News
01/21/2025
Steve Bearden

A

Accordion Fold

A fold that creates a Z-shaped or zig-zag pattern, commonly used for brochures and maps.

Address Correction Service (ACS)

A service offered by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) that provides updated address information for mail that is undeliverable as addressed. Helps maintain clean mailing lists and reduces postage costs by preventing mail from being sent to outdated addresses.

Address Hygiene

The process of correcting and standardizing mailing addresses to meet USPS requirements, ensuring accurate delivery and maximum postal discounts. This includes updating addresses against the National Change of Address (NCOA) database.

Alphanumeric

A string of characters containing both letters (alpha) and numbers (numeric), often used in data files that drive personalized printing campaigns.

Aqueous Coating

A water-based coating applied to printed materials for protection and/or visual enhancement.

Artwork

Any visual element (such as illustrations, logos, or designs) included in a printed piece. Artwork must meet specific format and resolution requirements for high-quality print production.

Aspect Ratio

The proportional relationship between the width and height of an image.

B

Back Printing

Printing that appears on the reverse side of a sheet. It can be used for additional information, branding, or design elements.

Bindery

A department (or process) in a printing facility where printed materials are finished, trimmed, folded, stitched, or otherwise bound together. Common types of binding include saddle stitching, perfect binding, and spiral binding.

Bleed

An extra margin around the printed area of a design, ensuring that the color or images extend to the edges of the final trimmed piece. Typically set to 0.125 inches (1/8 inch).

Bond Paper

A durable, high-quality paper commonly used for letterheads and business forms.

Bulk Mail

A class of mail offered at discounted postage rates for sending large volumes of mail. Also known as “Commercial Mail.” Organizations like Linemark leverage bulk mailing to help businesses lower mailing costs.

C

CMYK

An acronym for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). CMYK is the color model used in four-color printing. By combining these four inks, printers can create a wide range of colors.

Coated Paper

Paper with a surface coating that improves its printing qualities, such as smoothness and ink absorption.

Coatings (Aqueous, UV, Varnish) More Information

Protective or decorative finishes applied to printed materials.

  • Aqueous Coating: Water-based, fast-drying, adds a slight gloss.
  • UV Coating: Cured with ultraviolet light, produces a high-gloss, durable surface.
  • Varnish: A clear ink that can enhance contrast and protect printed pieces.

Collate

To gather or arrange printed pages in their proper sequence, often done automatically by modern printing and finishing equipment.

Color Gamut

The range of colors that a particular device or printing process can reproduce.

Color Proof

A test print or digital preview used to ensure color accuracy before proceeding with the final print run.

Crop Marks

Lines printed on a sheet to indicate where it should be trimmed.

D

Data List

A database of mailing addresses or customer details used for direct mail campaigns. The accuracy of a data list directly impacts the success of targeted mail pieces.

Die-Cutting

Using a sharp, custom-shaped die to cut out specific shapes or designs from printed materials.

Digital Printing

A printing method that uses digital technology (e.g., laser or inkjet) rather than traditional offset plates. It allows for quick turnaround times, lower setup costs, and easy personalization, making it ideal for smaller print runs.

Dimensional Mailer

A 3D or bulky direct mail piece designed to grab attention and boost open rates. Examples include boxes, tubes, or mailers with unique folds.

Dot Gain

An increase in the size of the halftone dots during printing, which can affect color and image quality. Proper ink and paper selection can help manage dot gain.

DPI (Dots Per Inch)

A measure of printing resolution, indicating the number of dots of ink that are printed per inch.

Duplex Printing

Printing on both sides of a sheet of paper. This can save paper and postage costs, but requires precise alignment (registration) to ensure a quality look.

E

Embossing/Debossing

A process creating a raised (embossed) or recessed (debossed) impression in the paper by pressing it between two molds. Often used for logos, letterheads, or special design elements.

Envelope Converting

The process of transforming flat sheets of printed stock into envelopes. Specialized machines cut and fold the printed material into finished envelopes for mailing.

Envelope Stuffing

Inserting printed materials into envelopes, often as part of a direct mail campaign.

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)

A USPS service allowing businesses to send mail to every address in a designated geographical area without needing individual addresses. Ideal for local promotions.

F

Finishing

Any post-printing process that completes a printed piece, such as cutting, folding, scoring, perforating, or binding.

Foil Stamping

A finishing technique in which metallic or pigmented foil is pressed onto paper with a heated die, creating a shiny, eye-catching design.

Four-Color Process

Another term for CMYK printing, where the four primary ink colors are combined to produce a full spectrum of colors.

French Fold

Folding a sheet of paper in half twice, creating a four-panel booklet.

FSC Certified

Paper products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as being sourced from responsibly managed forests. Demonstrates environmental responsibility in print production.

Fulfillment

Services that go beyond printing and mailing, such as warehousing, kitting, order processing, and shipping direct to customers. Fulfillment helps streamline logistics for businesses.

G

Gang Run

A cost-effective printing method where multiple print jobs are placed on the same press sheet to reduce setup costs and waste.

