Adhesive
Glues used to stick pages, covers or materials together. Adhesive is used in books, pads, folders and other print materials.
Artwork
Your design files are considered artwork. It is what we require you to upload in order for us to print.
Artwork Guide
A guide you can download that shows you bleed, safe zones and fold lines to ensure you position your design correctly for print.
Artwork Technical Check
Setting up artwork can be tricky. That's why we offer two levels of artwork checks to help avoid delays or rejections and ensure the best result.
- Essential Check (Free) - A basic check to make sure your file meets the minimum requirements for printing.
- Technical Check (Small Fee) - A more detailed review to spot potential issues and help you achieve the best possible print result.
Bespoke
A custom print job made to your exact requirements when a standard product option is not suitable. This extends to custom sizes, speciality stocks, tailored packing and more.
Binding
Binding is how the pages are held together. There are multiple methods of binding, for example, staples, glue, wire or thread.
Watch our video on book binding types here.
Bleed
The bleed is additional design that extends past the edge of your artwork. This is important, because when your artwork is trimmed, there are no white edges.
Book Super Centre
WTTB's dedicated book page where you can find everything you need to know about our number one service.
Finished Size
Finished size is the final trimmed size of your printed item once it has been cut and any finishing has been applied. It is the size the product will be when it arrives.
Finishing
Finishing refers to the processes applied after printing to enhance the look, feel or function of a product. These final steps, such as lamination and Scodix, can add protection and create premium effects.
Flat Size
Flat size is the full size of your artwork before any folding, trimming, or binding is applied. It shows the overall dimensions of the piece while it is still laid out flat.
Font
A font is the specific style of lettering used for text in your design, such as its shape and weight. Choosing the right font helps set the tone and keeps your artwork readable.
FSC Printing
FSC printing uses paper sourced in line with Forest Stewardship Council standards, helping ensure print materials come from responsibly managed forests and verified supply chains. It is often chosen by brands, agencies, public sector organisations and businesses with sustainability or procurement requirements.
WTTB provides access to FSC certified materials through trusted UK production partners, making it straightforward to order responsibly sourced print with consistent quality, turnaround and flexibility.
Gloss Paper
Gloss paper is a smooth, shiny paper finish that makes colours appear brighter and more vibrant. It is often used for photos, flyers, and marketing materials where you want strong colour impact.
Grain Direction
Grain direction is the way the paper fibres are aligned within a sheet. Folding with the grain helps the paper bend cleanly and reduces the risk of cracking, especially on thicker stocks.
Should you require the grain of the paper for your job to run in a particular direction, contact our Bespoke services.
Grammage (GSM)
Grammage, measured in GSM, is the weight of paper per square metre and is used to indicate how thick and sturdy a sheet will feel. A higher GSM usually means a thicker, heavier stock.
Gutter
The gutter is the inner margin next to the binding where two pages meet in a booklet or book. Keeping important text and details out of the gutter helps ensure they stay visible after binding.
Guillotine
A guillotine is a cutting machine used to trim printed sheets to their finished size with a clean straight edge. It is used for precise trimming during production.
Hemming
Hemming is when the edges of a out door banner are folded over and reinforced to strengthen them and help prevent tearing. It is often used on large format prints to improve durability and finishing.
Hickey
A hickey is an unwanted spot or mark on print caused by dust or debris on the press, which stops the ink from laying down cleanly. It is most commonly associated with litho printing where tiny particles can transfer onto the sheet during a run.
Image Library
An image library is a collection of ready to use visuals that can support print design, marketing and campaign planning. The WTTB Image Library includes eye catching in situ imagery for products such as leaflets, brochures, posters and more, with visuals tailored to industries including retail, accommodation, education and other sectors.
Imposition
Imposition is the layout of pages on a print sheet so they end up in the correct order and orientation after folding, binding, and trimming. It ensures the finished booklet or book reads properly from start to finish.
InDesign
InDesign is an Adobe design program used to create print ready layouts such as books, brochures, and magazines. It is commonly used because it handles pages, typography, and export settings suited to professional printing.
Ink Set-Off
Ink set off is when wet or slow drying ink transfers from one printed sheet onto another, leaving unwanted marks. It is more common in litho printing and can happen when sheets are stacked before the ink has fully dried.
Lamination
Lamination is a thin plastic film applied to printed material to protect it and enhance its look and feel. Common options include matt, gloss, and soft touch lamination.
Landscape
Landscape describes a page orientation where the layout is wider than it is tall. It is often used for presentations, images, and designs that need extra horizontal space.
Check out our Orientation support guide to find out more.
Large Format
Leaflet Distribution
Leaflet distribution is a service where your printed leaflets are delivered to homes or businesses in a chosen area. It is used to target specific locations for local marketing and promotions.
Lithography
Litho print, is a traditional printing method where ink is transferred from plates onto paper, making it ideal for high volume runs and consistent high quality results. It is commonly used for magazines, brochures, and other large print quantities.
Low Resolution
Low resolution, or low res, describes an image that does not have enough detail for sharp printing, so it can look blurry or pixelated. For best results, print images are typically supplied at 300 DPI.
Check out our full DPI support guide.
Make-Ready
Make-ready is the setup process carried out before a print run begins, where the press is adjusted and test sheets are checked for colour, alignment, and quality. Once make ready is complete, the job can be printed consistently.
Materials
Print materials are the papers, cards, vinyl and other stocks used to produce printed products. Choosing the right print material can affect the look, feel, durability and finish of your print, from premium paper stocks and waterproof materials to rigid signage and eco-friendly options.
Use our Print Materials page to explore the materials we print on and find the best option for your project.
Merchandise
Merchandise, also called promotional products or branded merchandise, refers to printed branded items that are not paper based, such as mugs, clothing, and bags. These products are used for marketing, giveaways, and brand awareness.
Micron
A micron is a unit used to measure material thickness, commonly for plastics such as PVC and vinyl. It helps indicate how thick and durable a sheet or film will be.
NCR Paper
NCR paper is a carbonless paper that creates duplicate copies when you write on the top sheet. It is commonly used for order pads, invoices, and delivery notes.
Check out our How to Prepare Files for NCR Printing support guide
Numbering
Numbering is a print feature where each item is given a unique sequential number, often used for tickets, vouchers, and forms. It helps with tracking, security, and record keeping.
Orientation
Orientation describes how your artwork is set, either portrait which is taller than it is wide or landscape which is wider than it is tall.
For folded items, orientation refers to the flat artwork before folding, and artwork can be single sided or double sided depending on whether you are printing one side or both sides.
Check out our full orientation support guide.
QR Codes
A QR code is a scannable square code that lets people use a phone camera to open a website or access digital content from a printed item. WTTB offers CAMIcodes, which work in a similar way to connect print to online content such as landing pages, menus, downloads, or contact details.
Uncoated Paper
Uncoated paper is a stock with a natural non shiny surface and a more textured feel than coated papers. It is easy to write on and gives print a softer, more muted look.
UV Varnish
UV varnish is a clear coating applied to print to add protection and a glossy finish, then cured instantly using UV light. It can be applied overall or to selected areas for extra impact.
White Space
White space is the empty area around text and images that helps a design feel clear, balanced, and easy to read. It improves hierarchy and gives important content room to stand out.
