glossary of terms

Not every one knows what terms such as digital press and engraving mean, so we have created this glossary of terms to aid you in understanding the language of the industry. The below list is not meant to be a complete list, but rather a representation of the most common terms within the printing industry as they relate to birth announcements.

Calligraphy:

Calligraphy is handwritten and highly decorative in nature, with a many great flourishes. Due to the cost and time involved in calligraphy, it is often used only in the most formal of occasions.

Digital Press:

On-demand digital presses deliver high-resolution digital color that rivals traditional offset printing in terms of quality, speed and price. What this means for the customer is that you get your birth announcements printed quicker, better, and more cost effectively than you would by going with other printing methods such as traditional offset printing. Since we use digital presses for printing our designs at Fine Moments, we are able to add new designs at a faster rate since our orders are always printed on-demand.

It should be noted that the digital press that we use actually uses liquid ink to give a look and quality more like traditional offset. Be aware of many companies that claim to use digital presses, because many of them are just oversized color laser printers with powdered toner.

Embossing:

Similar to engraving and sometimes called blind embossing, embossing creates a raised surface by pressing the paper against a metal plate, and is formed without ink or foil.

Engraving:

Developed in the 1700s, engraving is still one of the oldest and most elegant processes for printing. Engraving involves etching the text onto a copper plate. During the printing process, the plate is coated with ink and then compressed onto the paper, creating the printed text in a slightly raised impression and leaves a bruise on the back of the paper that you can feel with your finger. Engraved birth announcements or invitations will have a very distinct look and feel; however, it is also the most expensive of all printing methods.

Flat Cards:

Also known as panel cards, flat cards are typically single-sided cards, made typically of heavy cardstock, 100# or heavier. Currently, all of the Fine Moments birth announcements are flat cards and are printed on cardstock weights of 110# and 165#, depending on the design.

Foil Stamping:

Similar to engraving and embossing, foil stamping involves creating a die, which is pressed against a special kind of foil that transfers the design onto paper, by applying extreme heat and pressure. Foil stamping is used to make complex images and prints that typically require a slightly reflective surface.

Font:

Also known as typestyle or lettering style. If ordering your birth announcements from Fine Moments, we have eleven typestyles (A-K) to choose from. You should choose the lettering style that best reflects your style and personality.

Ink Color:

Ink color refers to the color used in printing text onto paper.

Letterpress:

Invented by Gutenberg in 1450, this centuries-old technique is the process of printing from metal letters or type (set in a frame) in relief, rather than from plates. Because the letterpress does not touch the surface of the paper, letterpresses can print on a variety of soft or highly textured papers making a perfect option for birth announcements or wedding invitations.

Monograms:

Traditionally seen on personal stationery. Monograms traditionally represent the first, middle and last name. When all of the initials are the same size, the initials should appear in order. When the center initial is larger, the initials represent the first, last and middle names, respectively.

Note Cards:

Also referred to as thank you cards, note cards are small folded cards that are usually printed with a person's name or personal greeting on the front. Often times these cards can also be printed with a personal message on the inside as well. More recently, some vendors even have thank you cards that can accommodate a photo on the front of the card.

Offset Printing:

Also referred to as flat printing. In offset printing, the ink appears to lay flat atop the paper and is less formal and less expensive than engraving and thermography. The technique used in offset printing is where an image is created on a rubber cylinder, which is then inked and transferred onto paper. The printing views as a flat image.

Panel Cards:

Also known as flat cards, panel cards are typically single sided cards, made of heavy cardstock, 100# or heavier.

Photo Cards:

Photo cards come either flat or folded and allow for a personal photo. Photo cards have become very popular for holiday cards and photo birth announcements.

Pre Shipped Envelopes:

Pre-shipped envelopes, is a free service provided to our birth announcement customers. Select and order your birth announcements before your child is born and receive your envelopes early so you can start addressing them before your baby arrives. To learn more about this service please visit our envelope pre-ship page.

Return Address:

Traditionally, return addresses are printed and centered on the back flap on the mailing envelope. All return addresses should include the family name or names, street address, city and state with no abbreviations.

Thank You Cards:

Also referred to as note cards, thank you cards are small folded cards that are usually printed with a person's name or thank you on the outside. The inside of the card is often reserved for a hand written personal message, but if desired, a standard message can be printed on the inside as well. More recently, some vendors even have thank you cards that can accommodate a photo on the front of the card.

Thermography:

Thermography, is a modern process using ink and a powder resin combined with heat to produce a raised three-dimensional print effect similar in feeling to engraving. Since there is less manual labor required, thermography is often used as cost effective alternative to engraving. It should be noted that thermography produces a printed surface that is shinier than engraved characters.

Typestyle:

Also known as font or lettering style. You should choose the lettering style that best reflects your style and personality.