Gate Fold

A fold that creates two parallel folds that meet in the middle, resembling a gate.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)

A common image file format used primarily for simple graphics on the web. Not typically used for high-resolution printing since it’s limited in color range and supports low resolutions.

Glossy Paper

Paper with a shiny, reflective surface.

Gripper Edge

The leading edge of a sheet that a printing press grips and pulls through the machine. Artwork typically avoids placing critical elements near this area.

GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

A unit of measurement for paper weight.

Gutter

The inner margin of a page or spread where the pages are bound together.

H

Halftone

A printing technique that reproduces images using dots of various sizes and spacing. Halftones are necessary to create continuous-tone images in offset and digital printing processes.

House Stock

Standard or commonly used paper types carried by a printer. Using house stock can reduce costs and lead times.

I

Image Resolution

Measured in dots per inch (DPI) or pixels per inch (PPI). Higher resolutions (300 DPI/PPI or greater) are recommended for high-quality print output.

Imposition

The layout of multiple pages on a single press sheet so that once printed, they can be folded and trimmed in sequence.

Indicia

A printed postal mark on bulk mailings that replaces individual postage stamps. Must meet specific USPS size and placement requirements for mail acceptance.

Inkjet Printing

A form of digital printing in which droplets of ink are precisely sprayed onto paper or other substrates. Popular for direct mail addressing and full-color variable printing.

J

Job Ticket

An internal document that tracks the requirements, specifications, and progress of a print job throughout production.

JPEG/JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

A commonly used image file format that supports millions of colors. Ideal for photos, but be wary of compression settings that can reduce image quality.

K

Kitting

The process of assembling multiple components into a single package. In mailing and fulfillment, kitting can include promotional items, catalogs, letters, and more.

Kiss Cut

A die-cut that cuts through the top layer of material but not the backing, allowing for easy removal of stickers or labels.

Kraft Paper

A sturdy paper typically used for packaging and envelopes. Has a distinct brown color and is known for its durability and eco-friendly qualities.

L

Laminate

A thin, transparent plastic film applied to printed materials for protection and durability.

Letterpress Printing

A traditional printing method that uses raised type and plates to create an impression on paper.

Lettershop Services

A group of services that prepare direct mail pieces for mailing, including folding, inserting, addressing, and sealing.

List Management

The process of maintaining, updating, and optimizing mailing lists for maximum deliverability and response rates. Includes deduplication, NCOA updates, and demographic enhancement.

Lithography

A traditional printing method (offset printing) using plates and ink rollers. Commonly used for high-volume runs requiring precise color control.

Live Stamp

A physical postage stamp affixed to a mail piece. Often used to create a personal, hand-stamped look for direct mail campaigns.

M

Mailing List

A database of names and addresses used for direct mail marketing.

Mail Merge

A process of merging a data file (names, addresses, personalized text) with a template letter or design, resulting in multiple unique and personalized documents.

Matte Finish

A paper or ink finish that has a non-reflective, flat appearance. Contrasts with glossy or satin finishes.

Microsite

A small, branded website or landing page used in multichannel marketing campaigns. Direct mail often drives traffic to these specialized online sites for additional engagement.

Mockup

A visual representation of a printed product, used for design approval and client presentations.

Moisture Content

The level of humidity in paper. Paper that is too dry or too damp can cause printing or mailing issues, such as curling or misfeeds.

N

NCOA (National Change of Address)

A USPS database of individuals and businesses who have reported address changes. Printers and mail houses use NCOA services to update mailing lists and reduce undeliverable mail.

Nonprofit Mail

A special category of bulk mail for organizations with official nonprofit status. Offers discounted postage rates and certain eligibility requirements.

Numbering

Printing sequential numbers on documents, such as tickets or invoices.

O

Offset Printing

A traditional printing process where ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to paper. Ideal for larger print runs requiring high image quality and cost-effectiveness.

On-Demand Printing

Producing printed materials only when needed. Reduces storage costs and waste, while allowing for frequent content updates and customization.

P

Pantone Matching System (PMS)

A standardized color matching system. Each color is assigned a unique number, ensuring consistent color reproduction across various printers and materials.

Perfect Binding

A binding method where the pages and cover are glued together at the spine. Commonly used for paperback books, softcover books, catalogs, and magazines.

Perforation

Creating a line of small holes in paper to make it easy to tear along a specific line.

Personalization

Tailoring printed pieces or mailers to individual recipients based on their data—such as their name, geographic location, or past purchases. Variable data printing (VDP) is the technology that makes personalization possible.

Personalized URLs (PURLs)

Unique web addresses created for individual direct mail recipients, enabling tracking of response rates and personalized online experiences.

Post-Press

All processes that happen after printing, including folding, cutting, binding, die-cutting, and any special finishes.

Presort

Sorting mail by ZIP Code or delivery route before handing it to the USPS. This can reduce postage costs and speed up delivery times.

Proof

A sample of a printed product used for review and approval before the final print run.

Q

Quality Control

Systematic inspection procedures throughout the printing and mailing process to ensure consistency, accuracy, and adherence to client specifications.

