Frequently Asked Questions

Special Printing Effects Glossary

Special Printing Effects Glossary

When a digipak is folded and glued, the spine area that is on the inside of the digipak can be printed to match the rest of the artwork. It can be printed either with one spot color, one CMYK color or a pattern to match the artwork on the inside. This way the artwork will span across the inside panels for a more complete look.


Folder-like pocket
A folder-like pocket can usually be found in a digipak or a wallet, It consists of a flap and is used to hold a booklet. The shape of the flap is highly customizable and can be made into any shape.



Side pocket
A side pocket has a similar function which is to hold a booklet. The booket is slided through the side of the digipak or wallet. No additional flap is needed. The cost will usually be lower than a folder-like pocket.


Spot UV
While matte and glossy finishes are very distinctive, combining the two can create interesting results. Selective areas of glossy on matte finish makes certain elements of the artwork stand out. The glossy layer is simply a transparent coating that is added on top of the printed piece.


Foil stamping
Actual metallic foil is stamped onto the artwork to create this dramatic look. Its reflective surface gives a mirror-like finish. There are many different varieties in tone and patterns available in foil printing, so check what's available for your particular project.



Slipcase
A slipcase is an outercase mostly for digipak, jewel case or amaray case. However, it can be made into any size to fit any case. With a slipcase a lot of special printing effects can be used, which is otherwise not available for jewel case or amaray case packaging. For example, embossing, foil stamping, spot UV etc.


Woodfree stock
Woodfree paper stock creates a rustic look that can dramatically change a design. It also contains 25% recycled materials. When desiging for woodfree stock keep in mind that the colors do not come off the same way it does on a regular glossy or card stock.


Reverse printing
As the name suggests, reverse printing is printing the artwork on the other side of the cardboard, which is the uncoated side. The result is rustic, organic and the cardboard has soft matte feel to it.


Special die cut
Die cutting allows special shapes to be cut out from printed cardboard jackets, wallets or digipaks. Special die-cuts can create pockets to hold discs. In this example, a special die cut is created horizontally to hold the disc. Additionally it can be made vertically, in moon, raindrop, thumb and other shapes. Using it creatively can eliminate the use of plastic trays, making the package more environmentally friendly.


Virgin Paper
Paper manufactured from new pulp or cotton. Does not contain any recycled material.


Recycled Paper
Paper which is designated as "recycled" can be a mixture of virgin wood fiber, pre-consumer waste or post-consumer waste.


Pre-consumer waste
Pre-consumer content is paper made out of paper scraps and trimmings left over from the paper manufacturing process. These paper scraps and trimmings are easiest to recycle, as they do not have to be collected, separated, de-inked.


Post-consumer waste
Post-consumer waste (PCW) is paper made out of paper which has been used by the end consumer and then is collected for recycling from various recycling programs. This is the best paper to use, as it creates demand for paper which would normally end up in the landfill and no trees are cut down for making the paper.


Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The Forest Stewardship Council was created to change the dialogue about and the practice of sustainable forestry worldwide. This impressive goal has in many ways been achieved, yet there is more work to be done. FSC sets forth principles, criteria, and standards that span economic, social, and environmental concerns. The FSC standards represent the world's strongest system for guiding forest management toward sustainable outcomes.


Well Managed Forest
The exact definition of a well-managed forest will be debated as long as there are interest groups that value different sets of attributes available from a forest. Fundamental to all is the premise that forests are recognized as a community of interacting plants, animals, soil, water, air, and people within a major landscape - no longer just a concentration of trees.


Embossed
A process which produces decorations raised above the surface. Commonly use on cardboard type material in jacket, wallet, digipak. Try it on small areas such as logo for maximum effect.