Glossary

Definitions of print technology terms and concepts specific to the NowToPrint platform.

Print Technology Terms

Bleed

The extension of a design beyond the trim line to prevent white edges appearing after the cutting ("trimming") process.

• Standard: Typically 3 mm.
• Why it matters: Tolerates the millimetre-level deviation of guillotine blades.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black)

The four primary ink colours used in print machines. This is the fundamental difference between computer screens (RGB — light colours) and print (CMYK — pigment colours).

• Warning: Bright neon colours on screen may print more muted in a CMYK reproduction workflow; this does not mean NowToPrint converts your PDF to CMYK.

DPI (Dots Per Inch)

The number of ink dots per inch. Determines print quality.

• Standard: A minimum of 300 DPI is required for offset and digital print. (72 DPI is used for web but is insufficient for print.)

Imposition

The placement of multiple pages (e.g. business cards or book pages) onto a large print sheet (e.g. 70×100 cm) in the configuration that produces the least waste.

Platform Terms

VDP (Variable Data Printing)

A technology that uses a single design template to produce personalised pages for each row in a database (Excel/CSV) — for example, varying names, numbers, or barcodes.

• Use cases: Tickets, invitations, certificates.

RFQ (Request for Quote)

A price request sent by a customer through the system to suppliers for a custom print job (not available in standard listings).

Preflight

The technical analysis of a file before it enters production. (Are fonts embedded? Are images 300 DPI? Is there bleed?)

Tenant

In our SaaS structure, each business account that manages its own organisation (Print Shop). Data is isolated from other businesses.

Canvas

The interactive drawing area in the Design Studio where users create their designs. (Built on Konva.js technology.)