QR Code (Quick Response Code)

A two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone camera to link to a website, landing page, or other digital content. Frequently used in direct mail to bridge offline and online channels.

Queue

A lineup of print jobs awaiting processing. Advanced production systems prioritize or organize these jobs for maximum efficiency.

R

Raster Image

An image made up of a grid of pixels, such as a photograph.

Registration

The alignment of multiple colors or printing passes on the same sheet. Poor registration results in blurry or fuzzy edges, while precise registration ensures crisp images and text.

Resolution

The sharpness and clarity of an image, measured in DPI.

RGB

The color model used in digital displays: Red, Green, and Blue. Must be converted to CMYK for accurate print reproduction.

Return Mail

Mail that is returned to the sender as undeliverable, often due to incorrect addressing or outdated data. Managing return mail effectively helps keep mailing lists current.

S

Saddle Stitching

A binding method in which folded sheets are stapled through the spine. Commonly used for booklets, catalogs, and brochures.

Score

Creating a crease in paper to make it easier to fold.

Self-Mailer

A piece that is mailed without an envelope. Common examples include tri-fold brochures or postcards with a mailing panel and wafer seals.

Sheetfed Press

A printing press that feeds individual sheets of paper through the printing process.

Spot Color

Using a single, specific ink color (often from the Pantone system) rather than a combination of CMYK. Ensures exact color matching, especially for logos.

Spot UV Coating

Applying a glossy coating to specific areas of a printed piece for emphasis.

Stock More Information

A general term for paper used in printing. Stocks vary in weight, thickness, finish (e.g., gloss, matte), and quality.

T

Tabbing

Affixing wafer seals or tabs to self-mailers or booklets to keep them closed during mailing. The USPS has tabbing regulations to ensure machinability.

Test Run

A preliminary print run or mail campaign used to measure response and performance. Allows businesses to refine designs, offers, and lists before executing a large campaign.

Thermography

A printing technique that creates a raised, textured effect using heat and powder.

Toner

A fine powder used in laser printing and photocopying.

Trim Size

The final size of a printed piece after the excess edges (bleeds) are cut off.

U

USPS (United States Postal Service)

The national mail carrier in the United States, offering services such as First-Class Mail, Marketing Mail, Priority Mail, and more. Printers often collaborate with USPS to streamline mailings and ensure compliance.

UV Coating

A liquid coating applied to printed materials that is cured with ultraviolet light, providing a high-gloss finish and increased durability.

UV Ink

Ink cured (dried) using ultraviolet light. Dries almost instantly and is known for vibrant colors and durability.

V

Variable Data Printing (VDP)

A digital printing method allowing text, graphics, and images to change from one printed piece to the next without stopping or slowing down the press. Ideal for personalized marketing, billing statements, and more.

Varnish

A clear coating applied to a printed piece for protection or design enhancement. Can be spot-applied to highlight specific elements.

Vector Image

An image made up of mathematical equations and lines, such as a logo.

W

Web Press

A printing press that feeds a continuous roll of paper through the printing process.

Web-to-Print

An online platform that allows customers to order, customize, and proof printed materials through a web interface, often with automated workflows for quick production.

Wire-O Binding

A binding method that uses double-loop wire to hold pages together.

Workflow

The sequence of processes through which a job moves, from initial file setup and proofing to printing, finishing, and mailing.

X

X-Height

In typography, the height of the lowercase letter “x” in a given font. X-height impacts readability and design layout.

Y

Yield

The total number of usable prints produced from a press run, minus any waste or spoilage. Monitoring yield helps track efficiency and costs.

Z

ZIP+4 Code

An extended 9-digit ZIP Code used by USPS to improve mail sorting and accuracy. The additional 4 digits help pinpoint a geographic segment within the 5-digit ZIP Code.

 

Why This Glossary Matters

Educate and Inform: By clearly defining the terms related to printing and mailing, Linemark helps customers understand every step of the process—leading to more informed decisions and smoother project execution.

Streamlined Communication: A shared vocabulary between Linemark and its customers reduces errors and ensures clarity when discussing project specifications.

Reference for Ongoing Projects: Customers and prospects can return to this glossary anytime they need clarity on a term, reinforcing Linemark’s role as a trusted partner.

Supports Multi-Channel Marketing: With many campaigns spanning online and offline channels, understanding terms like QR Codes, microsites, and variable data printing helps businesses effectively integrate print with digital marketing.

 

About Linemark

Linemark is an industry leader in print and mail solutions, providing end-to-end services that include offset and digital printing, personalized direct mail, fulfillment, and more. Whether you need a short-run digital project or a nationwide direct mail campaign, our team of experts ensures high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective results.

For further assistance or to discuss your next project, contact Linemark. Our knowledgeable team is ready to guide you every step of the way—from print design and production to strategic mailing and fulfillment.

Disclaimer: This glossary is provided for educational purposes and may be updated over time to reflect changes in technology and industry terminology. If you need clarification on any of these terms or have specific project questions, please reach out to Linemark directly.

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