate, affecting the richness of colour.

Set-off

When ink transfers to the back of another sheet during the printing process.

Saddle stitching

A binding method where staples are applied along the fold of a booklet.

Perfect binding

A method of bookbinding that uses glue along the spine of the book.

Scoring

The process of creating a controlled crease to facilitate clean folds.

Sustainability in printing

Practices that reduce environmental impact through responsible choices in materials and processes.

Environmental impact

The effect that print production has on the environment concerning resource usage and waste.

Quality control in print

The process of managing and ensuring a consistent output and quality in printed materials.

Cost drivers in print

Factors that influence the overall cost of printing, including quantity, colour, and materials.